Engine control options at the helm

[Bob Allen]

Our 1995 Hunter Legend 35.5 has the standard engine/transmission operation controls. Throttle on the starboard side of the helm and the transmission selection lever exiting the aft side of the helm, behind the wheel, at crotch level. The lever pivots up and down to select forward or reverse respectively.Two previous vessels had single transmission-selection/throttle controls. Helmsmen using the current configuration have caused the vessel to change from forward to reverse while the RPM was up, and often mistake the transmission's selection position for the correct vessel direction. (I think forward should be selected by placing the lever in the 'down' position, just the opposite of the design). A single lever control would be much more intuitive, especially when focusing attention on such things as docks, other vessels and people.Edson offers a single lever conversion for our model #335 pedestal. The #875 single control assembly exits the helm in the same place as the current throttle lever. It is expensive, requires all cables to be replaced and, installation is prohibited from anyone but a qualified dealer. I had to submit a 'resume' establishing my mechanical skills. Their deliberation continues...I would like to convert the current control configuration to a more straightforward control mechanism. Any recommendations?

 

[Don]

Controls - Which one are you going for?

I've been considering the same change to my 37.5. Are you looking at the shifter/throttle that's integrated into the pedastal? I think so reading your post, the cost and that's the one where Edson requires prof installation. Be careful - they ultimately decided against that model for my boat because of the particular transmiation I have (a KBW 10 as I recall.) Apparently they determined that it doesn't work well with that model. Edson was real helpful until they found out the trans model type. Then they just said "no".I've been considering one of the shifters that stands beside the pedastal, but haven't pursued that one with Edson yet. Have you?I will be interested to see what you come up with.

 

[Andy Howard]

Give it some time

We went through the same thought process as you when we got our new/old boat. All of our earlier boats had the one throttle/shift lever and it took awhile to get used to a two lever setup. You didn't say how long you've had the new boat, but if it's only been a short time, I'd give it a few months and you might come to like it, as we do.

 

[Bob Allen]

Control time

Don- I haven't pursued the control assembly that attaches to the pedestal via a 1-1/8" diameter stainless guard tube (#1660). I was hoping for the cleaner, OEM look of the #375.Andy- I've had the vessel since May '02. For powerboat users who use their controls constantly it must become second nature. In a sailboat, where the engine is an auxiliary power source and the operators are infrequent users, it's a constant re-acquaintance. Especially on our Hunter where the throttle is on the side and moves fore-to-aft, but the transmission selector is perpendicular to it and moves up-and-down.

 

[Alan]

Helmsmen??

I've been using the two lever setup with no problem. I certainly wouldn't let those "helnsmen" back behind the wheel. It's as if the driver of your car where to suddenly shift from drive to reverse at speed, would you let them drive? Lack of skill at the wheel is an accident waiting to happen.

 

[John Bannister]

Two Levers Instead of One

I too used to have a single lever on all previous boats. You get used to the 2 levers very quickly as a few other posts indicate. I would echo the sentimenets that it is more down to the helmsman as well. Wether you have a single or 2 levers you shouldnt really be trying to change from forward to astern at a rapid rate of knots anyway.