Has anyone ever considered the option of running the outboard control cables through the center of the existing tiller on their 240? It seems very feasible (especially since the little white end-cap on the tiller keeps coming off). My outboard controls are on a single tiller arm on my Merc 8 and this exact throttle control looks like it would fit onto the boat's tiller. Wouldn't this be cool?
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Alan Long
Wouldn't that be great?
I've dreamed of the same thing, motorcycle like throttle control. Problem is that the tiller on the outboard motor is connected to the engine via gears, not cables. It does seem there should be a way to control gearshift and throttle with some sort of flexible shaft that you twist and push/pull from the business end of the tiller. Hmmm....it would go down through the tubingm, exit at the stern and have a lever on it that connects to the motor via cables. Looks like a long night at the drawing board. Alan Long S/V Random Access
I've dreamed of the same thing, motorcycle like throttle control. Problem is that the tiller on the outboard motor is connected to the engine via gears, not cables. It does seem there should be a way to control gearshift and throttle with some sort of flexible shaft that you twist and push/pull from the business end of the tiller. Hmmm....it would go down through the tubingm, exit at the stern and have a lever on it that connects to the motor via cables. Looks like a long night at the drawing board. Alan Long S/V Random Access
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Rick webb
I've checked
I have a Mercury 6.0 on my 23.5. About almost the very same setup. The linkage was available to add on to my motor but was way more money than it was worth. Did not think of your suggestion, but here is an extension of yours What if the rudder and the motor were in fact the same peice how much easier would that make everything? When somone makes it let me know and I'll be first in line to buy one. I woud prefer it to be a four stroke if possible.
I have a Mercury 6.0 on my 23.5. About almost the very same setup. The linkage was available to add on to my motor but was way more money than it was worth. Did not think of your suggestion, but here is an extension of yours What if the rudder and the motor were in fact the same peice how much easier would that make everything? When somone makes it let me know and I'll be first in line to buy one. I woud prefer it to be a four stroke if possible.
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Dave Condon
controls on tiller?
Tlhere are many problems associated with your question which I will answer only once. The first problem is the mounting of the control box on a tiller. It is practically next to impossible unless you mount a large bracket to the tiller handle that will accept the control box with what is available. Let's say you do this, you would have a large obstruction swinging back and forth Which you would need to be very careful so it will not hit the boat or a person as it is too large. It will also take away the feel of the tiller. The cables are another matter which would chafe and eventually wear out soon due to the bending, curves, twisting, etc.. what if you have electrical cables to the box depending on the motor which I could see chafing with sparks! For the above reason knowing outboards, I would never put control cables on a tiller. Side mount control boxes are the only recommendation on the boat from me. Any other thoughts out there? Happy sailing
Tlhere are many problems associated with your question which I will answer only once. The first problem is the mounting of the control box on a tiller. It is practically next to impossible unless you mount a large bracket to the tiller handle that will accept the control box with what is available. Let's say you do this, you would have a large obstruction swinging back and forth Which you would need to be very careful so it will not hit the boat or a person as it is too large. It will also take away the feel of the tiller. The cables are another matter which would chafe and eventually wear out soon due to the bending, curves, twisting, etc.. what if you have electrical cables to the box depending on the motor which I could see chafing with sparks! For the above reason knowing outboards, I would never put control cables on a tiller. Side mount control boxes are the only recommendation on the boat from me. Any other thoughts out there? Happy sailing
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Alan Long
For Rick Webb....thats brilliant!
I love it Rick! I realize that we are dealing in the world of theory and brainstorming, but the tiller/outboard as one is a pretty cool idea. The transom height of a 23.5/240 shouldn't be a problem for mounting an outboard/tiller in the center. With this hypothetical device that combines the motor and tiller you would, without a doubt, lose a good deal of tiller feel. The gain in convenience due to integrating the controls and handling under power may be worth it. Maybe it could be a fiberglass gadget that mounts on the lower unit of the motor enabling you to use the motors pivot point to get a combination motor and tiller. I'm sure there are lots of engineering types out there that are going to tell me why this won't work, but could it? Alan Long S/V Random Access
I love it Rick! I realize that we are dealing in the world of theory and brainstorming, but the tiller/outboard as one is a pretty cool idea. The transom height of a 23.5/240 shouldn't be a problem for mounting an outboard/tiller in the center. With this hypothetical device that combines the motor and tiller you would, without a doubt, lose a good deal of tiller feel. The gain in convenience due to integrating the controls and handling under power may be worth it. Maybe it could be a fiberglass gadget that mounts on the lower unit of the motor enabling you to use the motors pivot point to get a combination motor and tiller. I'm sure there are lots of engineering types out there that are going to tell me why this won't work, but could it? Alan Long S/V Random Access
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Dick Leis
Merc Handle Control
I too have a Merc 6 that has the handle control. This particular system uses a shaft running down the length of the handle to connect at the swivel end with a small drum which activates two pull cables that are connected at their other end to the shift and throttle linkage. Additionally, the kill switch in the end has an electrical wiring connection to the motor ignition. To transpose all of this to the tiller would require at a minimum longer cables for the shift/throttle connection. Alternately, a long flexiable shaft could carry the rotational control thru the tiller to a special hub down near the pivot point. Sounds like an engineering nightmare! One last comment about all the raving over 4 cycle outboards...more than one owner has experienced a very expensive repair when lubricating oil to the engine was lost due to a forgoten fill or system delivery failure.
I too have a Merc 6 that has the handle control. This particular system uses a shaft running down the length of the handle to connect at the swivel end with a small drum which activates two pull cables that are connected at their other end to the shift and throttle linkage. Additionally, the kill switch in the end has an electrical wiring connection to the motor ignition. To transpose all of this to the tiller would require at a minimum longer cables for the shift/throttle connection. Alternately, a long flexiable shaft could carry the rotational control thru the tiller to a special hub down near the pivot point. Sounds like an engineering nightmare! One last comment about all the raving over 4 cycle outboards...more than one owner has experienced a very expensive repair when lubricating oil to the engine was lost due to a forgoten fill or system delivery failure.
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Alan Long
Oh yea
I forgot about the nifty system that Mercury uses to combine shift and throttle all on the tiller. Mine is a OMC 9.9 4 stroke and it has individual throttle on the tiller and a shift lever near the engine. Looks to me like Mercury has done the hard part. Hey Mercury Accesssories Department..sound like a good way to nail more of those sailboat buyers. Still Brainstorming Alan Long S/V Random Access
I forgot about the nifty system that Mercury uses to combine shift and throttle all on the tiller. Mine is a OMC 9.9 4 stroke and it has individual throttle on the tiller and a shift lever near the engine. Looks to me like Mercury has done the hard part. Hey Mercury Accesssories Department..sound like a good way to nail more of those sailboat buyers. Still Brainstorming Alan Long S/V Random Access
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Tom
One Piece?
why not just connect the motor to the rudder so they steer in tandem? ALOT cheaper and you can go right out and buy it today! Then, for the Mercury, get a tiller extension for shift/throttle.
why not just connect the motor to the rudder so they steer in tandem? ALOT cheaper and you can go right out and buy it today! Then, for the Mercury, get a tiller extension for shift/throttle.
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Rick webb
We are not Thinking Out of the Box
Seems like everthing in my house has a remote control, why can't we get them for our outboards? A very simple remote would do the job; FWD-REV, Throttle Up-Throttle Down. Now don't put it on the tiller put it on your wrist, say attached to your watchband. Let's get the manufacturers working on it right now!
Seems like everthing in my house has a remote control, why can't we get them for our outboards? A very simple remote would do the job; FWD-REV, Throttle Up-Throttle Down. Now don't put it on the tiller put it on your wrist, say attached to your watchband. Let's get the manufacturers working on it right now!
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Alan Long
Way out of the Box
Better yet, incorporate these electronic motor controls into a tiller autopilot with remote. What do you think Autohelm? To drrrrrrrrream the impossible drrrrrrrrrrream.
Better yet, incorporate these electronic motor controls into a tiller autopilot with remote. What do you think Autohelm? To drrrrrrrrream the impossible drrrrrrrrrrream.
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Pat Herron
Go electric - out of the box
You folks are awesome!! As long as the motor in the tiller idea is theoretical, I have an idea to add. Put an electric driven prop (DC - forwards or backwards), with finger tip touch controls on the tiller, and power it with a gas or diesel gen set mounted in the normal motor location. This could really be feasible for somebody like Honda.
You folks are awesome!! As long as the motor in the tiller idea is theoretical, I have an idea to add. Put an electric driven prop (DC - forwards or backwards), with finger tip touch controls on the tiller, and power it with a gas or diesel gen set mounted in the normal motor location. This could really be feasible for somebody like Honda.
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Rick webb
Twin Motors
How about two ducted props one on either side of the rudder. then we could really turn sharply. These ideas keep getting better and better. Especially from a bunc of guys who power their boats with SAILS.
How about two ducted props one on either side of the rudder. then we could really turn sharply. These ideas keep getting better and better. Especially from a bunc of guys who power their boats with SAILS.
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unknown
responses
Any genious individual that comes up with a tiller control for the motor on the tiller will get an A plus.
Any genious individual that comes up with a tiller control for the motor on the tiller will get an A plus.
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chuck
How'bout
Why not install a jet drive under the boat with a 426 hemi in the cabin. Then you could really piss off the power boat guys and there would be no prop drag. All you engine controls could be mounted right on your tiller.
Why not install a jet drive under the boat with a 426 hemi in the cabin. Then you could really piss off the power boat guys and there would be no prop drag. All you engine controls could be mounted right on your tiller.
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Alan Long
Pat Herron...Hmmmmmmmmmmmm
Good idea! And the generator in this diesel/electric system would be available for other electrical loads on the boat. The generator could charge a couple of golf cart batteries onboard, and the motor/tiller would run off these batteries. A solar panel could also contribute to the battery charging and an inverter could provide current for AC loads. Could cost and weight be made reasonable? I suspect so. Alan
Good idea! And the generator in this diesel/electric system would be available for other electrical loads on the boat. The generator could charge a couple of golf cart batteries onboard, and the motor/tiller would run off these batteries. A solar panel could also contribute to the battery charging and an inverter could provide current for AC loads. Could cost and weight be made reasonable? I suspect so. Alan
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