Remote shift/throttle

[agprice22]

Hi All; I am looking for opinions on switching my shift and throttle controls from the tiller of my outboard motor to the cockpit. How has this worked for people? What is the favored location? What was your cost? Was it worth doing/would you do it again?

I am sailing an Oday 272 with a 9.9 Yamaha long shaft with power tilt, a long tiller and tiller-shift control, so as an outboard motor goes, this one is good! I think what I would like is to keep my eyes on the road while shifting and throttling.

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[Benny17441]

Only you can tell if you need it.

 

[Cal28_sailor]

We recently did exactly this on our cal 28. we have a nissan 8.5 the install was very simple, we mounted the control in the lower cockpit, the handle is about 1" below the "seat" just across from the end of the boat's tiller. The cost was about $600 including cables. We love the improved "close quaters" improvement in both visibility and operation. Our outboard is in a lazzarette so getting in and out of the slip was a real PITA. The controls allow us to be standing up instead of having to turn around and bend down to change throttle position or to shift. I would definately do this again!! aside from the "convenience" there is the obvious safety of being fully focused on manuvering in close quarters. My girlfriend took the boat out with a couple of other irls last weekend and she LOVES it!! she now feels confidant and comfortable with leaving and entering our slip.

 

[Joe]

I think a remote control on the outboard is a FANTASTIC upgrade.... besides all the reasons you mentioned.... the convenience alone is worth the cost.... with the power tilt feature you'll enjoy it even more since you can lift for sailing or trim out the "squat" when under power....

The change in boat handling will be dramatic. You'll be able to back and fill with tiller and throttle from the middle of the cockpit with full view of your surroundings... just like an inboard.

My tohatsu 9.9 was purchased used and had brackets for remote steering, no tiller. I got a good deal on it because of that... so you may find a market for your tiller to defray the cost of the remote kit. I would never steer with the motor anyway, it's inconvenient.. remember? I always steer with the boat's tiller/rudder. Backing up can be challenging if you need to steer against the prop walk....in that case short throttle bursts work better trying to muscle out...

Control box placement will require some thought. I put mine midway along the cockpit wall near where you would sit or stand at the tiller... always in easy reach. Also, mount it so the top of the handle is BELOW the level of the bench to reduce the snagging opportunities. I need to drop mine down an inch or so.... but... I got used to it so it's been postponed.... for 14 years! heh, heh.

Regarding cables, you want them long enough to include a big loop near the motor so it can tilt unrestricted.

Again... this is a highly recommended sailboat upgrade... especially on a larger outboard powered vessel such as your 27 footer... Don't delay... you will not regret it.