Twin Controls

[haulnazz15]

I always had a question regarding boats with twin engines, especially express cruisers. Why do some models have the double controls at the helm for shift/throttle? One is usually black and one is usually red. I understand that it separates the shift mechanism from the throttle linkage, but why would you need that?

I can only assume it provides some sort of advantage at low speed/docking when you are shifting in and out of gear on different drives to get positioning, but why can't that be done with the combo throttle? Too many people accidentally running their cruiser to full throttle while trying to make a small adjustment?

Sorry, I just haven't read any info on the advantages of separated controls.

 

[steven_p]

Re: Twin Controls

I always had a question regarding boats with twin engines, especially express cruisers. Why do some models have the double controls at the helm for shift/throttle? One is usually black and one is usually red. I understand that it separates the shift mechanism from the throttle linkage, but why would you need that?

I can only assume it provides some sort of advantage at low speed/docking when you are shifting in and out of gear on different drives to get positioning, but why can't that be done with the combo throttle? Too many people accidentally running their cruiser to full throttle while trying to make a small adjustment?

Sorry, I just haven't read any info on the advantages of separated controls.

For me, it's a lot easier coming into the slip with both engines at constant RPM. I adjust the throttles before my approach according to conditions (mainly wind) so all I have to worry about is bumping either engine in and out of gear.

 

[Jeepster04]

Re: Twin Controls

So you rev up the engine before putting it into gear? Seems like that would be a great way to destroy an out drive. Ive always been curious how those double controls worked.. Didnt know you could rev the engine then put it in gear.

Ours has dual engines but theyve gotta be in gear before you can rev them up. Cant go from forward to reverse real quick either. Its all electronic and has a 2-3 sec delay so you cant hurt the O/D's even if you wanted to. I usually keep one O/D in R and one in D so all Ive gotta do is give one a little fuel to make the boat go where ever.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Twin Controls

I like separate throttle and shift controls too and mostly for the same reasons that Steven mentioned.

You can set the throttles at idle speed, or slightly above it, while controlling the boat with FNR on the shift handles. Sometimes you want both ahead, sometime port or starboard only ahead or astern, sometimes one ahead and one astern, and sometimes both astern. If you think about al of these combinations, you can see how much maneuverabilty you can create, with having to foll with throttle setting at all.

With single handle units, you can do all of these things, but you have the added element of thinking about how much throttle you are applying too. While not the end of the world and not something that bothers a lot of people, it is a bit different. In the end, I guess it just comes down to preference.



???

 

[steven_p]

Re: Twin Controls

So you rev up the engine before putting it into gear? Seems like that would be a great way to destroy an out drive. Ive always been curious how those double controls worked.. Didnt know you could rev the engine then put it in gear.

Ours has dual engines but theyve gotta be in gear before you can rev them up. Cant go from forward to reverse real quick either. Its all electronic and has a 2-3 sec delay so you cant hurt the O/D's even if you wanted to. I usually keep one O/D in R and one in D so all Ive gotta do is give one a little fuel to make the boat go where ever.

I have twin velvet drive inboards that can handle shifting in and out of gear up to ~1,200rpm. If there's no wind I'll set them at about 700rpm, if it's windy I'll set them just above 1,000rpm. If it's REAL windy I'll goose them as needed while in gear, but I don't shift in and out of gear above ~1,200rpm.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Twin Controls

I figured that's what it was, but it seems to be falling out of favor on the modern boats. I understand the logistics of the FNR for each drive when docking or maneuvering in tight quarters, I just didn't know how much it mattered to have the controls separate. I just figured idle was idle, and it isn't too hard to find from neutral in any gear. I'm sure it's just personal preference in the end.

Hell, the Axius system just uses a joystick now, so you don't have to have any skill to drive that 40' cruiser!

 

[steven_p]

Re: Twin Controls

Hell, the Axius system just uses a joystick now, so you don't have to have any skill to drive that 40' cruiser!

Yep, but that comes at a cost. I'll continue to 'grab sticks' until I win the lottery .

 

[seabob4]

Re: Twin Controls

Hauln',
Keep in mind that what you are basically talking about are inboard motors using universal cables. While in theory a Yam, Honda, or Suzuki could operate each engine, what would happen when you added a tower? Yam is the only maker I know of that offered a second station setup from the factory, using the standard 704 twin binnacle.

The old Morse single function lever controls were/are easy to install, and lend themselves nicely to a parallel/series configuration. Tried and true. And something I guess you just get used to...

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Twin Controls

never cared for them.... my carver (single engine) has seperate shift and throttle.... I have managed so far to never ram the dock but it is always a risk when alot is going on but then docking a larger single engine boat can be much tougher than twins thus requiring some fast shifting.... sure would hate to hit full throttle when meaning to shift from reverse to forward.... the wellcraft has twins but still only two levers and I am looking forward to trying it out..... of course I can see where idle up could be handy.... I suppose it's a matter of preference...... I guess with an io I have better control than an inboard so that would make a difference too

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Twin Controls

I have the twin throttles/shifters on my Carver 374 and it's a great way to easily maneuver a big boat. Setting the throttle at idle (I have velvet drives as well, but I would NEVER shift above an idle...too much chance at creating debris in the case), it's easy to just bump in and out of gear to swing it around in it's own lenght.

Actually, if you have one in REV and the wheel cut the same direction, you can actually get it to move backward on a 45-angle. Think of it as driving a tank or a bobcat with steering controls.

The single shift/throttle set up is nice and convenient, but (personally) I think I would have a tough time jockeying (sp?) between F & R without inadvertantly giving throttle. Maybe I'm wrong...I have never tried it.

It's probably just preference and/or whatever you learned and are comfortable with. I would like the azipod and joystick, but to me, that's just something else to rip off of the bottom of the hull $$$$$.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Twin Controls

There is quite a thrust difference between an inboard with 36" wheels and an outboard with 15's.

My jonny's twin binnicle is easy to use with shift and throttle tied together. Give too much in reverse and it just blows bubbles.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Twin Controls

Well, I just mention it because with all of the combined units I've operated on single screws, there is always a detent for forward and reverse when moving from neutral. It "clicks" when it hits that detent on the throttle lever which tells you you're in gear and at idle speed; you normally have to add intentional pressure to go past idle rpm.