morse electronic controls??

[Gene Morris]

I'm interested in putting throttle controls on the second steering station for a TC255. Has anyone had experience with morse controls. What are the consequences of not having throttle controls on the second station?
Thanks
Gene Morris

 

[Les Lampman]

Hi Gene,

I hope I understand your questions correctly...

With two stations and two engines the options become limited. You mention Morse electronic controls so I'm assuming you've decided to follow that path.

The KE-4 controls have been around for years and have been used extensively with good results.

I've tended to use the ZF Mathers electronic controls based out of Washington State which has made getting tech support very easy. The Mathers control system requires fewer pieces and takes up less space which is going to be a major hurdle in the TC255. When we were faced with a dual station twin engine installation in a TC255 we decided to stay with mechanical controls (from Kobelt) to keep the cost somewhat under control but mostly because with all the other items being installed in the TC255 we just never found room for the electronic controller actuators (remember...you need two of them!).

I believe that the Morse KE-4 or the ZF Mathers systems are just great if you can find the space for the installation. I just happen to the prefer the simplicity and "Made in the USA" aspect of the Mathers controls.

The consequences of no thottles at the second station in no throttle control at the second station; it really comes down to what you're trying to accomplish. If you just need steering control while you're trolling or such doing without would be fine but if you need to maneuver then shift and throttle is really necessary.

 

[thataway]

If you don't need a throttle /shifter--ie just for trolling. Consider just using an auto pilot remote. I have done this on many vessels and it works very well. I think if you put the throttle foreward in the cockpit you probably could use cable controls--but they are going to be in the way, unless you recess them like the side boxes in the combings--there is probably room to make a separate box for a set of combo controls in the combing --either sacrificing some of the box--or either forewar or aft of the controls (foreward you have the fuel fill and vent lines).

 

[Sea Skipper]

I've tended to use the ZF Mathers electronic controls based out of Washington State which has made getting tech support very easy.

I believe that the Morse KE-4 or the ZF Mathers systems are just great if you can find the space for the installation. I just happen to the prefer the simplicity and "Made in the USA" aspect of the Mathers controls.

Les installed the ZF Mathers controls on my boat - they are as smooth as glass and a real pleasure to use. Easily adjusted and they retain their settings. The installation includes a remote handheld control (a 3rd station) which allows me to operate the boat from the bow, cabin top, or any place the 25' cord will reach. The remote also includes a control for operating the anchor windlass. Expensive, but in my mind worth it.