Single function engine controls

L

Lucky Day

New member
This is a question related to the "outside helms station add on" thread regarding converting my dual function honda engine controls to separate single function controls. In the other thread, Les Lampman explained the process to do the conversion.

Here's my new question:

All of my instincts are to move the lever forward when I want more power. With the single lever control I've caught myself pushing the lever forward when I wanted more power when in reverse - WRONG! Does anyone see unintended consequences if I switch over to separate controls for the throttle and the transmission?
 
Wish I could help but I have always had single level controls . you just have to use the system enough that you re train your self. I find that a sinlge is more natural. If you wnat to go backwards faster then just push the handle back faster and further.
 
You'll just have to get used to the new controls.

They're much simpler and more natural in the long run, especially so if you have twins.

Go out and practice maneuvering and then docking some place safe.

Sooner or later, you'll get used to them and be glad you changed over!

Joe.
 
I had single lever, single engine on my C-Dory and liked it.

Now I have a two lever, single engine control on my new boat and it did take some getting used to.

The conditioned response of pulling back on the lever to get reverse had to be 'reconditioned'! LOL

IMO a single lever system is faster and safer in that you push forward to go forward and pull back to stop or reverse.

With a two lever control, you must condition yourself to first pull back on the throttle and THEN shift the gear lever, and then push the throttle forward for more power. If you are converting to a two lever control, allow yourself plenty of time to practice with the new system.

And DON'T try to shift without returning the throttle to idle first!!
 
For inboards, espcially twin screws, I prefer separate shifters and throttles. When maneuvering one just uses the shifters and leaves the throttles set. I have seen too many folks try and give too much "gas" when using the integrated with larger boats--and yes, conditioning would resolve that problem.

On the other hand, with outboards, I prefer single lever, integrated controls--it becomes a reflex--and I suspect people who change over to the separate levers have a bit of a learning curve. If you have run a number of boats with both, you just remember which you have, (especially after having run the engines up in neutral once--hopefully never with the engine in gear!) I find with the Tom Cat that one has to give various amounts of throttle, and it is not just shifting to maneuver in many cases.
 
Lucky Day":2aubtezh said:
Joe on Seawolf,
Do you mean make the conversion to single function controls and get used to them? - or stick with one-lever control?
Click to expand...

Sorry, Lucky Day! Read it backwards! Thought you were thinking of converting the other way. MY BAD!

Joe.

MermaidBackwards.jpg


SOMETIMES YOU GET THINGS BACKWARD, AND THE RESULTS AREN'T ALWAYS PRETTY!

(Backwards Mermaid)
 
I have used both. On larger boats with large props keeping ones hands off the throttles and useing only the gear controlls works very well. You can always tell a new skipper by how much his boat jumps as he over controls.

The single leaver that controls my single outboard works OK, but I must be careful to make only small easy moves. On a light small boat like my 22 it is easy to over control.

Fred, Pat and Mr. Grey (the cat)
 
Lucky Day":1skm7a36 said:
This is a question related to the "outside helms station add on" thread regarding converting my dual function honda engine controls to separate single function controls. In the other thread, Les Lampman explained the process to do the conversion.

Here's my new question:

All of my instincts are to move the lever forward when I want more power. With the single lever control I've caught myself pushing the lever forward when I wanted more power when in reverse - WRONG! Does anyone see unintended consequences if I switch over to separate controls for the throttle and the transmission?
Click to expand...

No, this is the way most larger multi-engine boats are set up. It's just a matter of the ole brain learning the correct response. There's really no right or wrong and no harm or safety in either scenario; I've seen experienced skippers mess up on either system if they're used to the other (well..even when sometimes they're not!). If you feel comfortable using dual lever single functions controls you should do it.
 
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