Twin control location?

snal · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 5:38 pm Post subject: Twin control location?

Ok...I'm so fed up with my twin controls that I've all but decided to go to a single engine when it comes time to repower.
Mine are mounted to the same base as the helm seat, right beside the seat.
(1) They are too low.
(2) They are too far back (awkward to reach the keys, and throttle in reverse).
(3) It takes 2 hands to trim both engines up at the same time.

They are currently mounted to an aluminum angle that turns up between the 2 controls (only an eighth of an inch thick so it's not the reason for not being able to reach both trim switches) and a pain to take loose and try to move around to experiment with locations.
I've already moved the seat towards the port side to allow more room for the port control, but I still seem to find a way to accidentally hit the port trim switch with my leg while under way.
I can't raise them because the starbord control will hit the cabin wall. I could offset them to port, but then the seat wouldn't fold forward.
Has anyone else encountered these problems, and perhaps come up with a fix?

Sea Wolf · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 6:13 pm Post subject:

ssnal--

Sorry to hear of your predicament!

Sounds like a very good argument against twins as opposed to a single engine, one I've never heard before.

It might help others to know which brand of motors and controls you have.

Good Luck!

Joe. Teeth

snal · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 6:26 pm Post subject:

Twin Honda 45's, 1994 vintage. The engines are great, but due to these issues I am pretty much sold on a single for the 22. I also have a few issues with getting the engines to rev at the same rate, but that's simply an adjustment in the cables.

hardee · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 12:03 am Post subject: Here we go again

Twins vs Singles, as long as there are boaters there will be opinions and discussion on this topic, And everyone will be right in their own eyes. Personally, I love my twins, (except when it comes to paying the mechanic shop.)

My controls are in the same position as yours, or close from the way you describe, and I don't have the same issues. I like that I can manoeuver both handles with one hand, and fairly easily match up the RPM. Mine may be just slightly more forward than yours because I can easily reach over and run the port control with my left hand when I am running them in opposite direction for spinning (for slow speed positioning). It has taken some practice but twice now, I have been asked if I had a bow thruster CoolSmile

I very rarely tilt the engines to any position other than full down, so don't need to get between the handles for that, but there is still room if I need to. My mount is made of starboard and I believe it is half inch, T shaped upside down, with the T base coming up slightly between each of the controls. Oh, BTW (By the way), they are Yamaha controls. Maybe there is a difference between Honda Single and twins handles.

Wish you luck,

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

DaveS · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 12:12 am Post subject:

Twin Johnsons (aka Suzukis). No difficulty at all with manipulating the controls.....even when operating in tight places with one in forward and one in reverse. (BTW, I certainly don't consider myself a contortionist so mine must have been installed just right for me). (Still love my twins... Laughing

). (Page 2 of my photo album has one picture that shows the controls...however it doesn't display relationship to the helm seat, which is next to the port control).

Hunkydory · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 12:13 am Post subject:

Really like our twin Honda 40's, but our con trolls mounted just like you describe have always caused similar problems. Don't see a way around it, but still if re-powering at the present would stick with twins.

Jay

20dauntless · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 12:28 am Post subject:

Why are a lot of these boats set up with the side mount controls instead of the binnacle controls? Our boat came with a Honda single binnacle control from the factory, but I see many others with the side mount control. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

snal · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 6:30 am Post subject:

One factor that might make a difference is my long arms. I usually place our throw cushion on top of the seat to help.
After taking a good look last night, it hit me that I "might" be able to tilt the controls forward a bit. I'd still have plenty of arm for forward throttle, but reverse and access to the ignition keys would be much easier I think.
As for the trim switches...I could possibly install a dash mount twin rocker switch and bypass the control switches.

Sea Angel · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 3:15 pm Post subject:

Snal~,
I guess I'm fortunate with the '05 HONDA 90s. The dual control has both
engines trim switches on the port side handle. I, too, love those HONDA
90s; especially with my cross current , back in, docking setup at the
marina.

Sorry I can't make any practicle suggestion as to the control setup, other
than moving them [forward(?)]. I also have found a height problem, but
this is from adding a memory foam cushion to supplement the helm
seat 'softness' for my big b.... . This cushion will sometimes slide toward
the throttles and change them and put the engines out of sync, with an
occassional bump on the trim switch.

I believe there is also more room for this setup in the CD25 for it allowed
me place my VHF Radio and a hailer/auto horn on the same shelf.

ART

thataway · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 7:43 pm Post subject:

Many engines, allow both engines to operate on the inboard trim control, with a switch on the base of the binnacle. (The Suzuki and I believe Yahamas at the least do this).

I have not had any problems with the twins on the Tom Cat--and the set up is relitatively similar--perhaps a slightly wider shelf. You might want to consider moving the seat slightly inboard--and see what controls are available currently vs what was available 14 years ago.