Remote control of outboard motor: technical characteristics, choice

Remote control of a boat motor is a modified additional equipment for engines of different power, thanks to which control of the boat becomes simpler and more comfortable, and it is easier for the helmsman to control the view while moving.

Often, a boat motor already comes complete with an engine; on the market, these gas-reversing mechanisms are called commanders. In another case, remote units are installed independently. There are models that are designed for one side (right, left) or universal equipment with the ability to be mounted on any side of the boat.

Types and principle of operation

Remote control for a boat must be thorough and reliable, but at the same time lightweight - this combination increases the safety of the vessel and reduces fuel consumption.

Based on their operating principle, remote units are divided into 2 different operating schemes:

Scheme No. 1. In this case, the remote control (RC) turns on forward (or reverse) gear, while controlling the opening of the throttle valve on the engine. This is how the remote control regulates the propeller speed and the speed of the vessel. In addition, in a certain position of the tiller, the system allows the engine to idle (in simple words - in neutral gear).
Scheme No. 2. With this method, the remote control exercises full control over the movement of the ship's hull - it conducts maneuvers, selects the direction of travel and other necessary actions along the course of the boat.

There are 3 types of remote control systems - mechanical, hydraulic and electro-hydraulic kits.

Mechanical remote control

This is the most economical and easy-to-install system for controlling a vessel at a distance. However, it is recommended to install it on boats with a low or medium power motor (no more than 100 hp).

The kit consists of the following elements:

steering gear – there are different types, which are divided according to the degree of engine power;
cable - its brand and length are selected taking into account the type of gearbox and the technical characteristics of the boat;
levers (or rods) - with their help you can control the running system, which consists of 2 motors and 1 gearbox, and it is also possible to adapt this system to any type of motor;
steering wheel - its function is to provide clutch with the gearbox; the part is presented in the form of a hole with a groove.

The correct way to calculate the length of the cable is to measure the distance from the side of the boat to the center in the gearbox, then the length to the motor mount and fix ½ of the width of the transom. All indicators are added up - the resulting number will indicate the required length of the cable.

The principle of operation of the mechanical system is as follows: turning to the sides (left or right) starts the gearbox, on the gear of which a cable is wound, laid parallel to the side of the vessel.

Smaller diameter cables regulate speed, tilt angle and gear shifting. Experts recommend using “mechanics” for engines no higher than 60 hp. strength

Hydraulic system remote control

The more powerful the boat engine, the more difficult it is to control the vessel. The steering gearbox and cables are subject to heavy loads and there is a risk of damage to the control system. Therefore, for engines with a power of 100 hp or more. forces and above, it is necessary to install a more advanced remote control system - hydraulic type.

Typically, a boat remote control kit consists of the following elements:

steering gear (in simple words, a manual hydraulic pump);
executive cylinder;
a steering wheel with a simple fit through a key onto the gearbox shaft, and a lazy handle makes it easier to shift the steering wheel;
a coil of hydraulic hoses with an average length of 12–15 m with a kit for on-site installation (the hose is cut according to the diagram in the instructions, and the fittings are installed);
funnel for filling oil;
rod extension and basic mounting kit.

The kit must contain hydraulic oil. Installation of the actuator cylinder is carried out in 2 ways (depending on the model of the remote control system):

The cylinder is attached next to the motor through a special bracket to the side of the boat.
The slave cylinder is mounted on the engine itself (more precisely, in the motor clamp).

Hoses are needed to connect the hydraulic cylinder and pump. The cylinder body is small in size, but can transmit enormous forces thanks to a well-thought-out hydraulic system.

After installation, oil is poured into the gearbox through a funnel; before starting operation, the device must be pumped to remove air from it.

A well-functioning system ensures smooth operation of the hydraulic device, ease and precision of boat control. Its only drawback is the fairly high cost of the kit.

Electrohydraulic remote control

The most accurate and advanced remote control system is electro-hydraulic. The main difference and advantage over other types is the complete absence of cables (only sometimes found in separate sets).

This system also allows you to manage several devices at once and monitor their operation.

The engine and the steering wheel are connected by an electronic cable that transmits impulses throughout the circuit. The signals go to the electric motors, after which the cylinder pistons begin to move.

According to this scheme, there is no need to install cables for gas/reverse switches on a boat electric motor with remote control; they are controlled by an electronic system.

Check the engine

Before setting sail, check the engine and let it idle for a couple of minutes. Check engine operation in reverse.

Carry out a preventive inspection of the engine periodically. Do not forget to secure the mooring cable well so that it does not get caught in the propeller.

As in the case of automobile traffic, there are certain rules for overtaking other vessels and diverging from them. You should also be sure to familiarize yourself with these rules.

By following these tips, you can significantly protect yourself from dangerous and simply unpleasant incidents when sailing on a motor boat.

How to choose the right boat motor remote control

There are a wide range of models of gas reversing machines on the market. They differ in the number of levers, the material used to make the parts, installation rules and other parameters.

There are also many modified additions - indicator lights, electronic units for diving or raising the motor, starting with a key or button, and more.

To choose the right remote control system, you need to take into account the following fundamental indicators:

Vessel engine power.
Size, design and technical characteristics of the boat itself.

It is recommended to install a mechanical remote control system for PVC boats with a motor with a power of up to 90 hp. strength Popular gearboxes are T-85, T-71, T-67, ZTS, Rotary 3000 and others. The steering cables are selected in accordance with the type of gearbox and motor power.

Video about choosing the length of remote control cables

Hydraulic remote control is installed on powerful 60 hp motors. forces and higher, the system is more reliable and lighter and can be equipped with an “autopilot” function. The standard kit usually includes a controller, throttle/reverse cables, fittings and fasteners.

Electronic remote control is usually used on vessels over 4 meters, with a hard bottom and hull, with a 120 hp engine. strength and higher. The standard set of panel instruments is a tachometer (with or without a meter), a speedometer, and a fuel level controller.

Various models are equipped with additional indicators:

water pressure indicator in the system;
engine tilt angle;
system head temperature;
voltmeter;
ammeter and other instruments.

Manufacturers offer various special modifications of the remote control that come complete with a certain brand of motor. It is important to remember that in order to install the system, there must be electrical power on the vessel.

Life jackets

To organize safe navigation, you should ensure that you have the required number of life jackets. It wouldn’t hurt to first ask the passengers if everyone knows how to swim, and then take this into account when planning the route.

Boat speed and control are affected by water accumulation in the bilges, so you need to empty them completely first. Before starting the outboard motor, lift the cowling to remove hazardous fuel vapors.

Also, for safety, you should take a detailed map if you do not know the water area in which you will be sailing well.

Shallows, various obstacles, changes in depth, etc. can not only provoke unexpected breakdowns and minor problems, but even become a threat to life.

Before sailing, it is worth considering a set of actions in the event of engine failure. It is better to plot the course so that in the event of a breakdown, the wind will drive the ship towards the shore, and not away from it. It will not be superfluous to grab a good anchor with a certain length of rope.

How to install a remote engine control system

To properly install a remote control on a boat motor, it is important to follow certain rules:

Select the type of installation in accordance with the engine power and the design of the vessel.
For a specific type of engine, select the appropriate gearbox.
All elements of the selected distance system (wheel size, cables, etc.) must be suitable for the entire installation complex.
Determine the location for installation so that later the remote control system does not have to be moved, which will certainly entail additional costs (replacement of cables, purchase of fittings and other connections).
Make sure that the kit contains instructions from the manufacturer with a detailed description of the installation system and proceed according to the specified scheme.

I saw about installing a remote control on a boat motor

Experts advise purchasing engines with a ready-made remote control - this will simplify the installation process and help avoid mistakes in the configuration details. Also, on certain boat models, the manufacturer has already designated a place for the remote system, and it is better to install it there.

Safety precautions

In today's world, it is absolutely important to follow all safety precautions. To avoid any emergency conditions, you should check your outboard motor very carefully and follow the instructions for your unit:

in order to avoid emergency situations, those who operate the boat are strictly prohibited from removing the casing in question while the engine itself is operating. You need to remember this rule and never even try to experiment with this casing;
in general, it is worth remembering such an important thing that absolutely any repair work on your outboard or stationary boat motor will have to be carried out with the engine turned off;
It is also prohibited to crank your engine with a high-voltage circuit that is not shorted to ground. Otherwise, there may be emergency cases when a person gets electrocuted. This occurs at the moment of contact with the wire that supplies power to the candle;
It is worth remembering forever that any repair work on your outboard or stationary boat motor should be carried out only when it is turned off, and not otherwise. Never touch the engine while it is running.

We recommend reading: Why choose a four-stroke Mercury outboard motor?

Popular models and costs

You can consider the possible configuration options for the remote control system using the following examples:

Steering column "Compact" . Made from stainless steel. Cost 10 thousand rubles. Mounted with gearboxes G 10, G 12, T 67 or T 85. The gas/reverse machine is installed on the right, fastening connections are included in the kit. The entire set of parts will cost the owner 18–20 thousand rubles. This distance is suitable for a PVC boat with a motor up to 60 hp. strength
Steen Flex Kit (Korea) . The set includes a steering gearbox (housing made of durable plastic, gears made of metal), steering cables (assorted lengths and diameters), fastenings and a gearbox cap. Cost 15 thousand rubles. Recommended for engines up to 30 HP. forces, including for a motor on a rubber boat.
Ultraflex steering (Italy) . The set includes a T 71 planetary type gearbox, steering cables, the necessary fastenings and a gearbox cap. Suitable for engines up to 220 HP. strength Price from 16 thousand rubles.

To correctly select the configuration and subsequent installation of the remote control, you must have an understanding of the structure of the vessel's propulsion system and have certain skills. In the absence of such, it is advisable to use the services of specialists.

Using a remote-controlled boat becomes comfortable and safe in any field of application - both fishing (including trolling) and on recreational trips.

Nuances in the work of PLM

If the PLM is used in salt water, it is necessary to ensure that it is washed in fresh water at least for a short time.
A safety check must be installed on the engine. Otherwise it won't start. If you pull the pin, the PLM will stop working.
To stop the PLM, you need to reduce the speed to a minimum, after which you can turn off the ignition.
After 2-3 times of using all the fuel that the tank of a particular engine can hold, you should check and then clean the spark plug electrodes. In addition, you should check the condition of all screws and nuts. If necessary, they should be tightened.
We recommend that you operate the tiller handle smoothly so that the boat does not skid to the sides, which can lead to people falling overboard or even capsizing the boat.
If the motor is not used for a long time, it should not be left in water. He needs to provide storage space. In winter, PLM needs to be preserved. We talked about how to do this in our other article - Basics of PLM conservation.

So, we talked about what you need to know about the operating features of outboard motors.
We hope that our guide will help you gain important knowledge and correctly use the capabilities of the engine you purchased in practice. Return to list