Conversion from Hynautic to Electronic Engine Control

[Surboum]

Has anyone else converted their hynautic throttle and shift controls to an electronic system? What was your experience? What brand electronic system did you use? How much did it cost?
I have a 2004 Mainship 430 with twin Yanmar 6LYA-STPs and ZF Hurth transmissions.

 

[Portage_Bay]

I have not done it and not sure I would without a very good reason such as the existing controls are failing. I have Koblet controls on my boat and have run work boats also equipped with Kobelt. I have found them to be robust and trust worthy. The power source for the controls needs to be carefully thought through for obvious reasons.

One aspect of the Kolbelt system I like is their actuators have manual controls near the engines. Should a control head fail you still have get home capability. Not great control because the actuator is in the engine room close to the engines but good enough to get you out of trouble and to a point where you can be assisted in to the dock.

 

[Admiral Westlake]

We have ZF Micro Commanders. They came with the boat so I don’t have any idea on cost but did find the manual on board so I now know they are 20 years old. This summer the port engine decided to go into reverse on its own just inside the break wall at our home port. My mechanic called ZF in Stuart, Florida and read all the codes to them and everything checked out. That is the only time I have lost confidence in them and that issue has not happened since.

 

[danderer]

+1 for Kobelt.

 

[Taras]

Electronic controls fail. Its scary when they do and often result in damage to your boat and the one you hit!

 

[JP2]

Writing about electronic controls vs mechanical around here is about like discussing the best anchor. 30 years of using electronic on 2 boats saw no problem or incidents whatsoever, except one iffy fuse holder connection in a ZF package. Prefer Glendinning because I liked their excellent Regional Tech Reps, (used only for installation guidance; never for an operating problem).

 

[skipperdiego]

Electronic controls fail. Its scary when they do and often result in damage to your boat and the one you hit!

I suggest to keep the hydraulic controls, they are costly and never fail. My Mathers-ZF failed and I dispose them in favour of mecanical Morse again

 

[sean9c]

I've ZF Microcommander and think it's fine. IMO, the problem now with ZF is their lack of factory authorized service centers. Luckily there is one close to me, and it's a one man operation, and there might be one in FL but I think that's it. For that reason alone I'd go with Glendenning.
As far as costs go, it's impossible to figure without more details. I'd figure $4-5k if I was doing the labor.

 

[Portage_Bay]

Electronic controls fail. Its scary when they do and often result in damage to your boat and the one you hit!

Hydraulic controls fail.
Push pull cables fail.
Cable on sheaves fail.
Control rod controls fail.
Pneumatic controls fail.
Telegraph to a manned engine room fail.

I've witnessed or experienced every one of those system's failures.