Does Anyone Use Cockpit Controls?

[hmason]

I have cockpit controls. Throttles gears and bow thruster. The fairway to my slip is too narrow for me to get to the rear controls in time to beat the current/wind. So no, I don't use them but would like to.

 

[vertigopilot]

Wireless Remotes Make the Best Cockpit Controls for Docking

As an avid user of wireless remote controls for docking and anchoring, it's my firm opinion that there's no better configuration for effortless docking in crowded moorings. There's simply no substitute for being able to maneuver the boat from any location onboard, and then step onto the dock and tie off while holding or moving the boat to the exact position desired, all without any need for crew coordination. (The admiral of my vessel prefers to mix drinks while I secure lines.)


Sure, full cockpit controls are more more handy for fishing, but the two choices are not mutually-exclusive, and there are are other options out there besides Yacht Controller and Dockmate at lower prices, with custom options that can interface with some autopilots for wireless rudder control, and to toggle throttles between normal and high idle settings for docking in current.


Another benefit of wireless remote propulsion controls is that they don't sit out in the weather like cockpit and wing stations, so the number of failure points in the propulsion controls is reduced.

 

[O C Diver]

Another benefit of wireless remote propulsion controls is that they don't sit out in the weather like cockpit and wing stations, so the number of failure points in the propulsion controls is reduced.

No thanks.

No intention of trusting my docking to a $1 battery, a Bluetooth connection, and who knows how many microprocessors. If something goes wrong, I want a cable connection between the transmission and the shift lever, with an absolute zero response time.

Ted

 

[vertigopilot]

No thanks.
No intention of trusting my docking to a $1 battery, a Bluetooth connection, and who knows how many microprocessors. If something goes wrong, I want a cable connection between the transmission and the shift lever, with an absolute zero response time.

Ted

I share your distrust of Bluetooth communication protocols for remote control of anything larger than a TV, and also lament how much we've all come to trust our lives everyday to microprocessors. The simple act of driving and negotiating our way through traffic requires trusting our safe arrival to far too many of those mercurial little devices!


But, I have a much harder time fearing disaster from a device that I use only to control a vessel when in motion at 0-1 knots top speed. Wired remotes are not immune to malfunction, and indeed have a higher susceptibility to malfunction than do industrial-grade wireless controllers on account of spending much of their time in out in the weather. (I'll reserve opinion on whose products are industrial- or consumer-grade.)



There are of course helm functions that I would not wish to use from any remote control. In my opinion, engine throttles should only be accessed and operated from a proper helm station. If higher-than-idle throttle setting are needed for docking, they should be selected carefully a the propulsion control head and not placed onto a remote transmitter where they can be more easily selected by accident.



I hope this isn't too far off topic from the OP's inquiry.

 

[OldDan1943]

I can only speak about the dock master. Engage it and the engine speed drops to ‘crawl speed’.
I agree, I personally would feel more comfortable with a wired remote but, I was told they are no longer available. Not a big deal. SHRUG

 

[vertigopilot]

I can only speak about the dock master. Engage it and the engine speed drops to ‘crawl speed’.
I agree, I personally would feel more comfortable with a wired remote but, I was told they are no longer available. Not a big deal. SHRUG

Hi, Dan.


Is that Dockmaster or Dockmate?

 

[OldDan1943]

Oops, Dockmate.

 

[vertigopilot]

I can only speak about the dock master. Engage it and the engine speed drops to ‘crawl speed’.
I agree, I personally would feel more comfortable with a wired remote but, I was told they are no longer available. Not a big deal. SHRUG

Which propulsion control system is on your boat? And, when you say "crawl speed" does that mean the engine drops below normal idle?

 

[AlanT]

I frequently use my aft cockpit controls for backing in. Especially useful when there is a crosswind or cross current to deal with. I can see the stern using my rear camera from the skybridge however its hard to appreciate lateral movement from that camera angle. I line up from the bridge deck then go downstairs. The time it takes me to get from skybridge to aft cockpit at the speed that I typically dock at is not a factor.
~A

 

[OldDan1943]

Which propulsion control system is on your boat? And, when you say "crawl speed" does that mean the engine drops below normal idle?

Vert, cant tell right now, I’m recovering from 4 heart attacks and 4 stents. Tomorrow more stents in my legs.

I believe it is below normal idle..

 

[hmason]

On my boat the idle rpm drops by 100 rpm when I engage "slow" mode. The concept is that the boat moves without an abrupt motion when gear is engaged for close quarters maneuvering.

 

[vertigopilot]

Vert, cant tell right now, I’m recovering from 4 heart attacks and 4 stents. Tomorrow more stents in my legs.

I believe it is below normal idle..

It sounds like you've got a busy schedule right now. Best wishes on a speedy and robust recovery. When you have time and are feeling up to it, contact me and I'll be happy to help you sort out that suppressed throttle issue when using your remote control. There aren't many variables involved.

 

[Bmarler]

Vert, cant tell right now, I’m recovering from 4 heart attacks and 4 stents. Tomorrow more stents in my legs.

I believe it is below normal idle..

ouch. best of luck to you.

 

[vertigopilot]

On my boat the idle rpm drops by 100 rpm when I engage "slow" mode. The concept is that the boat moves without an abrupt motion when gear is engaged for close quarters maneuvering.

That is a handy feature for some boats (particularly twin-engines with high thrust at low rpm), but it introduces additional complexity and risks. If the remote control is connected in such a way that it can adjust engine throttles, then there is a risk (however small) that it can interfere with selected throttle setting. As a remote control system designer I strongly prefer to leave throttle functions isolated from the remote control, so that the captain selects the appropriate engine speed(s) for docking conditions using his primary helm controls before stepping outside to complete the docking maneuvers using his remote transmitter.


In this configuration there's never any possibility of a misbehaving remote control causing unexpected and unwanted throttle divergence, and never any question whom or what is controlling the throttle setting.