Transition from tiller traction to system remote-control It's a logical step for any inflatable boat owner who wants to increase their comfort level. outboard It's not just a convenience, it's also a safety issue, especially in difficult weather conditions, where you have to keep your course with one hand.
The modern market offers many solutions adapted specifically for the PVCUnlike rigid housings, weight and ease of installation are critical, without breaking the tightness of the cylinders, and a well-designed system allows the motor to be integrated into a single navigation scheme, freeing up the hands for other tasks.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the technical nuances of the choice, compare mechanical and hydraulic options, and also consider the stages of installation. neutralize It is important for the life of your engine.
Benefits of Transitioning to Remote Management
The main advantage is ergonomics. You can control the dashboard, sonar and navigator at the same time, while you're at the helm. steering-wheelThis is especially true when trolling or maneuvering in narrowness, where instantaneous response and precision of movement are required, which is difficult to ensure when standing at the hummel on the stern.
In addition, the use of a remote control system allows you to safely place battery It's a fuel tank in the bow or under the seats, which improves the weight of the vessel, raises the nose, and reduces the risk of splashes in the cockpit, so the motor stops taking up useful space on the transom, making room for fishing gear or passengers.
⚠️ Attention: When installing remote control, make sure that the length of the cable matches the dimensions of your boat. Too short the cable will create dangerous tension, and excess length will lead to the formation of loops and jamming in the mechanism.
And you also have to remember that you have psychological comfort, and you have smoother and more predictable control, and you can move the waves more confidently, because you have a lever. gas-gas pen reverse They are located in close proximity to the hands, which allows you to instantly relieve traction if necessary.
Types of control systems: mechanics vs. hydraulics
PVC boats are most commonly used mechanical systems because they are easier to maintain and cheaper. Hydraulic analogues are used on high-powered motors (usually from 150 hp and above) and require the installation of a hydraulic pump on the motor and a transom hydraulic cylinder, which is redundant for standard inflatable vessels.
Mechanical systems are divided into several subtypes depending on the design of the cable and gearbox. SSC Standard Steering Cable and more advanced UC The latter have a smaller bend radius and provide a softer ride, which is critical for light motors.
- 🔧 Mechanical: reliable, easy to repair, suitable for engines up to 115 hp
- 💧 Hydraulic: They provide perfect smoothness, but are difficult to install and roads for small boats.
- ⚡ Electronic: Applying to the market, requiring availability Drive-by-Wire It's a rare thing to do with the engine.
When choosing a set, pay attention to the availability in the kit gearboxFor inflatable boats, it is preferable to use lightweight aluminum gearboxes that can be fixed on a removable jar or special platform without overweighting the transom.
Criteria for choosing a kit for an inflatable boat
When selecting equipment for PVC The key is weight. Excess mass on the transom can lead to stern diffraction and reduced driving performance, so you should give preference to compact models specially designed for small craft.
The second important aspect is corrosion resistance: salt, water spray and temperature changes require that all metal elements be coated with special compounds or made of stainless steel, cheap counterparts quickly fail, covering themselves with rust after the first season.
| Parameter | Budgetary option | The best choice | Premium class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material of the cable | PVC-coated steel | Stainless steel | Special alloy |
| Resource (cycles) | up to 10,000 | 50 000 - 100 000 | more than 200,000 |
| Effort at the tiller | High. | Average | Minimum |
| Guarantee | 6 months | 1-2 years | 3 years |
It's also important to consider compatibility with your motor model. outboard The engines use unique mounts or require special adapters. Always check the specification before buying.
The secret to the longevity of cables
Lubricate the control cables with specialized lubrication for marine applications at least once a season, which will wash away the salt and prevent the inner vein from jamming in the shell, which is the main cause of breakdowns.
Necessary tools and preparation for installation
Installation of the system remote-control It requires precision and a basic set of tools. You don't need complex equipment, but the quality of the assembly has a direct impact on safety. Prepare the workplace in advance.
Before starting work, remove the motor from the transom and dismantle the tiller if it interferes with access to the fastening holes. Carefully clean the surface of the transmolor or platform of dirt and moisture to ensure reliable fitting of the fasteners.
- 🔨 A drill with a set of drills for metal (diameter depends on the fastener).
- 🔑 A set of wrenches and screwdrivers (cross and flat).
- 📏 Roulette, marker and level for accurate marking.
- 🔪 A wire-cutting knife.
Be sure to check the completeness of the kit you bought. The box should include: a steering gearbox, a rudder (or steering wheel), gas and reverse control cables, fasteners and instructions. The absence of even one bolt can stop the whole process.
⚠️ Attention: When drilling holes in the metal elements of the boat structure (if any), be sure to treat the edges of the holes with anticorrosion to prevent the development of corrosion in the future.
Step-by-step instructions for installing the system
Installation begins with the installation of a gear steering gearbox, which is most often attached to a removable platform console, which in turn is fixed to cylinders or a rigid deck, and it is important to ensure that the gearbox is rigid so that the gearbox does not "walk" when working.
Next is the cable laying. gas-gas cable reverse The radius of the bend should not be less than the minimum permissible specified in the data sheet of the product (usually 15-20 cm).
☑️ Pre-launch checks
Connecting to the motor requires care, the gas cable connects to the throttle of the carburetor or throttle assembly, and the reverse cable connects to the gearshift mechanism. After connecting, you need to manually check the movements.
The final step is adjustment. You need to make sure that in the neutral position of the lever, the motor is dead (if there is an emergency stop system) or kept idle, and the gear shift occurs with a clear click without jamming.
Use plastic tie-ups to temporarily fix the cables during laying, but do not leave them as the main fastener - over time, the plastic is destroyed by ultrafi!
Setup, adjustment and first start
After the mechanical installation, it is time for fine tuning. The cable length is adjusted by rotating the threaded tips, and your goal is to synchronize the stroke of the lever on the remote and the thrust on the motor.
Pay special attention to the setting neutralizeThis is a position where the engine is running at idle speeds, but the propeller is not rotating. Incorrect tuning can cause the boat to spontaneously move forward or backward even with the lever released.
Test the test run on shore (in a tank of water or briefly in the air, using caution). Check the emergency stopper system (checks). When pulling checks, the engine must immediately stop, regardless of the position of the gas lever.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Tight lever stroke | Small radius of cable bending | Increase the radius of the rope loop |
| The engine won't stop. | Check or sensor malfunctioning | Replace the emergency cord |
| Moving jerks | Gas regulation is broken | Adjust the length of the cable |
If all systems are working properly, you can go out on the water, and the first exit is better done in calm weather, to get used to the new ergonomics of the control and feel the inertia of the vessel when working from a sitting position.
Maintenance and care
System system remote-control It requires regular maintenance to maintain reliability, and the main enemy is the ingress of moisture and salt into the cables, and after each trip in salt water, it is recommended to rinse the machinery with fresh water.
Once a season, you need to lubricate the moving parts of the gearbox and the hinge joints of the cables. Use only specialized marine lubricants that are not washed away with water and do not destroy rubber seals.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice jerks or jamming when you switch gears, immediately stop operation and conduct a diagnosis. Ignoring the problem can lead to a cable break at the most inopportune moment.
Before winter storage, be sure to remove the cables if possible, or carefully preserve them. Store the boat and motor is better in a dry room, protecting from direct sunlight, which destroys plastic elements.
Regular lubrication and visual inspection of cables before each season prolong the service life of the control system by 2-3 times.
Can you install remote control yourself without experience?
Yes, if you have basic tool skills and you read the instructions carefully, but if you're in doubt about whether the cables are connected correctly or the carburetor is adjusted, you should consult a specialist, as a mistake can cost safety on the water.
What length of cable to choose for a PVC boat 3.5 meters?
For a boat 3.5 meters long, a 3-meter (10-foot) cable is usually enough, however, if you plan to install the console far in the nose or make large loops of bypassing, it is better to take a kit with a margin of 4 meters, the excess can always be carefully folded.
Should I change the cables when switching to a more powerful motor?
Not necessarily, if the new engine is in the same power range that your current control kit is certified for, but if you go from 15 hp to 60 hp, the tiller will increase and the mechanics may not be able to cope, then you will need to replace it with a more powerful kit.