The transition from tiller control to remote control (RU) is a landmark moment in the life of any boater, who is famous for taking your engine to a new level of comfort and safety. When your engine starts to develop power of over 15 horsepower, the physical effort required to turn a lower unit becomes tangible, and the vibration transmitted through the tiller tires your hands in minutes.
That's why. remote control for the outboard motor It becomes not just a whim, but a necessity for ergonomic operation of the boat, allowing the operator to be located in the most convenient place of the cockpit, providing excellent visibility and the ability to move freely on the boat while fishing or relaxing.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at all aspects of selecting, installing and configuring a given system so that you can avoid common mistakes and enjoy running your boat.
Principle of operation and main components of the system
Any remote control system relies on the transfer of mechanical force from the lever in the cockpit to the rotary mechanism of the motor. rupeA flexible shaft enclosed in a strong shell that transmits rotational or translational movement.
Modern systems are divided into two main types: mechanical and hydraulic, mechanical, in turn, are divided into systems with a wire rope in a hard shell (rack and pinion or rotary) and more modern cable systems with a low coefficient of friction.
To understand what is going on inside your boat, it is important to know the structure of the key nodes:
- 🔧 tiller-trail: The main element of force transfer, which should have high flexibility and resistance to corrosion.
- 🔧 Control console: block, which houses the levers of gas and reverse, as well as a panel for installing devices.
- 🔧 The RU machine (drive mechanism): a device mounted on a motor that converts the movement of the cable into a turn of the lower unit.
It is important to note that mechanical It requires periodic lubrication and tension testing, whereas hydraulic requires little maintenance, but costs much more, depending on the budget and power of the engine installed.
⚠️ Attention: Never use RU cables with damaged braiding or traces of corrosion on the inner cable - this can lead to jamming of the control on the go.
A properly selected system provides the so-called "soft steering", when the motor responds to the slightest movement of the lever without jerks and backlashes.
When buying a cable RU always take a stock of 1-1.5 meters in length - this will allow you to move the console in the future or change the gasket scheme without buying a new expensive cable.
Classification of systems: mechanics versus hydraulics
The choice between mechanics and hydraulics is the first thing a boat owner faces when upgrading. Mechanical systems The engine segment is dominated by engines up to 115 hp, their main advantage is the relative simplicity of design and lower cost.
Within the mechanical class, there is a division into rotary and rack systems. SSC or SRThey have a bend radius of less than 20 cm, which makes them ideal for tight transverses. RackThey require more space for bending, but provide a more direct and accurate force transfer.
For powerful engines, usually over 115-150 hp, the only reasonable choice is to use the engine. hydraulic controlHere, the force is transmitted through the liquid in high-pressure hoses, which eliminates friction and backlashes characteristic of long mechanical cables.
Compare the specifications of the main types of systems for clarity:
| Type of system | Max, engine power. | Bending radius | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanics (Rotary) | up to 115 hp | 15-20 cm | Regular lubrication |
| Mechanics (Rack) | up to 150 hp. | 25-30 cm | Lubrication once a season |
| Hydraulics (Single cylinder) | 250 hp. | N/D (hoses) | Checking the oil level |
| Hydraulics (Two cylinders) | 300+ hp | N/D (hoses) | Pressurization check |
It is important to note that for motors with a system Power Trim and Tilt (electrohydraulic lift) often requires special RU machines compatible with existing lifting hydraulics.
How to calculate the length of the RU cable
One of the most common mistakes in ordering equipment is to miscalculate the length of the cable, and too short a cable will not reach the motor, and too long will create loops that can rub or catch on.
To calculate the length of a mechanical cable, the distance from the mounting point of the machine on the motor to the exit point of the cable at the control console is measured strictly along the path of the cable, bending all obstacles.
There's a simple formula for an approximate calculation: measure distance in feet (or meters) and add stock. However, manufacturers often use foot-marking, where, for example, a cable is used. 10B It means 10 feet (about 3 meters).
Important nuances in measurements:
- 📏 Consider the height of the transom and the angle of lifting the motor - the cable should have a margin for the full lifting of the lower unit.
- 📏 Avoid sharp curves at an angle of 90 degrees immediately at the machine, this dramatically reduces the product life.
- 📏 Always round the length up to the standard size offered by the manufacturer.
For hydraulic systems, the calculation is similar, but instead of the cable, hoses of the required length are ordered, often assembled individually to order.
⚠️ Attention: When laying the cable, make sure that the minimum radius of bending was not less than the one indicated in the passport (usually 20 cm), otherwise the inner vein will quickly collapse.
☑️ Measurements for ordering the cable
Installation technology and mechanism adjustment
Installing a remote control system is a process that requires precision and consistency, starting with dismantling the rumble and mounting the RU machine on the motor bracket.
The mounting of the machine must be done on stainless bolts using engrovers or a sealant for threading, and then the cable is laid, and it is important to attach the cable shell with special clamps every 40 to 50 cm of the way to eliminate vibration and beat.
The most important step is to connect and adjust, and the cable must be connected so that when the lever moves forward, the motor goes into forward mode, and when the lever moves backward, into reverse mode.
The sequence of actions during installation:
- Lock the machine on the motor bracket.
- Lay the cable, avoiding places with high temperatures or sharp edges.
- Connect the tip of the cable to the lever of the machine using a finger and a locking washer.
- Adjust the tension of the cable so that in a neutral position the lever does not dangle, but is not pulled.
After assembly, you need to check the system on land, twisting the motor with your hand and making sure that the lever in the cockpite moves smoothly, without jerks.
The backlash problem
If you feel a large backlash after installation, check the adjustment nuts on the hinge of the machine. Often you need to tighten the counternut, but do not drag it to avoid breaking the thread.
Maintenance and troubleshooting
The marine environment is aggressive, and even the best materials are corroded over time, and regular maintenance of the RU system is the key to your safety on the water.
The main enemy of mechanical systems is that moisture gets into the cable shell, and the water washes out the lubricant, and the inner vein begins to rust intensely, which leads to increased friction and eventual spelling.
It is recommended to perform a visual inspection of the system before each season and a deep lubrication after each season. For lubrication, use special sprays for cables that have water-repellent properties.
Typical faults and methods of their elimination:
- 🛠 Hard move: Most often caused by lubrication drying or damage to the shell, requiring replacement or abundant lubrication.
- 🛠 Driving jerks: a sign that the inner vein began to "crack" and get stuck in the turns of the shell.
- 🛠 Spontaneous addition of gas: It's usually caused by improperly adjusting the locking screws on the carburetor or throttle.
If you notice that the engine stops holding idle turns or stalls when gas is discharged, first of all check the connection of the RU cable with the carburetor valve.
⚠️ Attention: If the cable is rusted inside, you can't regrow it with lubrication, just a replacement. The rust works like an abrasive and quickly destroys the new lubricant layer.
For hydraulic systems, the main control parameter is the absence of leaks and the presence of air in the system (suffocation leads to a “coat” steering wheel).
Regular lubrication of the RU cable prolongs its life by 3-4 times and prevents dangerous situations with jamming of the control at full speed.
E-Government and Current Trends
With the development of technology, mechanical cables are replaced by electronic control systems known as Drive-by-WireIn these systems, there's no mechanical connection between the lever and the motor.
The signal is transmitted via wires, which allows you to implement many additional functions: integration with the onboard computer, autopilot, the ability to install several control posts without complex mechanical switches.
However, such systems are still available mainly for new, powerful engines and require complex configuration through diagnostic software. For most owners of PVC boats and small boats, mechanics remain the “gold standard” of reliability and maintainability.
However, even in classical systems, improvements are emerging: new shell materials that do not absorb water, and hinge connections with a resource of tens of thousands of cycles.
When choosing equipment, always focus on the recommendations of the manufacturer of your motor, as the use of incompatible components can lead to the breakdown of expensive components.
How often should I change the remote control cable?
The life of the cable depends on the intensity of operation and storage conditions. On average, with the right lubrication and storage of the boat in a dry place, a quality cable lasts 5-7 years. If the boat is in the open air, the period is reduced to 3 years.
Can I shorten the RU cable at home?
Technically, this is only possible for some types of cables (usually threaded tips), but it is highly discouraged. Factory pressing provides reliability that is difficult to replicate in garage conditions.
Why did the gas lever start to run tight?
The most likely cause is the flushing of the lubricant and the ingress of moisture into the cable shell, and it could also be the tugging of the adjustment nuts on the motor itself or the contamination of the carburetor mechanism.
What is the difference between SS and SR cables?
Series cables SS (Steering) are designed to control the turn (gas and reverse), and series SR Steering Racks are rack cables that are usually longer and have a different type of attachment, and you can't get them confused because of the different geometry of the tips.