Operating an inflatable boat with an outboard motor over 5 hp requires not only physical effort, but also a certain comfort of control. That is why many owners think about installing a system. remote-controlThis solution allows you to control gas and gear shifts without getting out of the seat, which is especially true for long transitions or fishing by trolling.
However, the introduction of such a system in the design PVC boats It has its own technical nuances, different from the installation on a rigid hull, you need to consider the flexibility of cylinders, the weight of the equipment and the features of the rope laying. In this article, we will discuss in detail all aspects of the modernization of your vessel.
Before purchasing components, it is important to understand that distance It's not just a lever, it's a complex mechanism that connects the motor's hummingbird to the operator's seat, and mistakes in choosing the length of the cable or the gearbox type can lead to inability to operate or engine failure, and let's look at what it takes to get the project done properly.
Design features of remote control
The remote control system (DU) consists of several key components, each of which performs a critical function, based on a control unit installed in the cockpit of a boat, which, through a system of cables, transmits mechanical force to the engine. compactness The weight of these elements plays a crucial role.
The second important element is the gearbox, which is mounted directly to the engine, and it's this assembly that converts the linear motion of the cable into turning the throttle and shifting gear. Mikuni or YamahaThey are highly reliable but require fine tuning.
- 🔧 tiller-distance: main lever mounted on board or transom equipped with an emergency engine jamming button.
- ⚙️ Reverse gearbox: the mechanism attached to the engine responsible for gas and transmission.
- 🔗 Control cables: flexible steel cables in braids, transferring force from lever to motor.
- 🔌 Switching harness: wires for connecting the stop-motor button and, if necessary, the tachometer.
It is worth noting that for low-power engines (up to 5 hp), it is often not economically feasible to set a full range. However, when you switch to 9.9 or 15 hp, the comfort of driving increases many times. mechanical The cables should not have backlashes, otherwise the management will become "cottoned" and unpredictable.
⚠️ Note: When buying a kit, make sure the gearbox is compatible with your engine model. Universal mounts are not available from all manufacturers, and some Chinese engines may require adapters.
Selection of equipment: cables and gearboxes
The key parameter when choosing a kit is the length of the cable. PVC boats The cockpit has a specific geometry that dictates the length requirements. The standard sizes of cables usually range from 3 to 5 meters. The cable is too short to create tension and can damage the mechanism, and too long will have to be carefully stacked to avoid clamps.
Special attention should be paid to the quality of the cable shell, it should be resistant to ultraviolet, salt water and mechanical damage. The inner core is made of multi-core steel or synthetic materials with low friction coefficient. Popular brands such as: Teleflex or SeaStarThey set quality standards, but budget analogues can be quite workable with careful operation.
When choosing a gearshifter, it is important to consider the type of attachment to the carburetor and the gearshift mechanism. Some models require drilling additional holes in the engine casing, which may violate the warranty. steplessallowing more smoothly adjust the speed, which is critical for trolling.
For PVC boats, it is recommended to choose soft-braided cables, as they are easier to run along inflatable tubes, without risking damage to the boat material by sharp edges of the rigid shell.
Keep in mind the safety margin. If you plan to be active or fishing in difficult conditions, you'd better choose metal-based equipment instead of plastic, and although plastic is lighter, it's more susceptible to vibration and impact destruction.
Tools and training required
Set the distance on an inflatable boat requires careful preparation. You do not need a complex locksmith, but the set should be complete. Before starting work, make sure that the boat is clean and fully straightened to have access to all the attachment areas.
Installation will require a drill or screwdriver, a set of screwdrivers, wrenches, a marker and possibly a scissors to trim the extra length of the cable (if the design allows). Also stock up on a sealant to handle the holes in the plywood transmunus if you plan to attach the tiller directly to it.
☑️ Installation tools
The important step is to mark the anchorages. PVC You can't just drill a hole in a cylinder. All the points of attachment of the control lever must be on rigid elements: plywood transom, stringers or specially installed areas. The use of soft inflatable parts for attachment is unacceptable.
Before the final fixing, it is recommended to do a "try-out": spread all the elements of the system to the places of future installation, check the ropes' progress and make sure that they do not rub against the valves, seams or sharp corners of the fittings, this will help to avoid errors that will be difficult to correct later.
Step-by-step instructions for installation of the system
The installation process begins with mounting the gearbox on the engine. Remove the engine cover, find the throttle mounting points and gear shifting mechanism. Carefully secure the gearbox using the bolts from the kit. Don't pull the threads so as not to break the threads in the aluminum body of the engine.
Next, you have a tiller distance. If you're mounting it on a transom, make sure that the screws don't damage the cylinders when you blow or blow the boat. The best option is to use removable brackets that are fixed on the hard transom. Connect the electrical part: the wires from the stop-motor button should be connected to the appropriate contacts on the motor (usually a plug plug plug plug plug plug).
The nuances of the cables
When laying cables, avoid sharp inflections (with a radius of less than 10-15 cm). The cable should go as straight as possible. If you want to bend, fix it with plastic clamps to the hardness elements of the boat so that the vibration does not rub the braid.
The final step is to connect and adjust the cables, and you can pull the cables from the motor to the tiller, you can fix the ends of the cables in the gears, and the adjustment is to close the carburetor valve when the lever is completely lowered, and then open it completely when it is fully moving, and the gear is also adjusted: the neutral must be clearly fixed.
After assembly, be sure to check the system on the shore, start the engine (safety!) and make sure the control lever responds correctly, and the emergency jamming button breaks the ignition circuit. Any jamming should be eliminated before getting on the water.
Comparison of types of control systems
There are many different distances on the market, and it's easy for a beginner to get confused, and the main differences are the type of drive (mechanical or electronic) and the design of the lever. PVC boats With engines up to 30 hp, classic mechanics remains the best choice.
Drive-by-wire is wire-driven, and it makes it incredibly easy to run and multiple control stations, but the cost of these sets is high, and the installation requires a deep knowledge of electrical engineering, which is often redundant for a simple inflatable boat.
| Characterization | Mechanical distance | Electronic System (DBW) | Manual control (tiller) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Medium | High. | Included in the price of the engine |
| Difficulty of installation | Medium | High. | Missing. |
| Comfort of management | Highly | maximum | Low (requires effort) |
| Reliability | High. | Depends on the electronics. | Maximum |
Mechanical systems are also divided by cable stroke, with standard zero-backlash cables and cables, and for fishing, where precise trolling speed control is required, the latter is preferable, although it is more expensive.
Typical errors and security measures
One of the most common mistakes is the wrong laying of cables. PVC The cables are often left lying on the floor where they interfere with the legs and can be accidentally squeezed. Be sure to use clips or clamps to fix the cables along the side or under the seats.
The second mistake is lubrication, the reverse gear mechanism and the cable entry points require periodic maintenance, water and sand get into the water, leading to acidification, and use water-resistant lubricants, such as lithium-based lubricants.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the cables stretched when the motor is turned off and the boat is not in use for a long time, which can lead to deformation of the inner veins of the cable and loss of elasticity.
Safety is also about the electrical part. All wire connections must be securely insulated and preferably filled with adhesive shrinkage. Moisture is the main enemy of the electrician on the boat, and short circuit can disable the ignition coil or the CDI unit.
Proper installation and regular maintenance of remote control prolong the life of not only the system itself, but also the engine, ensuring smooth operation of the throttle valve without jerks.
Maintenance and care of the system
After each trip, it is recommended to wash the reverse gear mechanism with fresh water, especially if you have been swimming on a salty reservoir. The salt crystallizes and acts as an abrasive, quickly wearing out the rubbing parts. Just rinse the knot from a watering pot or hose.
Once a season, you should do a full review. Take off the cables, check them for braid breaks or snacks. Grease the moving parts of the lever and gearbox. If you notice that the cable's stroke has become tight, try blowing it with compressed air and burying a special lubricant for the cables.
Keeping a boat at a set distance is better when it's disassembled or with loose cables, which will reduce the load on materials during the off-season, and when properly operated, a quality remote control system will last for years, making your walks on the water really comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I set the distance on the engine with a capacity of 5 hp?
Technically, this is possible if the motor has a separate gas and gear mechanism, but at such low power levels, this rarely makes sense, since the tiller force is minimal, and the weight and cost of the kit can be a significant part of the price of the engine itself.
What length of cable to choose for a boat 3.5 meters long?
For a boat 3.5 meters long, a 3-meter cable is usually sufficient, but it is better to measure the distance from the lever to the engine along the gasket path and add a margin of 30-50 cm for maneuver. A standard size of 3 or 4 m will suit most cases.
Are the cables of different manufacturers compatible with reverse gearboxes?
Most mechanical cables have standardized tips (such as the 3300 or M3), but there are exceptions. Be sure to check the thread type and shape of the cable tip with the seating position of your reverse gearbox before buying.
Do I need to lubricate the distance cables?
Yes, modern cables often have an internal lubricant, but over time it dries out. It is recommended to periodically (once a season) drip the liquid lubricant inside the braid at both ends to ensure easy and smooth stroke of the control lever.