Driving a boat directly from the hummel is a classic that is available to every owner of a small boat, but when it comes to more powerful engines or long transitions, physical contact with the handle becomes tedious and even unsafe. kit for remote control of the outboard motorIt drastically changes the ergonomics of the cockpit.
The switch to remote control (DU) allows for a convenient area for control, freeing up space and comfortable one-handed operation, not just a matter of convenience, but also an important step towards improving safety on the water, especially in difficult weather conditions, when you need to hold firmly on the side or the steering wheel.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what a high-quality kit consists of, how to choose compatible components for different brands of engines and what to pay attention to when installing. Remote control It is a system where every element, from the cable to the ignition lock, must work perfectly in synchrony.
Design features of remote control systems
Anyone. remote-control It's based on mechanical or electronic transmission from the control lever to the engine, and the mechanical systems that are most popular among hobbyists use flexible cables that are encased in a strong shell, and inside this shell, a core moves, which transmits force to the motor levers.
Modern systems are often universal, but require fine tuning. gas-line and gear-shifterThey should have minimal friction and high resistance to stretching. mechanicalMake sure the cables meet the requirements of your motor.
Fly-by-wire electronic control systems are less common in the budget segment, but they are devoid of mechanical cables, transmitting a signal over wires. However, for most owners of PVC and aluminum boats, mechanical kits are relevant, where reliability depends on the quality of the materials of the shell and core.
- 🔩 Control machine - a central unit installed on board, often equipped with a ignition lock.
- 🔗 Flexible cables - transmit force, there are different lengths and types of tips.
- ⚙️ Compensation mechanism - provides smoothness of course and absence of backlashes.
It's important to understand that the length of the cables is not just the distance from the side to the motor, you need to consider the radii of the bends, the gasket inside the side and the margin for maneuver. Standard kits often include cables 3 meters long, which is enough for boats up to 4-5 meters long.
Criteria for choosing a compatible set
Choosing the right one PO It starts with looking at the specifications of your outboard motor. Not all motors support remote control out of the box. Some budget models require additional adapters or no mounting points for the gas cables and gears at all.
Particular attention should be paid to the type of cable tips. Japanese manufacturers such as Yamaha and TohatsuThey often use their own standards of carvings and tip shapes, which may differ from those of the US. Mercury European SuzukiAn error in choice will lead to the impossibility of installation without the use of "kolkhoz" adapters, which reduces reliability.
When buying, pay attention to the availability of all the necessary fasteners in the kit. setup It should include not only the cables and the lever, but also nuts, washers, and sometimes transition plates, and cheap analogues may require additional trifles from the hardware store.
⚠️ Warning: Before buying a kit, be sure to check the engine model with the cable manufacturer's compatibility table. Installing an incompatible cable can lead to jamming of gas or gears at full speed.
Also worth considering is the fabrication material. Brass elements are less susceptible to corrosion, but softer. Coated steels are stronger but require perfect sealability. Salt water prefers to use components made of stainless steel Or specialized alloys.
Overview of popular manufacturers and models
The water accessories market offers solutions from dozens of brands, including the original components market, which is dominated by the engine manufacturers themselves. Yamaha The 6Y5 or 6Y8 series are highly accurate, but they are expensive.
And there are some third-party manufacturers that specialize in marine fittings. Morrison, Teleflex (USA) or Sierra They have long established themselves as reliable suppliers, and their products often have versatile settings and are suitable for a wide range of engines ranging from 2 to 120 hp.
Chinese manufacturers also have a significant market share, offering low-end engines that can be a great choice for low-power engines or seasonal use if you are willing to put up with the possible backlash and less resource. control It could be risky.
| Brand | Type of system | Compatibility | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teleflex (USA) | Mechanical | Universal. | High reliability, Teflon coating of cables |
| Yamaha (Original) | Mechanical/electronic | Yamaha engines | Perfect landing, high price |
| Morrison (China) | Mechanical | Universal. | Budget, availability of adapters in the set |
| Sierra (USA) | Mechanical | Universal. | Specialization in spare parts for old engines |
Can we mix brands?
Yes, it is often possible to use a machine of one brand and cables of another, if the types of tips match (usually the standard M3 or M4 thread and the shape of the hinge).
Tools and preparation for installation
Installation remote-control You don't need complex equipment, but the quality of the installation directly affects the life of the system. Before starting work, make sure that the boat's battery is turned off to avoid short circuits.
The basic process involves drilling holes in the boat's side or console. control-engineIt has to be operator-friendly, spray-proof, and allow the cables to go to the motor with minimal bends, and the sharp inflections of the cable reduce the life of the cable and increase the lever force.
☑️ Preparation for the installation of DS
To work, you will need: an electric drill, a set of drills (including a stepped drill for neat holes in fiberglass or aluminum), wrenches, screwdrivers, silicone sealant for marine applications and insulation, and a marker for marking will also be useful.
It is important to ensure that all the passage holes are sealed. Water that enters the side through the holes under the cables can lead to moisture accumulation in the hold and corrosion of the structural elements. Use high-quality seals and smear the holes with a profuse sealant before the final puff.
Step-by-step instructions for installing the system
The installation process begins with the dismantling of the tiller handle, if it is removable, and the bracket of the machine on board. Once the body is secured, you need to lay the cables. Try to make the radius of bending the cable at least 15-20 cm. Too steep a break will damage the internal structure. flexible-shaft.
The connection to the motor is the most important step. The gas cable connects to the throttle lever, and the switch cable connects to the reverse mechanism. Here, the correct adjustment of the length is critical. The lever on the motor and the lever in the cockpit must be synchronous. If you put the gas in full forward on the machine, then the valve must be fully open on the motor.
Adjustment sequence:1. Reduce the counternuts on the cable tips.
2. Put the motor lever in neutral.
3. Put the lever of the machine in neutral.
4. Set the position of the cables with nuts.
After the mechanical installation, you need to connect the electrical part, which includes ignition wires, a tachometer (if any), an emergency stop switch and a charging indicator, and the connection circuitry is usually included and depends on the wiring of your motor.
Use shrinkage and marine insulation for all electrical connections, and the usual insulation in the sun and in the water will quickly become unusable, leading to oxidation of the contacts.
⚠️ Warning: Before starting, be sure to check the emergency stop faucet. Pull it out on the running motor (on land, in a tank of water or with a stop) - the engine should immediately stall.
Regulation, maintenance and typical errors
After installation, the system requires running and final adjustment. It often happens that after the first hours of operation, the cables sit down or stretch a little, so after 1-2 exits to the water, it is recommended to recheck the tension and synchronization of the levers. Luft in control This is not acceptable because it reduces the accuracy of speed control.
Regular maintenance prolongs the life of the machine. Although modern cables often do not require lubrication (they have a graphite or Teflon coating), it is desirable to lubricate the hinges on the motor and in the machine with a continuous lubricant for outboard motors (Lithium Complex Grease) at the beginning and end of the season.
A common mistake is to install too long cables that are stacked in rings in a rundock, which leads to overlapping and snacking, the cables have to be stretched but without undue stress, and often forget to lay the cables away from the hot parts of the engine or the sharp edges of fiberglass.
A properly installed remote control kit should work smoothly, without jerks and creaks, and the force on the lever should be uniform throughout the course.
If you notice that the motor stops stalling when you pull the stop-crank cable, the problem may be oxidation of the contacts or stretching of the emergency cable, which is a basic but critical part of the safety system that can't be ignored.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Can I install remote control on a two-stroke motor?
Yes, most mechanical kits are versatile and suitable for both two-stroke and four-stroke motors, as long as they have the ability to connect cables, the main thing is compatibility in power and type of mounting.
What is the optimal length of cables for a boat 4 meters long?
For a boat 4 meters long, 3 meters (10 feet) long cables are usually enough, however, if you plan to make large turning radii of the cable inside the side or you have a transom of a non-standard design, it is better to take a kit with a margin (for example, 4 meters), you can always carefully wind the excess.
Do I need to change the candles or carburetor settings after installing the DU?
No, the remote control installation does not affect the engine, the carburetor and the ignition system remain unchanged, only the way the control action on the levers is transferred changes.
What to do if the gear lever is tight?
Check if the cable is properly laid (no sharp bend angles) if the gasket is correct, it may be of poor quality or require lubrication, and also make sure that the reverse mechanism on the motor itself is in good working order and not jammed.