Adding hard-wired remote for thruster/engines?

[mvweebles]

Any simple, reliable solutions to adding a second set of engine/thruster controls? A good friend of mine has a 2014 Horizon 52 Powercat - enclosed flybridge with one helm; ZF throttle/gear controls driving a pair of Cummins.

His boat has a Yacht Controller wireless remote that controls thruster and forward/reverse of each gear (no throttle, just idle forward/reverse) so he can anchor or dock from deck level. Issue is the Yacht Controller can be a bit flaky due to leak/expanded battery, etc.

Any ideas on a hard-wired remote, basically a hard-wired version of the Yacht Controller? A second station in the stern would of course be great, but was hoping there would be a simpler solution given some sort of mechanism exists for the Yacht Controller.

Thoughts?

Peter

 

[Ka_sea_ta]

This is what is on our boat with Mathers Controls, We dont have the thruster option but with 50 ft of cable I can go forward to anchor or the cockpit to dock...ZF Mathers Handheld Remote Control Unit

 

[Comodave]

I have seen them on some boats, I think that OCDiver has them on his boat. You might send him a message and see if he does.

 

[wkearney99]

If the system is already electronic then there should be options for additional stations. Bearing in mind that the yacht controller's integration may complicate factors. It would seem like a good idea to find an integrator that REALLY understands the setups.

That and what about just getting the yacht controller setup fixed? A remote with a bad battery should be easily repaired. Likewise if reception is being problematic perhaps there's an antenna problem?

 

[mvweebles]

Issue with yacht controller is same as flashlights in warm climates like Florida. Batteries leak and swell, sometimes taking the contacts with them. I forget what he said the last replacement for the remote control was, but it was a startling amount of money. Plus he didn't realize it was toast until he was a out to leave for Bahamas. 2014 boat, so not that old.

 

[OldDan1943]

Issue with yacht controller is same as flashlights in warm climates like Florida. Batteries leak and swell, sometimes taking the contacts with them. I forget what he said the last replacement for the remote control was, but it was a startling amount of money. Plus he didn't realize it was toast until he was a out to leave for Bahamas. 2014 boat, so not that old.

and that's why if I were to install such a system, I would want a controller with a cable instead of a wireless controller.

 

[Keysdisease]

As Bill Kearney mentioned, the first thing is you need is to have or change your engine control system to an electronic system. If your current system is push/pull cables this change is not particularly simple and certainly not cheap. Then as mentioned there are provisions for just wiring in additional stations.

A non-portable system of hard mounting an additional station is very do-able for something like a cockpit station. You would just add an additional engine control w push-pull cables, an additional thruster control, and if you have an AP a simple toggle would give you steering too.

Any simple, reliable solutions to adding a second set of engine/thruster controls?
Peter