Remote engine controller

[Mambo42]

I am searching for a remote engine controller, such as e.g. yacht controller. You can then remotely control the engines, thrusters, anchor winch etc.
I spoke with yacht controller this week and found out that the toggle switches basically only can do idle forward and idle reverse. If you want more power they can program that in the presets, but you will always have equal power on both engines. In other words, you can have 15 % power on starboard, but you will also have 15 % power on the port engine.
Apparently a progressive remote, which let you add as much power as you need does not exist (at least according to yacht controller).
I don't have shaft drives, so a joy stick would not make any sense for me.

Is there any remote on the market with which I have the full range of power on both engines available as I please ? E.g. port in as much reverse as I need and starboard in as much forward as I need ?

Appreciate any inputs on this one.

 

[jjpatrick]

Dockmate does what you want. I took out Yacht Controller and couldn’t be happier.

 

[PNK]

I echo the previous comment; Dockmate works really well, and should do all the tasks you listed. I believe there is also a version that can run your thruster(s). You put it on a lanyard around your neck and can then control those functions from anywhere on the boat. It con't control steering, though.
Peter

 

[dannc]

Not sure it will do what the OP needs, but Kobelt is another brand to consider, and has been discusses on TF.

 

[PNK]

Forgot to add that Dock Mate is pricey. Don't remember exactly, but once everything is properly installed I think you can spend $10,000, maybe more now.

 

[chrisa006]

What was said above is right. We installed Dockmate this spring and it works well. The install took 3 hrs. and the next 3 was going out with the installer having him program it the way you want it.

 

[Mambo42]

Thanks for the tips, will take a look at dockmate and hopefully it will do the trick. I do have remote control for bow and stern thrusters plus anchor, that brand is called MAX, works great, but cannot control the engines with it.

 

[Whiskey&Blues]

I am researching these as well, Yacht Controller seems to be the industry leader and most $, this is new to market in the last few years, but I am also researching user experiences....They are from Matritronix in the EU. Not sure if link it allowed, but here is a link to them for your reading pleasure.

 

[ABfish]

I had a Glendenning corded remote that would allow a percentage of full throttle along with shifter control. Might be more economical if you're okay with the cord. I used it primarily for weighing anchor by myself.

 

[NoRain]

I am researching these as well, Yacht Controller seems to be the industry leader and most $, this is new to market in the last few years, but I am also researching user experiences....They are from Matritronix in the EU. Not sure if link it allowed, but here is a link to them for your reading pleasure.

Wow, that’s not bad pricing.

 

[Whiskey&Blues]

Wow, that’s not bad pricing.

Certainly seems like a great deal, better if you can install...not sure what the install would cost at boatyard, I will do some additional research, but I will certainly be considering this.

 

[NoRain]

I can envision replacing my existing YachtController system as it’s getting pretty long in the tooth. Replace with kind is very expensive, so have been eyeballing Dockmate. Half the price, and at least as good according to feedback. But this Maritronix is half again. I’m not *that* price sensitive, but if equal or greater quality and features, I’m happy to pocket the difference.

 

[Mambo42]

I had a Glendenning corded remote that would allow a percentage of full throttle along with shifter control. Might be more economical if you're okay with the cord. I used it primarily for weighing anchor by myself.

I have a corded 'remote', but it is a nightmare to walk around with it. It is bulky, heavy, you need two hands to operate it and I can only take it to the stern, cable is too short to take it to the bow or anywhere else on the boat.

 

[Mambo42]

I am researching these as well, Yacht Controller seems to be the industry leader and most $, this is new to market in the last few years, but I am also researching user experiences....They are from Matritronix in the EU. Not sure if link it allowed, but here is a link to them for your reading pleasure.

That is a very good price ! If you would have proportional control with this remote then this one would be definitely worth a try.
I read the instruction manual, but it does not state if you have control over the amount of throttle you want to give. I read it can go forward and reverse, but it would be nice if you have more available than just idle forward and idle reverse

 

[Whiskey&Blues]

Agreed, perhaps it just uses whatever throttle position is set vs. just idle. When I am ready, I will be reaching out to them to confirm.