Are Dual funtion shifter/throttle campatable with v-drives?

[charpold]

On my '85 340SDA, I would like to replace the thottles and shifters with a dual function tele-flex controller. I feel it would be much easier to dock my boat with this controller vs the traditional shifter anad throttle setup where the shifters are separate from the thottles. Has anyone modified there controllers in this manner.

Thanks

 

[Registered]

I have DTS on mine with 8.1S HO V-drives.
It was built that way, so I'm not sure what it would take to upgrade.

 

[fwebster]

Some are compatible, but I'm not sure this is a change you want to make.

V-drives/inboards are sensitive to engine rpms for shifting. Much over about 900-1000 rpm's, depending upon the gear maker, and the transmission slams into gear and that can damage the transmission. Single lever controls have a fairly small null area between the point where the transmission fully shifts and you get into the throttle. Add a little lag in the transmission and you have a recipe for a transmission disaster on your hands.

I think a better alternative is to learn to handle the separate throttle/shifter controls. Try applying the throttle in short bursts as you get set up for your slip, then once oriented correctly its pretty easy to turn around, face backwards and run the boat with just the shifters. The slow response from the boat is just the nature of the beast.....tunnels, small 3-bladed props and low rpms....and about the only way to safely overcome it is by using short bursts of throttle.

 

[charpold]

Thanks for the reply. It sounds like I need to practice more.
I thought about setting up some bouys the width of my slip and practice backing between them.

 

[testlab]

Regal 322 and 3260 I have looked at (with v drives) have single lever controls so they are definitely available and can be fitted as standard equipment. They were not digital throttle systems.

If you are going to use buoys to practice with, depending on depth, tie a metre (3ft) length of rope to the buoy and then a couple of feet of chain and then rope of a suitable length to a sandbag or similar to anchor the buoy. This will stop you getting the rope around the props.

 

[MarkD]

FRank is right, its the combo of tunnel drives, small props/rudders that make it unweildy. But you have to practice with using the throttle in short intervals. Might I also suggest you try turning your torso around and facing aft when docking... it really helped me and made docking more accurate.

 

[charpold]

I'm going out today to practice I'll try turning around when backing.

 

[MarkD]

Good luck. Remember it takes practice. Dont get frustrated "if at first you dont succeed"..... blah blah blah... LOL.