Combine Throttle/Shifter conversion to Dual Control

[Nathan G]

I have just purchased a 2000 290 Sundancer and love the boat but absolutely hate the Combine throttle / transmission controls. My previous boat the transmission were on the left throttles on the right was throttles and loved that setup. Both boats are I/O

Is it possible to convert it to Dual Control?

I read something about the Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS)?

Searched for some threads and couldn't find anything related to this.

 

[Ididntdoit]

Yes - its possible - you do NOT want DTS - check out Livorsi marine controls

 

[Nathan G]

Yes - its possible - you do NOT want DTS - check out Livorsi marine controls

Lots of flaws with the DTS or just not the same as having the dual controls?

 

[Ididntdoit]

DTS is usually single controls with a button that limits rpm for docking. It would be an expensive conversion (if it could even be done with your motors) and there are reliability problems including runaway boats.....The livorsi conversion could possibly use your existing cables if they are in good shape

 

[DjNiki4]

hey @Ididntdoit ive been thinking of going DTS route for my 300,
https://www.ebay.com/itm/123958519800?ul_noapp=true

as well as
https://www.ebay.com/itm/223736988810?ul_noapp=true

i like the DTS controls to your knowledge do you think there is more to it than just this? (2nd link i am not sure if i need that or a different conversion kit)

 

[Henry Boyd]

First off DTS requires Smartcraft. In terms of a high level description:

Re rigging the boat with SC from engines to helm,
SC Gauges and Display (to configure DTS)
Control module
Engine module - note the link above is only part of what is needed. There is a mechanical interface that is attached to the engines that actually works the throttle and pulls the cable from the sterndrive to shift.

Now that assumes the existing engine PCU software will support DTS. I don't believe Nathan's engines are SC capable and if they are I doubt the engine software will support DTS.

I've re-rigged a 280 with SC gauges. It is a doable DIY but it takes time. That said I think doing a SC upgrade and then doing a DTS add on might be a bit much. My guess the parts alone if buying new would be in the $3K-6K range and paying someone else for the labor would be a like amount.

There are some things I don't have an issue with buying used. Systems critical to the operation of my boat are not in that category.

 

[Ididntdoit]

I dont like DTS - First and foremost I dont trust mercruisers ability to engineer a drive by wire system with the proper redundencies/failsafes built in. I have firsthand knowledge of a runaway boat as i mentioned above. I recently ran a dts equipped twin outbord powered boat and missed the "mechanical" feel and control. I would look into a new manual control and cables if you dont like how your current setup "feels". If you are hell bent on the conversion, I concur with Henry - way more to it then the parts you listed - i dont think DTS boats even have IAC valves as the computer just controls the throttle blades.....Good luck whatever you decide.....hope all is going well with the 300.....I just bought a new (to me) boat today....

 

[stephenm27]

...i dont think DTS boats even have IAC valves as the computer just controls the throttle blades...

You are correct—no IAC on DTS boats.

 

[Irie308]

Something you want to tell us on another thread Mike????

 

[Ididntdoit]

Something you want to tell us on another thread Mike????

Ok, Ok - will do