Yacht Controller

[Morgan Jane]

I got a question to you guys with a wireless "Yacht Controller" setup. Is your setup basically an added extra helm station and the "Yacht Controller" controls the added helm station wirelessly? I chose the "install yourself" option and I'm pretty sure I can handle it. Just didn't realize they give you a new Helm location to add. I don't have the space on my dash. Not sure what I'm gonna do. Gonna have to move a few things around. Would love to see pics of anyone with a 55 Sundancer and a Yacht Controller to see where the new helm station was installed. I was thinking all along all they did was control your existing throttle wirelessly. Thanks guys.

Bill

 

[lawndoctor]

The YC dash panel is not an added helm station. It is essentially a switch that transfers control of specific functions from the helm to the YC remote control box. For whatever functions you have set up to operate on your YC remote (which can include shifters, thrusters, joystick, and/or anchor windlass), you transfer control from the helm to the YC remote by using the YC dash panel, and at that point the remote operates those functions until you transfer them back to the helm. The remote comes with a lanyard so you can wear it around your neck and walk around with it without dropping it overboard. Transferring control back and forth takes some practice, and you want to do it as quickly as possible because during the brief period while you are effecting the transfer you have no control of those functions. Typically the YC dash panel is installed at or close to the helm. Note there is a special dash panel for MAN engines that takes a bit more space and requires a few more buttons to be pushed for the transfer. So if you decide to install a YC, my advice is to get a template of the exact switch and panel to be installed on your boat so you can decide ahead of time where they will be located. It took five months to get the special MAN panel, although that was last year so maybe no longer the case. We got a discount ordering directly from the company at the PB Boat Show.

Edit: Attached is a photo of the switch and panel.

 

[FootballFan]

I have had a yacht controller for almost 5 years. I have the same left panel that @lawndoctor posted, but I do not have the right panel.

On our boat, we push the button on the yacht controller, then turn on the handheld device. Hit the sync button and we are live. On our boat the yacht controller and the normal controls are both active and you can move back and forth.

If you have pod drives, you can get the joystick version.

If you have normal straight or vdrives, then the joystick does not apply (what we have).

Net of yacht controller is provides the ability to use the transmissions and thrusters without being at the helm. The current version adds in the ability to also use the throttles.

I have visibility issues from the helm. YC has been invaluable allowing me to move around, even be in the cockpit as needed for docking. Have not had any issues, replaced the batteries once or twice. Has been pretty bullet proof.

It does not replace docking skills. It just allows the controls which you already have to be accessed standing anywhere.

 

[Morgan Jane]

Thanks for the replies guys. After doing a little more research. The Panel on the right in Lawndoctor's picture is a quasi new helm postion. It's an extension of the existing Rexroth Throttle controller, just like an upper helm on a fly bridge is an extension of the lower helm. You even have to go into the MAN engine computer in the engine room and program the engine controller to tell it there is an extra controller. The MAN options are Bridge, starboard, portside, fly, afterdeck, and ECR. Yacht Controller tells you to pick ECR. I'm thinking maybe ECR is Electric Controller. I guess it isn't important whether its a "new Helm" position or not. But what I do find interesting is the Yacht Controller is not controlling the existing Throttle controller wirelessly. they are basically controlling the added controller wirelessly. I know they make a big deal that they don't control the existing controller the way other brands do and that they actually install a alternate controller that they control wirelessly. All good.