Remote Control Boats

[St. Elsewhere]

Originally Posted by gosstyla

Here's a controller:

Yacht Controller - Wireless Remote Control of Your Yacht

This one is industrial strength. It has dual frequency communications so if one channel encounters interference, it will still operate. Bosh makes that part of the system. It is the same control that is used for operating cranes.

[rebel heart]

Seems like the kind of thing a power boater who rarely if ever leaves the breakwater would use when showing up to the lunch dock to get a pizza, then motoring back to the yacht club.

Also the same guy that 10% of the time is calling seatow.

[St. Elsewhere]

It is wonderful that we can greet new technology with our own individual opinions. I respect early adopters, and those who wish to stay at the sextant and compass level equally. The market place ultimately decides whose opinion counts.

[bobconnie]

Come on Rebel, I have one of them there remotes on this boat we just bought, had it 2 months now it's still in a drawer near the helm ! I don't think it's got any batts in it LOL , love the auto driver thingy just don't trust remotes, heck I can't work a remote for direct tv LOL maybe some day like on my 90th birthday I will try it out !! Bob and Connie

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by bobconnie

Come on Rebel, I have one of them there remotes on this boat we just bought, had it 2 months now it's still in a drawer near the helm ! I don't think it's got any batts in it LOL , love the auto driver thingy just don't trust remotes, heck I can't work a remote for direct tv LOL maybe some day like on my 90th birthday I will try it out !! Bob and Connie

I sold mine before it got too out dated.

[hugosalt]

Wired remote came with my Simrad auto pilot thanks to a promo at the time...
never installed remote although thought it could come in handy at times...
The deciding factor not to install came a short while later when TV remote became
possessed and watching what it wanted when it wanted!

[James S]

Why not...great idea IMO.

[rtbates]

remote helms have been around for years. I have one on our Cape Dory 25D. It consists of two 30' lines run from the tiller through turning blocks at the cockpit coaming along the side deck to the bow. I can steer from anywhere along either side deck up to the bow pulpit...No batteries to go dead, no interference..

[markpierce]

If we can have remote control trains, why not boats?

[colemj]

Originally Posted by delmarrey

If they can fly drones miles away, why not boats too?

The aerodynamics are way off.

Mark

[minaret]

An auotopilot remote is not really the same as full remote control, as you can only control the rudder angle and not the throttle or gearshifter. Most autopilot's have a remote.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by minaret

An auotopilot remote is not really the same as full remote control, as you can only control the rudder angle and not the throttle or gearshifter. Most autopilot's have a remote.

My AP can control the bow thruster... If I would have had one

Back OT, we have a friend with a trimaran with fixed wing as sail and he also has a remote control. He can go reverse, sideways etc. without any engine! I found it a spiff remote!

cheers,
Nick.

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by colemj

The aerodynamics are way off.

Mark

I've heard bricks can fly with a big enough motor.


.

[RaySea Lady]

I had one put on mine 4 years ago.

I have mathers electronic throttles so I went with the Mathers wired remote helm. It has a 60 foot line connected to a box that is 4 inches by 8 inches. controls both engines, both thrusters and anchor windlass.

I had checked out the wireless yacht controller back then but what I did not like about them was that it controlled both thrusters and both TRANSMISSIONS but not throttles.

In other words I could shift forward/reverse but could not throttle up if the wind caught me and I needed a bit more power.

Both the mather and yacht controller do not control the rudder at all.

With my mather remote, I can throttle up to 80% of full power if I need it and shift forward/reverse and control both thrusters. It is installed about mid ship so I have plenty of line to reach bow and stern but I would never leave the boat with it.

I only use it when I am alone which is probably 10 times the last 4 years but it is a great tool when you need it.

And the autopilot wireless remote is great but only controls the rudder and cannot be used for docking.