Why are Outboards Made to be Operated with the Left Hand?

[a64pilot]

Why is the throttle on the right for a motorcycle?
On a helicopter, it's your left hand, and let me tell you, that did not come easy for me, and I think it rolled backwards too, twisted your hand forward to add throttle

If I can get used to that, I can get used to the outboard, I have wondered why the throttle can't be moved to the other side, seems like that would not be hard.

Jim I have tried your way, sitting on the Port tube, but I can't turn to Port very sharp that way, my gut gets in the way. I know that's a personal problem.

I know why, Helicopter pilots invented the outboard, that's why

[Dallasron]

All controls are with the left hand (throttle, shifter, release) which don't require the greatest strength and leaves the right hand for the pull start and raising the engine. Had to think about it thoughhttp://www.cruisersforum.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Kalinka1]

Also first builder was probably a Lefty. We are taking over the world!

Originally Posted by Suijin

As a lefty I appreciate the one product on the planet designed for me. So all you whiners can go back to your scissors, three ring binders, ball point pens, number pads on your keyboards, one-piece school desks, can openers, CC swipers (always mounted angled right), measuring tapes (numbers are upside down for lefties) and stop complaining!

[thomm225]

On small power boats I had as a teenager and on my present boat, I have always operated the outboard from the port side. (and I'm right handed)

But then my boats were quite a bit wider than a dinghy.....

Those old two strokes would run forever though and they were tough because I rarely did maintenance back then: https://www.google.com/search?q=1970...FEydfPr8MBUDM:

When motoring long distance on my sailboat, the outboard is on autopilot but when docking I run the outboard from the port side also.........

A lot of the reasons I do it that way on my sailboat is because the outboard is mounted more on the port side and my finger pier is on that side of the boat also.

[Sandero]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

WTF?? I've always seated myself on the port tube and driven with my right hand on the tiller and throttle. Why would you not do so? Works fine for me!

Jim

For some reason I sit on starboard.. I assume because being right handed pulling the starter chord uses my stronger arm.

I have sat to port and can do it but I do get confused because things seem backwards.

The tiller is on port and this puts it closer to someone on the port tube than the starboard... and seems to require some contortions to "gross turns" to stbd. GThe extra motor width doesn't cause the same contortions when turning to port from the stbd side.

[Scot McPherson]

It is for the same reason that cars in the US have driver's seats on the left, and elsewhere on the right. Because in a channel, oncoming traffic passes you on the port side. This naturally allows you to keep an eye on the oncoming traffic just like it helps a car driver sitting closer to the yellow lines judge their distance from oncoming traffic.


Yes it means looking over your shoulder, but either way and no matter which side of the boat you sit on, you should always maintain awareness of 360 degrees of your surroundings.

[Hudson Force]

Left hand outboard operation is one of the few ergonomic designs that accounted for future needs.

The insightful designers have accommodated the new generation of dinghy operators to ability to text with their right hand while piloting their dinghies through the crowded anchorage!

[SV Bacchus]

Probably designed by rum runners or drug smugglers.. Allowed them to keep their gun hand free.

[epiic]

I sit on the port side tube with throttle in my right hand because I prefer to sit further forward to balance the boat and get it on plane easier.

I tried to use my left hand on the starboard side and it just feels wrong...

[boatman61]

[QUOTE=a64pilot;2349379]Why is the throttle on the right for a motorcycle?
QUOTE]

Because the clutch is on the left.. be difficult to operate both at the same time.

[zeehag]

easy peasy . just sit on the other side of the dinghy to run it. hahahaha
is what i used to do--ambidextrous dinghy use.
if that does not work, buy oars and sit in the middle.

[a64pilot]

[QUOTE=boatman61;2349494]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Why is the throttle on the right for a motorcycle?
QUOTE]

Because the clutch is on the left.. be difficult to operate both at the same time.

To continue this analogy of non standardization, a motorcycle has the front brake on the right, but a bicycle has it on the left.

[SVTwilight]

It was a subversive plot by all of us lefties who otherwise have to live in a right-handed world...

[boatman61]

[QUOTE=a64pilot;2349518]

Originally Posted by boatman61

To continue this analogy of non standardization, a motorcycle has the front brake on the right, but a bicycle has it on the left.

Well that's easy.. left is generally the weaker pressure so front is on the left and the rear brake which requires more force is on the right.
And.. if your a 'leftie' its an easy switch over to make on a bike.. just switch cables.

[44'cruisingcat]

[QUOTE=a64pilot;2349518]

Originally Posted by boatman61

To continue this analogy of non standardization, a motorcycle has the front brake on the right, but a bicycle has it on the left.

All the bicycles I've ridden had the front brake on the right.