Throttle relocation
 

Has anybody relocated the throttle to the starboard side of their fountain? I am looking to purchase a fountain, but dont know how well I would adapt to everything being left handed. Please post pics if possible. Thanks

Their were some right hand models out their. But its really not a big deal. You will get used to it in a few outings. You might even find that you like it better, especially if you are right handed.

Dude it's so much better.. especially when docking the boat. I got used to it pretty quick..

you get used to it after just a couple outings if you are right handed... I drove someone else's boat the other day and it really felt strange with a conventional throttle position.

Thanks for the input guys. Guess it would be best to practice arround an empty dock first.

like everyone said it doesnt take long to get use to. and i also like it better on the left.

Just curious, but what do you guys like better about having it on the left?

You will adapt in time! As far as around the docks it is hands down a better set up. I grew up with stick shift cars and therefore had a mind set on which hand was supposed to be doing the steering and it took me some time to get my old brain into the deal. But docking is the tits with this set up.

I would still like to see a setup where the shifter is on the left and the throttle on the right, just like the 30 outlaw. I found a dash panel from livorsi that had this setup for a fountain, but I havent seen it installed with the levers. It seems that the throtlle levers would be really close to the steering wheel with this dash. Thanks again for the input

Whole theory here, this is the Reggie version of why left, is that most people are right hand dominant and therefore your right hand should control the direction of the boat. And in a race set up it allows for one to throttle and one to steer without having to tear the whole boat apart and re-rig it.

The reason I love the set up for docking is that if you're in a real tight spot you can sit on the edge of the bolster with a hand on each shifter and make it just dance in to any spot you want it. Plus you are closer to the center of the boat making your ability to see both sides of the boat better.

That is kind of the mind set I had being used to steering with my left hand on everything; vehicles and boats. It seems like it would take a little time to get used to. Just hope I can catch on quick, or just invest in a lot more bumpers!

Honestly, if I were to have a new Fountain built just for ME this is exactly what I would have done. I really love the docking advantage, but my brain still says that my leftie is for steerin' and the other one is for the other chit!

I have thought about doing this change but the boat handles so well that you can just stuff them up there and drive it, so why bother! :lolhit:

Like I said the docking is a big plus, don't worry about that part. You will make the adjustment in time as far as the rest goes, believe me there is nothing out there that drives like a Fountain, and I've had the opportunity to run a chit load of other perf boats. The time to adapt is well worth it.

what he said.:evilb::evilb::evilb:

I did the switch to split throttles with the Livorski dash. No problems at all with the wheel, every boater friend loves them. Just a great setup and looks wonderful. It is the way to go, do it and love the boat

all so if u get in ruff water , who ever is in the passenger seat can throttle the boat while the driver drives . robbie

You won't even think about it after a day on the water. Did you have to learn to drive from the right side of the boat, vs the left side as in your vehicle? ;) Same thing.

when pulling up to the dock . I like to look around. My neck gets sore if i turn it all around and chit.. this way I can stand facing the back of the boat and view what I need to instead of being strickend to the cockpit area. The freedom is incredible. And no throttle on the right side gives me the space i need to work the wheel out in the bay. If you are right handed, teaching your left hand to be good at something is a good thing too. We can drag this out longer than the forumla guys I bet. :lolhit:

You mean there are boats that have the throttles on right? Thats weird...:rolleyes:

I have my own ways of training my left hand to be good at something...

I'm just sayin'...

:coolcowboy:

Converted mine, and I would'nt ever change it back. Not that I could'nt get used to the throttles on the left, but rather when cruising, there's no where to rest your arm, and when in some sloppy waters, it seemed like my arm was always going up and down a bit, just enough to jerk the throttles a bit and hear the engines rev up and down while trying to maintain a steady rpm. Got to be really uncomfortable to take a long cruise anywhere.
Noone runs the boat but me, so there's no need for anyone else to think they'd have to work the throttles. :rolleyes:

10X , That looks nice.

Could not help but notice where the speedo needle is resting.
Is that recall or just stuck there from some long "cruises":drink: ?

I second that....after second outing you won't even notice it.

I don't know if I want to go back to a right hand.

On the left its easier to adjust/fine tune trim at wide open throttle without zinging the drives.

Looks like you are flipping the bird!:drink:

REAL boats have throttles on the left!!

Mine throttles have the drive and tab switches built into them. I never have to take my hand off the throttles. :drink:

If I ever buy another boat other than a fountain... which I doubt unless its a cat... I would switch the throttle to the left! It's just better.

I completely love everything about the way My boat is set up ...from the factory.. Except the outdrive trim switch. I just flipped that switch upside down. the rest of the boat is tits just the way it is :flag:

Trottles on the left are great I have trim on the steering wheel & it is very easy to handle.

I relocated mine to the right side for throttles and left for drives and would never put the throttles back on the left. I am also left handed, but I prefer the throttles on the right. I ran them on the left for over two years and just never liked it so when I reworked the dash I took the plunge and moved them. I guess it is different strokes for different folks?

Hello I'm looking to move my shifters to the right and seen your post. Looks great. Where can I find this? This is my first fountain and not sure if I will ever feel comfortable with the throttle sticks on the right. They are too far from me when driving. Thanks Timmy

I found a shifter box on Summit racing web page that looks like it would make a nice install with a Gaffrig two stick control for the throttles. I think I'll try it.

Maybe two sets of throttles on each side of the wheel would be an option too LOL? Nah just try the Fountain set up and you will like it in no time flat. Reggie won more than any with this set up and he is among the best. No he is the very best powerboat racer and builder of all time.