Left hand throttle?
 

I'm sure this has been asked before or common knowledge, but why are the throttles on Fountains always on the left? It doesnt bother me, just takes some getting used to, just wondering?

Your control hand should be on the wheel so if your left handed you might need to sell your boat

So you can have your kid run the throttles when you are going really fast :D

Or so the f1 race boats can can have the throttleman sit next to the driver without changing the dash config and the boat can still be driven by the driver without a throttleman

Seriously, good question.. I've wondered this myself..
Could it stem from maybe an original dash Reggie designed for racing w a throttleman or was he left handed? Anyone have an honest explanation?

EDIT: just found this: http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/f...-throttle.html

When they first started building boats someone mistakenly ordered a couple hundred throttle cables from Morse that were two foot longer then needed for the original right hand throttle location. The rest is history.

Reggie said it would be faster this way

Once you get used to it, it really is awesome, and the other way seems strange

Left handed

Thanks

I'm left handed and although I don't own a Fountain, I've driven one a few times....drives me nuts!!!!

Think of which hand you keep on the wheel in your car/truck. For me it's my left hand but I bet most right-handers have their right hand on the wheel. Seems the Fountain throttle layout is actually "better suited" for a right-hander IMO.

I moved into a fountain after having jetboats for 25 years, it was an easy transition because the forward/reverse lever is on the left.

lefty?
 

My 86 10 Meter was swapped to right hand throttles because original owner han no right arm. I am left handed myself, and cannot picture using left hand controls, besides its nice to be able to plant your elbow against something when its really ruff out. Just my opinion.

I agree, it is on my to do list.

+1...I would want to change the throttle configuration if I went Fountain.

is there any one out there that make a dash with the right side cut out of it ??? i would like to swap mine as well but need to re rig the dash

I had my doubts about the left hand throttles until using my new to me fountain. Left hand throttles are nice because I'm right handed. Other BIG benefit is when family or friend wants to drive, I can stand by the captains bolster and control throttles, tabs, drives while they only have the steering wheel.

Airline co-pilots have no problem with left hand throttles.

+1

Weird at first but I'm getting use to the set up. When I first got mine, I looked really inexperieced tryin to park... Not so bad now.

Ive gotten used to it, and still dont like it. My guess is reggie was left handed. Not only do you have to do the trottles with the left hand but tabs, and drives and everything else.

I still suck at parking but getting better. I had a 23ft single screw boat and that was a lot easier to control

I've thought that too. Older single engine models have left handed prop rotation. Maybe someone else knows a different reason the hull was made to accomadate LH props? I tried a RH prop with a different pitch from a newer fountain and it throws it off big time.

When I look at different brands I try to figure out how to switch it to left handed, like it much better.

Most sit down cats and V's have the throttles in the center, I assume that sometimes these owners drive them without a throttle man....................... maybe not.

The stix are lefty for the same reason founts have beaks...theres a mind teaser for all u

i know why......cause reggie said so,hows that?

Get some books and read up on twin engine manuevering. One I would reccomend is "7 steps to successful Boat Docking". Twin engine boats are much easier to control if you learn how to do it and have some patience.

Rub rails......... 1 big ol' long bumper used for docking. I use it.:)

Left Hand Throttles
 

Great Thread folks...

For the record...Reggie is right handed

I think many of the reasons for left hand throttles were mentioned at some point in this thread. Keep it going...

If anyone wants a new custom dash please contact us.

We can also rig a dash with right hand throttles and shifts....

Our service and customization shop is open.......we also offer driving school.....

They aren't always on the left... Call us for a quote!

Alan Gordon

Service Manager
Shogren Performance Marine
3830 Sunset Avenue
Waukegan, IL 60087
847-336-9037
[email protected]

www.teamshogren.com

If you have a project you would like a quote on, please contact Alan Gordon Service Manager today @ 847-336-9037 or email [email protected]

how much and is reggie the teacher lol count me in buddy there would be nothing better in life to go for a ride with reggie the legend