Trim switches
 

Ok, the boat has morse controls but no way to trim the drive. I've seen the trim switches which clamp over the throttle, but I'm not real fond of the apperance. My question is what other methods are there to trim the drive? What's your favorite? Don't forget to include links.

how about the trim switches that mount on the steering wheel? :)

I did use the clamp on kind from Eddy Marine and was happy with it, you could use a rocker switch like a trim tab switch.

Eddie Simmons

I had the one on the steering wheel. I didn't like it. I kept hitting the buton the wrong way. It would be ok if you only drove in a straight line. They make one now that looks like a turn signal arm. I like the looks of that one. I saw it advertised in Hotboat.
I switched back to the rocker switch on the dash. I mounted just in front of my throttle. I just move my hand foreward to hit it. No more down instead of up.

Wally-I contacted GT marine for some more info on their system, but it's still on it's way. Thought that was a pretty good solution, until I saw Payton's post.

Never having steered a boat with full hydraulic steering, I'm assuming the wheel will never be pointed in the same direction-so the stalk type of control that Payton was talking about wouldn't work. Anybody want to confirm that?

I'm currently thinking of some sort of floor mounted switch. :confused:

I like the trim in the wheel on my Fountain, but it did take some getting used to. It has two buttons on each spoke instead of a rocker switch.
The Donzi had a switch in the powershifter and that was even better. (Would be similar to having a switch built into your Morse controls.)

Mine has a set of dual buttons on each of the 3 'dune buggy' steering wheel spokes. That 6 buttons! Always within reach that way.

US1 Fountain, that makes more sense.
Cord, I think the setup on the arms would mount below the seering wheel, maybe to the bezel. It would stay in the same place. I think there was one on each side.

You are right with full hydraulic seering your steering wheel will never be back in the same place.

What kind of boat did you get?

US1-if I had the switches on the wheel, I'd proably do it that way. However, are you able to instantly, naturally (without looking) find the switch?

Cord, I would have to say that I do look at the wheel. Kinda like reaching for the throttles. A glance and your there. Just became one of those things that you do without actually thinking about.

Check out the Teleflex pro trim turn signal switches, Have installed hundreds and are very reliable and easy to work, no interefence and will work with any helm system, hope this helps.
Marc

Payton-the only one's that I'm familiar with bolt on the hub of the wheel and turn with it. You're right, though-it would make more sense to come off of the hub.

We're getting a Firehawak. www.firehawkboats.com

Towel Boy-I'll see if I can find a website.

[ 02-04-2002: Message edited by: Cord ]

Oh man Cord, those are nice. congrats!

Cord my Hydrostream has the buttons on the wheel and there is NO other way that I would have it. When you are driving that fast in a boat that light the last thing you want to do is take your hands off the wheel!! :eek: :eek: Once I got used to it (about 2-3 times out) it was totally second nature and I never had to think about it and it was never hard to find. I got in the habbit of sliding my hand on the wheel and I would just know exactly were they were. Hope that helps. On the Formula I have the trim on the dash, but it will be all redone this year and I will have them in the dash and the throttles.

Jon

Oh ya a way to spiffy up the Morse controls is check out on Boat US they have some machined knobs that just screw on to the tops and look MUCH better then the plastic ones :D :D

Hey Cord, I got a set of those pro trim switches brand new, never installed-cheap if you want them. If you're interested let me know and I'll shoot you a pic.

Audio-your hydro had a foot throttle right? I was originally thinking of land and sea's hand/foot throttle, but I was told "no way, stick with the hand throttle". I ask because I wonder about trimming and steering with my left hand while throttling with my right. Could get interesting if I all of a sudden need to jerk the wheel.

I got the info on the GT marine Cordless (I know) rotary trim system. Oommphfa! It's like $500!

Towel Boy, I looked at the Teleflex systems, but they may be specifically for their columns. I don't know if they can be adapted to a different hub.

inspec-look out! An e-mail is comming your way! :D

Cord Yes it was a foot throttle and a hand throttle. It works very well. If you are sitting down I can not think of a safer way to run a boat. That way both hands are ALWAYS on the wheel and you can to all functions instantly.

I agree with you fully. But I must defer to people with alot more experience, brains, and money than me. :D

P.S. fire up the other computer so we can im.

Trim on the trottles is the ONLY way to go.
I drove one boat with them in the stereo spokes. Talk about awkward :(
I do have the bolt on rocker switch on the left spoke of the sterring wheel, but this is ONLY for the center trim tab.
The one thing I want changed on mine is that I have a single switch on the throttle for BOTH drives. :( It works great, but sometimes I do have to reach down to touch up the port drive a little to even out at high speeds.
I agree with Audiofn, dual hand and foot throttle is a great feature. Hand when towing skiers or around docks. But foot throttle when under power runs. Much safer too.

I'm surprised no one else has mentioned it yet but there is another way to keep both hands on the wheel all the time. I have matching pedals for throttle and trim from In Control. Love em. :cool:

laster-do you have a link?

Sorry Cord I don't. I know the owner and can probably dig up a phone# if you like. DCB and Skater both use In Control. Every DCB featured in the mags has at least a foot throttle and often the trim pedal as well. Drop me an email if you would like more info or a phone#.
Larry

I tried searching a favorite site for trim switches and I stumbled on this item: http://www.theoutdoorscenter.com/Ell...es/6208871.jpg

Trim switches in a foot rest.

-Chris

Cord Land and Sea makes a foot throttle and a seperate Trim peddal. :D :D I will try and get on the other computer in a bit.

Jon

chrker-that's the floor mounted system that I was thinking of. Somebody had once mentioned that they are dangerous. I can see where he's coming from, just by the number of "unexplained acceleration" cases there are. Most of the time the person was on the gas, not the brake. :rolleyes:

Audio-I'm off to L&S's site...

Laster-I'll try DCB

What you talking about unexpected accelerations?????

Audio, that's when the wife is gettin another beer and she ends up in the water. :D All I can say is " I didn't do it, honest honey. We'd better spend dome more money on the boat." :D

Too old-yes. Yes, it is a project. :D

Audio-classic definition of "unexplained acceleration": The 80 year old lady tears through the parking lot only to drive through a storefront window. She insists that she was standing on the brake the whole way, even though the car was at full throttle. This is the reason behind the "apply brake to shift" interlocks. :rolleyes:

Ya but there is not break on a boat :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Plus you don't let your wife drive DO YOU!! :D :D

Cord,

You sure we’re talkin’ about the same thing? That link I posted is for a footrest with trim switches in it. One switch is for up and one is for down. No throttle. The only danger I can see is not paying attention when running at speed and either over trimming the drive (boom) or dropping it in big water (stuff).

I’m not endorsing the thing (E-Z Trim) I just found it an interesting place where trim switches can be located.

-Chris

[ 02-06-2002: Message edited by: chrker ]

"US1 Fountain" I'm with you , I like em on the spokes,did you see "Wild Life" 35' Fountain on the Ohio River run,I put 6 off-on switches [2 on each spoke of the wheel] .I like the feel,most of the time the boat is headed stright, you have one hand on the throttle,one on the wheel and works great. Doug

Cord, If you go to my website www.sharkeymarine.com and click on the Classified section, scroll down to the Dash on my 13 footer. Look close at the wheel. TELEFLEX makes a nice trim switch now that is like a turn signal in a car. I use the dual switch, one on the left and one on the right. One trims: up&down, other trims: in&out. It mounts on the helm cover plate behind the wheel. It is stationary so you don't have to go looking for the switches. :cool: :cool:

I had foot rest trim on a gambler a few years ago,and loved it. But it was not a stand up, not sure how that would be.

Sharrky, will that mount to any steering column? Or only to Teleflex? The way their ad reads it seems to only mount the their stuff.

Cord, I'm going to give these guys a call today. I think this might be able to be adapted to my helm.

Teleflex

I tried the Teleflex ones in my buddies Hustler and I did not like them. Just my opinion guys don't kill me for it :D :D

Payton-insptech has the dual system and is looking to deal. Give him a jingle and capitalize on my indecision. :D

Sharkey/Dixie Doug-my dealer is recommending the controls in the wheel. Are you able to instantly find the switch, or do you have to momentarily hunt for it? I ask because, if you are throttling with your right, and steering with your left, you would need to let go and reclock your hand for the switch.

The floor mounted trim switches are nice, especially because this is a sit down boat. I just wonder how much of a risk there is of stabbing the wrong button.

Cord My buddy has the Land and Sea one on his Seabold and I love it. I only drive the boat every once in a while on weekends and I have never made a mistake with it. I am a little slower with it at first but after a few passes you get to be fine with it.

Jon

Contact BLUEWATER MARINE in
Oceanside Calif.
760-721-1951 Bill
They have a number of designs
or can custom build ones for
you.
Tell em Mike J. told you to call.