Why do people like zero effort controls? What is the point?
 

Hi, can someone school me on zero effort controls, and why people use them? I've read all the webpages about them but they just say "intuitive throttle" and "ergonomic". What functional benefit do they have? They seem like they'd be a total PITA for docking.

Are you talking specifically Zero Effort or Offshore controls in general with a separate shifter and throttle???

I have no idea, the seperate ones with the long throws. Aren't those all zero effort?

"Zero Effort Controls" are actually the brand name for Mercury's "stock" controls.
Zero Effort Controls | Mercury Racing

What's funny, is that they actually DO take effort, as they have indentations in the throw, which actually does tire you our MORE in rough water conditions, than some of the other options by Hardin, Livorsi, and the like. The Livorsi throttles have a smooth throw, and are much more preferred.

For a single engine boat, I prefer a "single control" where throttle and shifter are in one lever.
For a twin engine boat (or more), I definitely prefer separate controls; not like the old school stuff you saw back in the 70s/80s where they were one setup.

Now, things have gotten even more so advanced with electronic shifting and drive by wire (throttle) on the latest IO packages from Mercury. And the Mercury and other Outboard options ARE usually installed "mono" controls (old school) each engine; but since they are digitally linked by computer, you can 2, 3, 4, 5 engines, and only two controls.

THe merc controls can be modified very easily to not have the ratchet effect......