Engine and steering controls in cabin and on flying bridge.

Hello everybody.
Can anyone direct me to diagrams and information on how the engine and steering controls work on a boat with helm stations both in the cabin, and up on a flying bridge? I've found lots of parts retailers, but pictures of new cables coiled up in boxes really don't tell me much about how to build a control system. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

Outboards? Brand, year and current engine(s) controls? Also what kind of steering is currently installed?

Some brand outboard controls lend themselves to dual station installations easily, I'm think in particular to the premium Yamaha controls but other brands are similar.

If yours does not the easiest (but most expensive) is to change to electronic controls. Another option is to change to dual lever controls, that is one lever for shift and one for throttle. These can be set up in parallel or series easily for dual station installations.

For steering, hydraulic is as easy as plumbing in an additional helm, if you have mechanical steering (push-pull cables) then you need to consider changing to hydraulic.

Steve

 

Hey Steve,
This is just research for a future build that isn't even started yet. I am going to go with an outboard I think. This far inland and up the river outboards are what's available in plenty. I can't tell you size, year and make on engine, because it will be whatever I can find a good deal on used when I get that far. I'm just trying to get a feel for what's possible, and what is the standard way to do it.
So, hydraulic control for steering makes sense. I was imagining some complex deal with cables and pullys to go around corners and such. Hoses make more sense. The only boat I have access to that has dual helm stations is a 45 foot Gibson houseboat. It does have hydraulic steering. It also has 4 levers to control 2 350 HP mercruiser V-8 inboards. I wasn't sure what I was looking at, but your post clears it up. So am I correct that the throttle and shift levers will be push/pull cables?
Thanks

 

Correct

 

got it. Thanks

 

Makers of controls like Morse/Teleflex also have junction boxes to which you can connect a second or even a third control unit. But 'low friction' cables still have friction; especially the gear shift cable can become a nuisance.

A simple, hydraulic control seems a better solution to me, but I've never found it. All European cars with manual gearboxes have hydraulic clutches, most use reinforced plastic parts only, yet the marine industry didn't follow. I've made my own electronic units because the ones from Teleflex etc. are ridiculously expensive.

 

I'm looking at hydraulic steering componants online, but most of the prices I'm seeing are fairly painful as compared to cable systems. Anyone have suggestions for websites with prices that are less shocking and more reasonable?
thanks

 

look for seastar brand hyd steering. they seem to have reasonable pricing. if go for a late model outboard like an optimax you can use smartshift controls. they are electronic plug and play. no cables. i think it would be the ultimate setup. fly by wire engines and hyd steering.

 

Ok, I'll look into it. thanks