Electronic Engine/Gear Controls

[DHHong Kong]

The Morse cables for the engine and gear controls on our 55ft Schionning sailing cat currently under construction appear too long and with too many 90 degree bends, certainly the port control cables which are approx 14 mtrs long with min four 90 degree turns (helm and control station is on the stbd side). Electronic controls would seem to eliminate the problems usually associated with long Morse cable runs and turns etc. Does anyone have any recommendations for/against electronics, particular brands etc ?? I would appreciate the feed back.
Cheers !

[Alan Wheeler]

I can't comment from experiance on the electronics, but 90deg bends in morse cables is not good and having 4 ends is even worse 4 x in magnitude. So I take it you have no options of straightening out that run huh?

[DHHong Kong]

Hi Alan, Thanks - due to the design, one of the engines is going to suffer from this if we use Morse type cables. Cannot go diagonally across the bridgedeck etc and we have a beam of 8.5 mtrs so its down from the control head then back and across the bridgedeck, down into the engine room and then forward to the Yanmar engine/gear. The stbd side is easier and I already have the control head and Morse cables supplied with the engines before we thought this thru too far. Electronics would be a whiz but they will cost US$5,000 to 6,000 from what I can see so far.
Cheers
Paul

[DHHong Kong]

Alan (and others) - I have just now read the recent thread under Powered Boats regarding electronics. My aoplogies for the redundancy but any input appreciated.
Cheers
Paul

[Idiens]

Have you looked at hydraulics? In the automotive business, its the standard way to cover distances and corners with control motions.

[Alan Wheeler]

You just beat me to the line on that one Idiens. Hydraulic is indeed the way to go. Very simple and very safe and I have always felt they have more "feel" than a cable due to less restriction.

[GordMay]

Teleflex Marine (Teleflex-Morse) has some good information.
Teleflex Marine - Welcome
Search for:
Electronic Engine Controls: Ke4, Ke5, Ke6 and i6000
Cable: Morse Red Jacket, Red Jacket Supreme, and Redline
Hydraulic: SeaStar and Hynautic

[never monday]

I would have to say;
first, if the radius of the 90' bend is >12" it'll work.
second, teleflex make a great electronic system but it is pricy.