Tell me why this won't work.

**tnelsmn** · 03-02-2021, 05:21 PM

I'm very near the end of my Hydrostream build. The boat won't be just a dedicated go fast boat, still plan lots of skiing, slow(ish) sunset cruises, etc. Heck I might even try to catch a few fish out of it. So I want to be able to use both a hand and foot throttle. I've considered just running two throttle cables and switching them at the motor, but that seems so clunky. I know L&S made a set up years ago, but those seem to be long gone. I think I can come up with a better way.

This is a rough video of this part in motion. It is drawn true to size to use Merc cables. The throttle moves 2.65" from what I've measured using the control box.

The smaller block on top would be connected to the foot throttle and also connected to the cable going to the engine. The bottom block would be connected to the hand throttle and effectively just move the foot throttle block along with it. The bottom(hand) block would attach to the cable end instead of the Merc pieces, using the set screw set up.

The top(foot) would attach using the Merc cable adaptor and a roll pin or something similar. This way the cable could stay put and allow the block to slide over it when using the hand control.

I hope this explanation makes sense. I may still toss this whole thing out and figure out a way to do everything at the foot throttle.

Going to have a friend 3D print this for me so I can see if it works. Then I'll probably have it machined out of aluminum.

Am I crazy? Open to criticism of what can be improved. Will be running a return spring at the engine, and probably a second inside this part on the foot throttle block.

P.S. The cad software is from Fusion 360 and its a free download.

**flabum1017** · 03-02-2021, 05:59 PM

The only problem with that, is you will be fighting the foot pedal spring on the hand control..... That's a lot of spring tension to fight with your hand.

**tnelsmn** · 03-02-2021, 06:05 PM

That is a concern at this point. Ive never felt how that feels so I'll have to see how bad it is. I suppose I could reverse the imputes so the hand is more the "master" then only run a spring in this unit and remove and springs tension on the hand control.

**mjw930** · 03-02-2021, 06:27 PM

I used this unit to give me mechanical hand and foot throttle. The hand throttle is a Livorsi and the foot throttle is the new SeaStar Pro Pedal.

Click image for larger version.

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https://marinepartssource.com/dual-s...8aAsjGEALw_wcB

This is a diagram of the connections, I only used the throttle plate, didn’t need the shift plate.

http://www.seastarsolutions.com/wp-c...a7-DS_Unit.pdf

It works surprisingly well but make sure you use the extreme cables since the friction multiplies when you add the junction. And make sure to keep it lubricated so nothing binds.

**flabum1017** · 03-02-2021, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by tnelsmn

That is a concern at this point. Ive never felt how that feels so I'll have to see how bad it is. I suppose I could reverse the imputes so the hand is more the "master" then only run a spring in this unit and remove and springs tension on the hand control.

then there would be no spring back to idle..... you ned to design something where you can switch a pin between the foot pedal and hand control...... not so automatic, but quick......

**Stoker boy** · 03-02-2021, 06:44 PM

Years ago I worked for a company rigging equipment we used different throttles at different locations using potentiometers and proportional solenoids.

**V pads** · 03-02-2021, 07:06 PM

This is from the Land & Sea catalog, 1988...

Click image for larger version.

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**David - WI** · 03-02-2021, 07:17 PM

Mico has 2 station hydraulic throttles... could mount 2nd cylinder to a hand control instead of a pedal?
(I have the L&S in my HST... not the best system, IMHO.)

**tnelsmn** · 03-02-2021, 08:05 PM

I used this unit to give me mechanical hand and foot throttle. The hand throttle is a Livorsi and the foot throttle is the new SeaStar Pro Pedal.

https://marinepartssource.com/dual-s...8aAsjGEALw_wcB

This is a diagram of the connections, I only used the throttle plate, didn’t need the shift plate.

http://www.seastarsolutions.com/wp-c...a7-DS_Unit.pdf

It works surprisingly well but make sure you use the extreme cables since the friction multiplies when you add the junction. And make sure to keep it lubricated so nothing binds.

Well sh*t, didn't realize there was already something out there. Thats great and will save me a ton of time!
Thanks for the help!

**David** · 03-02-2021, 08:40 PM

I had one of those Land and Sea throttles. It was too stiff to be much use for adjusting speed by hand. I’d use it to hold a throttle position and I could then remove my foot from the foot throttle. Useful in some circumstances, but Idon’t miss it

**tnelsmn** · 03-02-2021, 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by David

I had one of those Land and Sea throttles. It was too stiff to be much use for adjusting speed by hand. I’d use it to hold a throttle position and I could then remove my foot from the foot throttle. Useful in some circumstances, but Idon’t miss it

That seems to be the consensus on those things. Acted more like a cruise control than anything else. I would be fine with that honestly. Just want the hand throttle for skiing and easy cruise along shore.

**mjw930** · 03-03-2021, 08:34 AM

Originally Posted by tnelsmn

Well sh*t, didn't realize there was already something out there. Thats great and will save me a ton of time!
Thanks for the help!

I went through the same thing and this is not a very elegant solution (aka it looks like ****) but it works surprisingly well. To be effective both controls need to have enough force to anchor the pivot when you are using the other control. Luckily there’s very little lever effect when you push back on the cable so the tension setting on the hand control and the return spring on the foot control will lock that portion of the lever. I’ve even gotten familiar enough with how it works to swing between control at cruising speed so switching doesn’t mean coming off throttle. I’m quite happy with the outcome, it just ain’t pretty.

**tnelsmn** · 03-03-2021, 08:41 AM

I'm not worried about how it looks, I'll hide it up inside the gunnel. So it will never be seen. Thanks for the tip!

**99fxst99** · 03-03-2021, 12:32 PM

I have been thinking of using a short cable from the control box to the "OMC" side of the Hot Foot with a slotted attachment. With the control box at idle the Hot Foot acts as normal. If you advance the control it moves the Hot Foot it increase throttle. You can set a cruise speed and speed up with the Hot Foot, returnoing to your cruise speed. Thinking of this because the Hot Foot is a pain for pulling the kids on tubes or skis.
Had a Land and Sea unit years ago, it was stiff and would stick.