Trim button position ?????

matiboy · 19 February 2002, 19:58

Got a mercury 75 two stroke new 2000, cant understand why the trim button on the throttle is positioned on the right hand side.

( Throttle is mounted on right hand side of console for operating with right hand. )

All other boats I have owned have had the trim button exactly where the thumb sits making it easy to adjust trim whilst controling throttle.

Why on earth is it positioned on the right which makes it next to impossible to adjust whilst maintaining a proper grip. Most annoying , anybody know why ???

Alan Priddy · 19 February 2002, 22:30

It is because the American's like to use their little pinky to amuse themselves where as us brits use our thumb to get our kicks!

sirzap · 20 February 2002, 04:36

If you use your pinky for the trim...it leaves the thumb free for amusement...

batfalcon · 20 February 2002, 06:22

All the engines I' ve used have the trim switch at the same point. The Mercury 115, that I own now, the Yamaha 50 that I owned some years ago, the Yamaha 150 that a friend of mine has and the Evinrude 90 of an other one, ALL of them have the trim switch installed at the outer right surface of the throttle. That's because we ribsters install the trottle mechanism at the .right of the conslole and in order to do this we have to flip the lever. If you install the mechanism at the inner right side of the boat everything seams to be normal.

matiboy · 20 February 2002, 20:32

maybe its something I am gonna have to get used too, but doesnt seem ergonomic in any way to me , guess Im gonna hve to train my little finger to work better ???

sorry mercury seems naff idea to me

seajay · 21 February 2002, 01:19

Is there any science behind the placing of the throttle control itself? - i.e. some RIBS have them mounted to the left of the console and others to the right - or is it just good ole personal preference?

sirzap · 21 February 2002, 03:48

I prefer a throttle to the left of the helm on a console, this allows someone to work the throttle other than the cox, if need be.

GraemeCooper · 21 February 2002, 08:15

I think generally this is a matter pf preference.

I have reenty bought an ex demo Honda 130 - and had to accept the fact that the control lever would have to go on the left - as that was the option chosen by the demonstrator company.

I did have the choice of purchasing a new control box - which with Honda comes in the whole range of options - left, right, PTT swich on inside or outside (finger or thumb operation) etc - but chose not to go to this extra expense.

Perhaps if you are not happy with your switch you could have it upgraded through a local dealer?

John Kennett · 21 February 2002, 08:49

My preference is for throttle controls on the right hand side. I am right handed and when the going is rough the throttle is the primary means of controlling the boat, not the wheel.

This does tend to put the trim switch on the outside of the lever. As Michael said earlier, it's because the controls were designed to be mounted on an inside surface, not on the outside of a console.

However in a RIB you really dont want to be holding the top of the control lever anyway, as it doesn't give enough control when you are bouncing around.

I find the best way is to hold the lever towards the base, with the edge of my hand braced on the control box. Then I can use the edge of my index finger to nudge the trim button as required.

Next time I'm near a boat I'll try to get a picture to show what I mean -- infortunately I suspect that my description above will only serve to inflame Allen's innuendo gland . . .

John

matiboy · 21 February 2002, 18:53

ended up holding the throttle with a tennis racket type grip, so its easier to alter trim

seems I'll have to live with it as no point in replacing a perfectly good throttle........maybe I could trade with someone...... fat chance

Graham

Got your new boat yet ???

GraemeCooper · 21 February 2002, 18:58

Phil

New Boat being collected 28 Feb - sea trials from Portsmouth Friday 1st March

Can't wait !!!

Graeme

batfalcon · 21 February 2002, 19:16

Grabbing the trottle lever from it's base gives you stability on tiny movements. Personally I hold the lever right under the upper corner, which gives me the ability to work on the trim switch with the base column of my index finger, having the right thumb at the top of the lever.