Throttle Position

[Matt]

My actual preferred throttle is a foot throttle and I have this on the "big" boat. Both hands on the steering wheel then, with gear shift and additional hand throttle on the RHS, out of any position where it can be knocked or accidentally grabbed.

However, for more conventional rib type stuff with a RH steering wheel, I think I prefer a RH throttle. The rib last weekend had a left hand throttle so it was in the centre of the console and I didn't like it so much.

Are there any pros and cons either way? And what do you guys prefer.

[telecast]

Interesting question - my boat came to me rigged with left hand throttle - so right hand always on wheel - like a car in uk so feels natural to me.

In the end if it feels right to you….

[Matt]

I think what made the difference to me was that with with someone alongside me on the console, the central throttle made my left arm feel "restricted" by this other body there - even though they weren't in the way of me moving it, per se. I suspect it's just habit, all my boats for the last 20 years have been RH throttle, I don't actually remember using a LH throttle before, although I am sure I must have.

[GuyC]

My random thoughts on it.

I was always interested why the RNLI and military RIBs tended to have RH throttle.

The late Dag Pike, in his RIB book, suggested that as you needed more finesse on the throttle to have it in your dominant hand which, for most people, is their right.

For the UK, it would be 'natural' to have the boat as right hand drive with the throttle in the LH as that mimics a car. If you have side by side seating with right hand drive, it makes sense to have a LH throttle so it is accessible to both people. I find the central throttle very useful particularly when letting my youngest drive.

I suspect US vessels are set up to be left hand drive with the throttle on the right.

[Matt]

My most comfortable position is certainly RHD with RH throttle.

Good point about if letting others/kids drive - this is also often the racing setup with split driver and throttleman roles. (Unless they have a foot throttle).
Downside of a central throttle is my lad keeps reaching for it to push it forwards for "MAX SPEED". Have explained to him this is NOT OK.

My US built 1989 Formula 292 SR1 was also RHD with RH throttles. Don't think I've ever driven a LHD boat.

[paintman]

Personal preference will have a lot to do with it .
My own boat (remotes) has RH steering wheel (on the right of the console) & LH throttle.

Hire boats with tiller obm I prefer to use RH for throttle & steering.

Fishing rod wise for most spinning/plugging/float fishing I cast & play RH & my fixed spools reels are all LHW.
Multipliers I hold the rod in the left hand & operate reel RH.
Fly rods I cast RH & if loose lining I play wih rod in RH & control the line LH but reels are RHW & if I play off the reel I hold the rod in my LH.

Perhaps I'm just odd

[John Kennett]

RH throttle is my preference. It just makes sense to use the primary control with your dominant hand.

[InlandAlex]

I have used both a lot, but generally I find I prefer having a LH throttle on smaller RIBS, as I tend to be doing a lot of steering work. (weaving around kids in dinghies for example)

On larger RIBs I prefer a RH throttle, as I like having greater throttle control, and am unlikely to be throwing the steering round multiple times in quick succession.

One thing to note is I prefer having a RH throttle on Jet-driven boats, as I feel it is much easier to having my dominant hand to operate the two seperate levers during maneuvering.

Almost every boat I have used is single helm console, so I can't comment on the side by side console/middle throttle debate.

One thing I wonder is why the RNLI (and a lot of other dedicated SAR boats) choose to have the throttle(s) located down the side of the jockey seat alongside the helm. Is this so the cox'n remains seated and ensures their security? (Particularly important considering most dedicated SAR boats don't have helm killcords)

[ShinyShoe]

Some dinghy race coaches etc would prefer a L throttle so they can keep R hand for a video camera.

Also some people will prefer to come alongside a dinghy on starboard tack (boom over port) and so would prefer to have controls on starboard.

Can't win!!

[Orwell boy]

I think alot of rib throttles are on the left because when you mount a steering wheel on the right and the throttle left of it the wheel will overhang the side of the console so giving the effect the console becomes wider and keeps the righthand jockey pod relevant ,if the throttle is on the right the steering wheel will end up towards the centre of the boat ,so meaning a left hand helm is better for a right hand throttle imo

[FoxZulu]

Our current RIB is RHD with central throttle and I wasn't sure how I'd get on using my left hand on throttle, as everything I've ever driven, ridden or flown has been right hand/foot throttle, but to be honest I can't say I've really noticed the difference. I do always brake with my left foot in automatic cars though.

[Matt]

Originally Posted by FoxZulu

I do always brake with my left foot in automatic cars though.

You loon! Are you a one legged pirate? Parrot on your shoulder?

[GuyC]

Originally Posted by FoxZulu

or flown has been right hand/foot throttle, but to be honest I can't say I've really noticed the difference. I do always brake with my left foot in automatic cars though.

Are you a retired BA pilot by any chance?

[Matt]

Captain position is the LH seat with throttles in the middle, so that makes sense.

[Voodoo]

Throttle on the left of wheel...I admit it feels a bit intrusive of the left seat passenger space but my wife usually sits on front seat anyway so thats not too big an issue...when it is very handy is when teaching the grandkids to drive the boat, with the throttle under my hand as well as theirs. (teenage grand daughter can be a bit throttle happy when moving into gear)

Big boat has twin morse on the right on the flybridge so kind of used to both really.

https://www.rib.net/forum/images/sk/attach/png.gif

[Matt]

Originally Posted by InlandAlex

...most dedicated SAR boats don't have helm killcords...

Is this a thing?

[Voodoo]

Posted by Ribochet in a different thread...

The RNLI doesn't use kill cords on their inshore lifeboats because, when the boats are operating in surf, there is a greater risk that movement from the crew could inadvertently cut the engine/s and put the crew in danger.

However, the throttle of the D class inshore lifeboat is sprung so that should the crew go overboard, the throttle will return to idle.

In the B class Atlantic inshore lifeboats there have been no incidents where all crew members have gone overboard and, in the event of a capsize with either class of boat, the engines will cut out. In addition all crew are thoroughly trained and their competence regularly assessed.

The RNLI has held an initial review of their existing policy on the use of kill cords in their B class Atlantic inshore lifeboats. The review’s conclusion was that conventional kill cords may at times put helms and crew at an unacceptable level of risk (due to inadvertent activation) when operating in more challenging sea conditions.

The RNLI is keen, however, to monitor the development of other technologies with interest.

[Voodoo]

Didn't know that

[GuyC]

Originally Posted by Matt

Captain position is the LH seat with throttles in the middle, so that makes sense.

Unless it is a helicopter.

Some other options are you pass port to port so sitting on the left gives you a better view.

Historically boat come alongside port side to (aircraft still do) and the LH seat gives a better view.

I’m not pushing one side or the other but it’s an interesting question with no simple answer.

[Matt]

Yes, I'm referring to fixed wing of course (that's all I know) and the years (back when you could) of me riding in the jump seat of tristars, 757s and 767s with my father flying.

And then of course, in later years, he would wear his red trousers & deck shoes and tack his way up the big boat channel in portsmouth harbour.

Or one time I was out on my sharpe 19 (a speedboat) and saw the parents out sailing, so tried to come up alongside to say "hi" - he waves his fist at me. He didn't recognise me or the boat and thought I was some loon on drugs (because you never know!) until my mother pointed out to him that it was me and it was the boat he saw every day on his front drive!

Ex RAF, retired BA pilots. A different bread from the rest of us.