Boat Engine Controls

Mechanical boat engine controls on a power boat are the brains of controlling a boats movement forward to aft and port to starboard. It's what wind is, to a sail boat, in terms of a vessels movement in the water. A mechanical controller operates the engines throttle and the transmissions forward and reverse movement.There are several types of engine controls available for the recreational boat. We have mechanically controlled as well as electronic and electro-hydraulic for gas and diesel  applications. Mechanical controls are offered in different versions depending on your boats application and are the most popular.

The different versions of mechanical boat controls include a single or dual function. A top mount or side mount and multiple locations including multiple stations. Boat controls will only last so long. In fact a boat control is built very robust. However, they are mechanical and will wear out needing to be replaced. If your controller is over ten years old or is not operating correctly, they should be replaced period. Trying to piece parts back into a boat control can be time consuming and a safety factor. If you cannot control your engines throttle and shifting correctly with your current controller, then you could cause your vessel to be out of control, thus harming you and your occupants on your vessel as well as others. It's just not worth it and safety is the number one rule when operating your vessel.

When replacing your controller it is always a good idea to replace the control cables as well if they are also in the 10-year age span. We have listed all of the different types of engine controls for boats below that will help you to understand the difference when choosing a new controller or replacing a controller for your boat. Best policy is to replace your old controller with the same match of controls you have. But, if you can afford to upgrade this is the best time to do so as well. Browse through the mechanical boat controls we have listed below and if you have any questions or comments.

Top Mount Boat Controls Mechanical

Single lever / dual action control to operate both throttle and shift. Suitable for any type of boats with outboard, inboard or I/O power plants.

Side Mount Boat Controls Mechanical

Single lever / dual action control to operate both throttle and shift. Suitable for any type of boats with outboard, inboard or I/O power plants.

Electronic Boat Controls

Single lever / dual action control to operate both throttle and shift. Suitable for any type of boats with outboard, inboard or I/O power plants.