Hotfoot and pulling skiers?

[metriccrescentwrench]

I'm rebuilding an 18 ft. Checkmate and will soon be to the point where I need to decide whether or not to use the Hotfoot that came with it. I've never used one, so I'd like to hear opinions from those that have.

My biggest concern with it is speed control while pulling skiers - I pride myself on giving a smooth pull and holding a constant speed. Will the Hotfoot affect my ability to hold speed and make the constant small adjustments needed while turning etc.?


thanks

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Hotfoot and pulling skiers?

I would think the hotfoot would make it easier to hold a steady speed, just like the throttle pedal in a car makes it easy to hold steady. The only problem I would have is the fact of being stuck in one seating position all the time. Think about it; you aren't going to be able to sit on the backrest to get a better view and still work that pedal. In order to reach it, you will probably have to be sitting in the seat properly. Just a thought.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Hotfoot and pulling skiers?

I would hate having a hotfoot in a boat. It makes you sit there and hold the throttle while cruising. It probably won't help much getting the skier out of the water, but I bet you'll have a worse time holding a constant speed having to hold your foot in the same position all of the time.

 

[skibrain]

Re: Hotfoot and pulling skiers?

I've never seen a tournament ski boat with a hot foot.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Hotfoot and pulling skiers?

I would hate having a hotfoot in a boat. It makes you sit there and hold the throttle while cruising. It probably won't help much getting the skier out of the water, but I bet you'll have a worse time holding a constant speed having to hold your foot in the same position all of the time.

I don't know about anybody else, but when I'm driving and pulling a skier, I'm always adjusting the throttle to compensate for varying conditions in order to hold the speed rock-steady. I've skied behind drivers who just set the throttle in one position and rarely adjust it; it is hard to ski behind such drivers. That's why I think the hot foot would be beneficial because for me I think it would be easier to control boat speed with the necessary constant adjustments. On the other hand, going for a long cruise and having to sit and hold the throttle would probably not be enjoyable. Most tournament ski boats have a cruise control that keeps the boat speed steady by automatically making the throttle adjustments for you.

 

[skibrain]

Re: Hotfoot and pulling skiers?

I've never driven a boat with a hot foot set up.

The guys over at Scream And Fly are all over that and could probably give you an opinion on whether it works great for steady speed control for skiers.

Yeah, perfect pass speed control is my preference for skiing and driving skiers - especially when concentrating on steering through the slalom course. Without it (outboard setup or inboard direct drive) I really value the throttle lever being close to a fixed arm rest. I like that I can leave my arm and hand in place and make finger tip adjustments.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Hotfoot and pulling skiers?

I always thought of scream and fly as mostly go-fast types and assumed I'd get more skiers here. Of course this Checkmate's not going to be any slouch in the go-fast department, but it's also going to be used for a variety of missions including pulling skiers.

I'm really leaning toward the hand throttle because I'm just so used to it but wanted to hear if anyone else has pulled skiers with a Hotfoot and wondered if it might possibly be better. Thanks for the input.

 

[skibrain]

Re: Hotfoot and pulling skiers?

I mentioned S&F just because performance boats are the typical (only?) application I've seen for foot throttle.....OK I guess fishermen use this set up on their trolling motors.

Easier to start there and find a waterskier, than other way around was my thought.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Hotfoot and pulling skiers?

Many bass rigs have a hotfoot for the main engine as well, most manufacturers offer the option from the factory.

The small adjustments can be made with your hand just as easily as you can with your foot, allowing you a range of seating positions while driving.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: Hotfoot and pulling skiers?

I've had my 1990 Fish n ski since it was new. 5 years ago I put a Hot Foot in. After getting used to it (small learning curve) I love it. Fine tuning rpm to keep constant speed for tubers/wake boards/or skiers MUCH easier than bumping hand throttle up and down. Also very helpful when running in rough water to adjust power when cresting cruiser wakes etc. I left the trhrottle cable in the boat. I can convert back simply by unhooking HT cable and snapping in orig cable. (although I've not needed to yet)
My 2cents

 

[twicuast]

Re: Hotfoot and pulling skiers?

I think this is enough .....
I do agree with you. Those are the most effective way