Johnson 150 JET remote control....

[JustJason]

Anyone out there have an outboard jet that they can recomend a control box for???
I have a customer of mine who has an aluminum center console, 21ft with a J150 jet. Apparently, he had issues with the standard side mount Johnson controll box and a previous mechanic replaced it with this control box:

http://www.iboats.com/Seachoice_Twi...d.243445--list_time.1189348367--view_id.22337

This box is a wicked POS, sloppy, and noisey etc.. and he wants to upgrade it but I don't really don't know what to offer him. I recomended, from a safety standpoint, to go back to a single lever OEM box because there are going to be many people driving the boat. (ever slam a jet into neutral or reverse at WOT???... then you know what i mean)
Since the steering is less than ideal being a jet, he does like having a dual binnacle because at docking speeds he can vary the position of the gate while leaving the gas alone to help improve his manuverability.
Does anybody know if a dual binnacle exists that it operates in such a way that once it is in gear (or opens the gate in this case) the lever locks into place... and that you have to pull up on a T handle or push a button to release it? Almost like how an automotive "race" style shifter works for automatics with reverse lockout... (hurst, B&M etc).
My biggest fear is this guy, or another guy driving the boat, slamming the gate closed at speed and killing themselves... and then being the one responsible for installing another, similar, control box.
Any and all ideas would be appreciated....
and please don't come back with "get rid of the jet" I would love to, and the customer would love to... but that is another story in itself.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Johnson 150 JET remote control....

I've never heard of needing a special control box for an outboard jet. I've been running one for over 10 years, and they are very common where I live because many/most boaters are on shallow rivers.

I just use the standard OMC control box that came with the engine. I've personally never heard of anyone - OMC, Yamaha, Honda, merc, you name it - who uses anything but the standard control box.

What's the problem with the standard control box? The only modification that is needed is that a longer shift cable is needed - it goes down to the jet unit itself to control the reverse boot rather than going directly into the engine. But that's a cable issue, not a control box issue.

If you're having issues or are unfamiliar with rigging the jet unit, call Outboard Jet company (contact info at www.outboardjets.com). They are very helpful and will send you service and operation documents. Jets are very easy to rig - I can even do it myself and I'm a hack amateur.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Johnson 150 JET remote control....

actually... i dunno if i got my point across or not. But i was looking for a dual binnacle that was "safe" ie- some kind of lockout when it is in gear, so it cant accidently be knocked out of gear.
I'd prefer to go single lever, but the customer insists on a dual.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Johnson 150 JET remote control....

actually... i dunno if i got my point across or not. But i was looking for a dual binnacle that was "safe" ie- some kind of lockout when it is in gear, so it cant accidently be knocked out of gear.
I'd prefer to go single lever, but the customer insists on a dual.

Sorry I misunderstood, can't help you there!

I'm still curious what issues he had with the single, unless it was he just wanted a double. Good luck with the project.

 

[riverjet502]

Re: Johnson 150 JET remote control....

Just a thought here....

How about using a Morse single handle control lever for forward / reverse, then use a foot throttle? Very simple... This will give you the ability to run the "bucket" independantly of the throttle....

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Johnson 150 JET remote control....

I don't know of anyone having a problem with the normal control box. My jet is set up with a the tiller control and I can move it from foward to reverse at higher than idle RPM's, but it's very hard to move the handle if you try it, so I need to retrun to idle just so it will move. I think unless you had a neutral lock out for the igniton you would be taking on the liability of him starting in forward or reverse.

 

[angus63]

Re: Johnson 150 JET remote control....

Something my Pop used to say.....
" Don't bother trying to make it idiot proof, God just keeps on making bigger idiots!!!!".

Offer your customer what's commonly available and a lesson on how to use it properly, then let God sort out the rest!!!!!

Yes I had a bad morning!!!!!!!