Tiller?

[Jake Miller]

Please excuse the total ignorance of this query...I'm brand new to outboard engines and just starting to feel my way, step by step.

What does the term "Tiller" mean as applied to an outboard engine? I understand, of course, that a tiller is usually a steering device at the rear of a boat or a ship, but in my ignorance, I would have declared that all outboards themselves act as a tiller...apparently not that simple or it wouldn't be mentioned as a feature in many adds.

Thanks for your patience with my continuing stream of newbie questions...Jake Miller

 

[CatfishMN]

Re: Tiller?

You'll see both 'tillers' and 'console' or 'remote' steer. A tiller is where you sit back by the motor and use the arm extending from the motor to both steer and control throttle, as opposed to a steering wheel or other control device.

 

[Cheetah 210es]

Re: Tiller?

Means it's controlled from tiller rather than a steering wheel and throttle/gear control.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Tiller?

Hi Jake. Most smaller hp outboards have a handle coming off of the front of the motor which is used to control the throttle via a twist grip like a motorcycle, and to steer the boat. The gears are generally changed by using a lever on the opposite side of the motor from the tiller handle, however some fancy, modern outboards have throttle and gear control all on the tiller handle. Here's a generic pic with the basic parts labeled and one of my motor wil a long piece of PVC used as a tiller extension, which works great btw. Hope it helps.

 

[Jake Miller]

Re: Tiller?

OK guys...I got it now. Should have been obvious but I learn slowly (and sometimes painfully). The way that this boat/engine that I have acquired is rigged, there is definitely no tiller (no control handle)...it has remote steering (wheel), remote electric start, etc.

Thanks for the help...Jake Miller