Drive-by-Wire Tech Takes Off

Despite the advances in throttle and shift cable technology, one of the difficulties — especially in larger boats — is the distance from the control to the engine and the path the cable must take. Frequently it takes more twists and turns than a Grisham novel, which results in a control action that’s stiffer than a pair of cardboard pants. Flybridge controls with cables can sometimes be nearly unusable due to the circuitous routing. Electronic controls solve this problem by doing away with a cable and instead use electrical wires to transmit signals that activate the shift and throttle actuators.

Mercury SmartCraft DTS

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Past and Present
The technology is nothing new. The first electronic “drive-by-wire” control system ever used was during a test flight of an F-8 fighter plane in 1972. Since then, drive-by-wire tech has shown up on cars, airliners, yachts and most recently, smaller boats. It has solved many of the control installation issues that boat builders face, but for the consumer, the ease of use and smooth shifting have created a different problem: Once you’ve tried it, you can never go back. Most engine manufacturers now carry electronic controls and although most have been reserved for the largest motors, they have gradually been sifting down the ranks. Cost is still the major holdback, but with greater economy of scale, we will probably start seeing more of them on progressively smaller engines.

I Think I’ve Got It
There is a bit of a learning curve with these smooth gliding shifters, and most of the problems happen because we are used to sticky throttles that require a little muscle to engage. Most newbies tend to overcook their maneuvers — especially when docking. The other problem is that most controls feature smaller detents when shifting gears, leading you to wonder if you are in neutral or not. But it’s a quick learning process, and the benefits far outweigh the downside. One of the places you really notice the benefits of electronic controls is when running in rough water. The ability to make quick, precise power changes can help drivers maintain a controlled, safe ride with far less effort. Then there’s the cool factor.