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Yacht controller service

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by zen, Jul 2, 2024.

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  1. zen, Jul 2, 2024
    #1
    zen

    zen Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2016
    Messages:
    82
    Location:
    Delray Beach
    Looking to connect a new bow thruster to an existing Yacht Controller system. Perhaps a dumb question but can anyone other than Yacht Controller out of Miami do this?
  2. StillLearning, Jul 2, 2024
    #2
    StillLearning

    StillLearning Member

    Joined:
    May 26, 2017
    Messages:
    64
    Location:
    FL/TX
    Just installed a new bow thruster. Florida Bowthruster did the installation of the bow thruster. They would not get involved with the interface to the yacht controller.

    Boatyard (which I have used for years and is excellent) got in touch with the yacht controller people. After some difficulties with getting to the correct person, got everything resolved.

    I had to buy a new plug in board to go into the yacht controller box (expensive). Boat yard with the assistance of the service manager at yacht controller was able to install the board and make the necessary connection. Works well, happy with the result.

    If your calling yacht controller, get the service manager on the phone, he knows what he is talking about.
    zen and CaptainTony like this.
  3. zen, Jul 8, 2024
    #3
    zen

    zen Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2016
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    Location:
    Delray Beach
    Thanks for the info @StillLearning, had a similar experience finding the right person. Initially they tried to send someone out with a 4 hour minimum plus travel time even though there wasn't an issue. When I called back, they told me I could skip that and order the part. Both people were helpful and the part has arrived. Doesn't seem like a difficult install will give it a shot soon.

    For future reference, someone sent me the contact of a person in Stuart, FL who does YC service. Send me a message if you need his contact info.
  4. Dark horse, Jul 10, 2024
    #4
    Dark horse

    Dark horse Member

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    Jul 6, 2024
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    Location:
    Florida
    Can you give me a ball park cost for installing one of these? How long does it take them?
  5. jhall767, Jul 10, 2024
    #5
    jhall767

    jhall767 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2010
    Messages:
    331
    Location:
    Middle River MD
    Depends on your existing controls and options. twin or single, bow thruster, stern thruster, anchor windlass.

    Was about $16k for my boat. Already had electronic controls they could tap into. Bow thruster, twins and windlass.
    Also travel time.
  6. zen, Jul 11, 2024
    #6
    zen

    zen Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2016
    Messages:
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    Location:
    Delray Beach
    My boat had Yacht Controller installed. Guessing around 15k. Part from YC for thruster tie in was 1k.
  7. Dark horse, Jul 11, 2024
    #7
    Dark horse

    Dark horse Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2024
    Messages:
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    Location:
    Florida
    Thanks for the info. How long to do the job? Are they backed up much or can you bring them the boat and they start right away?
  8. Pizzazz7, Jul 24, 2024
    #8
    Pizzazz7

    Pizzazz7 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2019
    Messages:
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    Location:
    Sozopol
    You guys understand that a simple garage door opener that can purchased for $40 can do this job easily? It uses exactly the same technology (433 MHz RF) and can be had in different varieties with different controllers? On my boat I have the bow thruster, the anchor and the trap (gangway), all connected to relays of garage door openers.

    The next step is to connect my Mathers 585 engine controllers to a 4-way garage door controller. It is a simple resistive circuit and I would just wire it as a separate control station (port forward, port reverse, starboard forward and starboard reverse). You don't need rudder. The exact amount of throttle can be preset by varying the resistive pots. You do not gain anything by using a custom Yacht Controller. May be water resistance but you can get water proof garage door controllers as well.