Virtual DE build topic of the week.. Electronic Engine Controls?

[BillD]

Hello,

I'm working my way through my "virtual DE build".
I've settled on two engines to choose from.
A Cummins QSC or QSB.
Either one is an electronic Tier III compliant engine.

I've done some research and have talked with the engine distributers and the guys in the know.

Seems the Glendinning electronic controls with or without the trolling feature are top of the line.

My question to the guys on this forum who have electronic engines and electronic controls.......

"What make/manufacturer are you using"?
And what have your experiences been with electronic controls?

Thanks,

Bill D

 

[F/V First Team]

ZF2000 series with trolling
Fantastic

 

[BillD]

ZF2000 series with trolling
Fantastic

Controls or transmission?

ZF2000 ?

 

[F/V First Team]

Controls

C'mon, haven't you done your homework?

 

[F/V First Team]

http://www.zf.com/media/media/docum...lsion_systems_1/10_MAR_9000_CruiseCommand.pdf

MC2000-2

Bottom of page four, center

 

[BillD]

http://www.zf.com/media/media/docum...lsion_systems_1/10_MAR_9000_CruiseCommand.pdf

MC2000-2

Bottom of page four, center

Ah, OK, ZF2000 is a tranny, ZF9000 are controls. You confused me !

"ZF 2000 V 10° V-drive, remote mount marine transmissions are compatible with all kinds of engines and propulsion systems, including waterjets, surface-piercing propellers and controllable pitch propellers. Reliable, compact, lightweight and simple to install, this three shaft reverse reduction transmission has a hydraulic clutch mounted on the input shaft and a further one on the reverse shaft. Suitable for twin engine installation the ZF 2000 V offers smooth and reliable shifting and is designed to take maximum propeller thrust astern and ahead. Other features include an emergency ‘get home’ capability and SUPERSHIFT clutch control"

 

[F/V First Team]

Controls, page four, bottom row, center position

 

[F/V First Team]

I neglected to put a space between ZF and 2000. Didn't mean the gear box.

 

[BillD]

I neglected to put a space between ZF and 2000. Didn't mean the gear box.

Bingo !

Do you use ZF mostly ??
I'm familiar with Glendinning equipment

 

[F/V First Team]

ZF put me through their transmission control schools, so yes, you could say that

 

[BillD]

ZF put me through their transmission control schools, so yes, you could say that

Got it.

What's a ZF two station single lever control system with processor and trolling feature run $dollar$ wise including harnesses/cables etc.

Ballpark.

Glendinning "$retail$ quote from factory is $5300

 

[tunafishhkg]

I have the three station volvo EDC electronic controls including the TD5075 electronic shift that is going on 11yrs now. The only issues so far was the forward shift solenoid when new that I believe was due to trans breakin particles from the new trans, and a bad 6yr old throttle potentiometer at my stearn station. It gets all the salt air and spray plus salt water when I forget to close the door when washing down the fish blood.
Last time I posted this on another thread, it was so far down the thread, it was misunderstood, but when new, I soaked all the connection plug ends on the wire harness as well as the termination end plugs in cups of corrosion-X for a couple of days before connecting it all together to insure it wicked up the wire to resist corrosion. I think this is especially important on my boat where I leave the tower off at times and have dead ends hanging that might get exposed to salt air. I believe this has a lot to do with problems I hear about electronic controls IE: weakest link. I do this to all my electronics also and have never had to replace a plug. One piece of advise for electronic shift controls, that I ALWAYS do after my first shift problem, is to go into neutral just BEFORE getting to the dock especially after a long run, to make sure it is not stuck or inoperative before having to dock.

 

[voodoojfb]

This is the result of an electronic control malfunction at the dock. No exact details on what went wrong, repairs are currently underway

 

[Helen L]

Personally this is one of those situations where simpler is better. I have used electronic controls and they are awesome, a real charm to work with, and they never malfunctioned on the boat I was on, BUT I would never have them and don't think anyone that wants to go offshore should. I dont even want hydraulic ones. I like having strictly mechanical contols. If a linkage end fails its 5 mins to replace and youre back in business. If electronic controls fail youre pretty much dead in the water. Boat in the OB Shark Tournament had total electrical failure 50 miles out in snotty weather. Boat was a brand new Albermarle 40 express. Had to be towed in. Just my opinion. Not knocking the reliability of electronic controls, but if they do fail youre kinda screwed.

 

[F/V First Team]

Personally this is one of those situations where simpler is better. I have used electronic controls and they are awesome, a real charm to work with, and they never malfunctioned on the boat I was on, BUT I would never have them and don't think anyone that wants to go offshore should. I dont even want hydraulic ones. I like having strictly mechanical contols. If a linkage end fails its 5 mins to replace and youre back in business. If electronic controls fail youre pretty much dead in the water. Boat in the OB Shark Tournament had total electrical failure 50 miles out in snotty weather. Boat was a brand new Albermarle 40 express. Had to be towed in. Just my opinion. Not knocking the reliability of electronic controls, but if they do fail youre kinda screwed.

that is why they have over rides to engage manually
total electrical failure would strand anyone with out a totally mechanical system for their propulsion

 

[Helen L]

How do you engage this?

Im all mechanical given my engine is running to begin with, which it always is.

 

[steveinak]

Whats wrong with a nice setup of Kobelt controls and those slick green Cablecraft cables ?? I've never had electric controls but a good friend has them on his volvo D-6 the outside control failed and it caused him to run up on a rock. My vote is to keep it as simple as possible.

 

[F/V First Team]

You take your connection off the solenoid, you take a wrench to the cap, remove cap then you simply twist the solenoid down.

Stays engaged until you turn it the other way. One solenoid for forward, one for reverse.

Might be a pain in the ass, but it will get you home, provided your engine is running.

 

[BillD]

I really enjoy "topics of the weeK"

Lots to learn!
Lots of good insight!
Thanks to all !

 

[tunafishhkg]

Not to argue the KISS principle since I totally agree, but I have heard of many and have experienced mechanical shift failure when docking, . I was lucky the boat had a bow thruster so I shut down and used bow thruster to stop me from crashing into the dock. I wonder what the ratio of failures of electronic verses mechanical? That would be the good way to base an opinion on both. I do not believe however, anyone can argue which one is easier or cheaper to repair. Boaters need to learn their boats and backup safety syst as most have some sort, especially transmissions.