Diesel ribs with Digital Throttle & Shift

[Andre]

Have any of you had the chance to experience the pleasure of DTS controls on a diesel rib?

Well the week before last I was given such opportunity when I travelled to our boat yard in Poland to hand over a Parker 750 Baltic with QSD 4.2 (320HP) stern drive B1 and a Parker 650 with QSD 2.0 with Bravo 1 drive.

Having had a number of diesel demo ribs and all cable I can say that once you have driven DTS you do not want to go back to cables.

here are a few photos from the tests of the 750 Baltic
This particular rib is going to be used on board a US flag vessel as a dive rib hence one man jockey console only so lots of deck space.

[Andre]

the Parker 650 with QSD 2.0 (170HP) linked to Bravo 1 drive is very impressive. Having had 3 demo Parker 630 ribs with the MCM 1.7 TDI and Alpha 1 drive I could really tell the difference. Not only because of the extra 50HP power but in the sheer pleasure of using the DTS controls.
Next week the craft will be packed into a container and heading on a long sea voyage to meet up with two other Parker 650 ribs. These two have the Alpha 1 drives without DTS. The operators will for sure notice the difference.

Malthouse - How is your project rib geting on?

My next demo rib will be coming early spring and will a Parker 650 with QSD 2.0 (170HP) Bravo 1 drive and DTS controls

[martini]

Originally Posted by Andre

DTS controls

Definately the way forward, especially for twin installations, diesel or OB. I'd have it if my motors weren't a couple of years too old to be compatable.

Gives more scope when rigging the motors and setting out the helm position too when you don't have to think about where to run control cables and bend radii

[Erin]

The only drawback I have heard of is a slight time delay between reverse and forward which can affect berthing manoeuvres, though this may have been early Volvo versions, so may not be an issue now.

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by Andre

Malthouse - How is your project rib geting on?

Great pics and details there Andre, thanks.

We are still looking at options, but an inboard is currently top of the list. We really want something >7m but as always the money is going to be the limiting factor.

I emailed Excalibur after that interesting thread the other week, but so far nothing back.

[martini]

Originally Posted by Erin

The only drawback I have heard of is a slight time delay between reverse and forward which can affect berthing manoeuvres, though this may have been early Volvo versions, so may not be an issue now.

Think that might be just the gearboxes? The Aquastar has a delay in engaging and she's on mech. cables (Volvo)

[Andre]

Originally Posted by malthouse

Great pics and details there Andre, thanks.

We are still looking at options, but an inboard is currently top of the list. We really want something >7m but as always the money is going to be the limiting factor.

Well you can see photos of both possible alternatives from us. Not necessary the deck layout is the same as you would want to have.

I will let you know when my demo rib arrives

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by Andre

I will let you know when my demo rib arrives

Oh eck, the Witch has seen the photos in this thread and will no doubt be planning upholstery colours or something by now.

[martini]

Originally Posted by malthouse

the Witch has seen this thread

In that case you may want to refrain from calling her the Witch

She might sew something pointy and vertical in to the helm seat ready for the first heavy landing

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by martini

In that case you may want to refrain from calling her the Witch

It is her name! I didn't pick it.

Anyway, it is a reference to Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

And also, shouldn't you be shifting some of that 40 ton of steel? Or that the kettle I can hear.

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by Andre

Not necessary the deck layout is the same as you would want to have.

Our ideal layout is four single jockeys, helm on the port side with throttle in the centre of the console. All mounted as far aft as is sensible, to give max space for survey equipment up front.

[willk]

Originally Posted by malthouse

It is her name! I didn't pick it.

Are you referring to Felony Melanie? tut tut!

RB fitted a pair of FBW Volvo diesels into the last 11m. They're set up for the "pointy parky" joystick trick for marina mooring

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Erin

The only drawback I have heard of is a slight time delay between reverse and forward which can affect berthing manoeuvres, though this may have been early Volvo versions, so may not be an issue now.

You may be referring to the gearchange being limited to low revs to prevent the gearbox being expected to cope with a forward to reverse selection at 4k revs. So ifn you're berthing sensibly, there shouldn't be a problem...should there?

[Channel Ribs]

Originally Posted by willk

Are you referring to Felony Melanie? tut tut!

Thats her, a serial lurker.

[biffer]

we've got fly by wire on the old race boat, lovely bit of kit, from a boat builders point of view, easy to fit, with just a wire you can put it anywhere, how are you doing Andre, have you made any progress on the cabin rib we talked about?

[Andre]

Originally Posted by malthouse

Our ideal layout is four single jockeys, helm on the port side with throttle in the centre of the console. All mounted as far aft as is sensible, to give max space for survey equipment up front.

4 x single jockey seats will take up more deck space which you will need for your survey equipment. Best to go for 2 x 2 man jockey seats. That will be my layout for the demo rib.

[Andre]

Originally Posted by biffer

we've got fly by wire on the old race boat, lovely bit of kit, from a boat builders point of view, easy to fit, with just a wire you can put it anywhere, how are you doing Andre, have you made any progress on the cabin rib we talked about?

Hi Biff
Had to put that one on the back burner for the time being. the 650 with the QSD 2.0 (170HP) Bravo 1 DTS is my next one

[GJ0KYZ]

Fly-by-wire has been available on jet skis for a few years now. It's been very well received and I haven't heard of any problems.