1987 41' Convertible Cockpit controls ?

[steve c]

Has anyone added cockpit controls ( specifically shift levers ) to their convertible of similar size ? Any suggestions or cautions ?

 

[Bob Bradley]

I removed them from my 43C. All they ever did was get in the way, and the console that they were mounted onto took up all the available space behind the FB ladder. The ones on my boat were physically linked to the fb controls, and this also caused problems.

One time as I approached my slip, I tried to take the boat out of gear and I could not. I had to shut the engines down, run down the ladder, and untangle the mess of net and gear that someone had carelessly hung on the lower shift levers. Then I had to run back up, restart the engines, shift to reverse and throttle up to stop the boat from a collision with a docked boat. That was enough for me. They're gone.

By the way, if the boat is relatively new to you, and you want to consider replacing the old mattresses, I have a custom mattress business here in CT. Check out Nautopedic Custom Yacht Mattresses (www.nautopedic.com). I'd be happy to stop by and measure for you.
Bob