Mathers Micro Commander controls

[Westfield 11]

I’m still having trouble with my Hynautic Controls and am seriously considering replacing the whole mess with an electronic system. Has anyone here done that and did it work out well? How much did it cost?

 

[Pascal]

I wouldn’t trade hynautic for electronics. Find someone that knows the system and fix it. I ve only used Morse and Cat electronic controls, never MMC but I ve heard issues with random engagement and shifting delays.

 

[Scarlett]

I had the Micro Commanders in my last boat and had one engine stuck in gear as I was entering a narrow fairway, was able to shift the other to reverse and get out of the channel, then I just shut down the controls at the breaker and then turned them back on and everything was ok. Scared the you no what out of me. John

 

[madhatter1]

I was on on a 43 Roberson that had just had a complete refit and was out on a test run. All was perfect until pulling back into the slings. Someone keyed the SSB and the throttles instantly pinned!!! Luckily the guy on the mic knew it was him and he released the button. Talk about holy crap!

 

[Freeebird]

I’ve never had any get stuck in gear, but the delay in shifting is VERY pronounced and VERY irritating.

 

[Boatsb]

I'd recommend the Glendinning system. Just installed one for a customer.

The old zf is for sale by the way.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

If changing, I would go with Sturdy

https://www.sturdycorp.com/marine

 

[SeaEric]

The aging Hynautic equipment is becoming more and more problematic. It's rare when it operates as intended. Couple that with not many techs know and understand the system. A customer of mine did a retrofit with Sea Star electronics. The price was reasonable and he's happy with the performance of the new controls so far. Plus, sync is built in.

 

[zigzag930]

I do have the micro commanders at four locations on board our 58LRC. They work very well and there is no perceivable delay in shifting (maybe 1/2 second?).

I like the audible tone they make when shifting to the neutral position as I seldom look at the controls while docking and it assists me when moving the throttles/shifters in and out of forward and reverse.

FWIW, I do love the single level controls as opposed to separate throttle/shifters. Especially in tight quarters.

 

[doc g]

Glendenning makes controls too. I was impressed with the price and looked like an easy installation.......Pat

 

[krush]

I have microcommanders installed by previous owner during repower/refit. They are good and still supporte. If I were installing today, I probably would go with a different brand, with Glendenning getting a serious look.

 

[Steve Mannshardt]

Mathers can be vexing. I have them and live with them. I run customers boats equipped with them as well. That said the biggest repeat issue with them is either related to a clean and consistent power supply or grounds.

 

[Captain Ralph]

Who owns Mathers today?
I remember ZF took them over and fixed some old issues.
Then all got quiet.

Been a while since I messed with them, Just wondering.
Parts and support still up?

 

[tkbsurf]

ZF has owned Mathers for quite some time. I think since 1998? Its still supported by the ZF service network globally. However, what's changed is production. Production moved from Mukilteo, WA to ZF Arco, Italy. Tech support is still good but inventory is questionable. I would recommend Ed at Control Masters Inc. for ZF control support.

 

[motoryacht lover]

OP I have hynautic engine controls and just went through the serious contemplation of switching to Glendenning electric. After much deliberation I stayed with Hynautic. Some think that attaching electronic controls to mechanical engines is problematic. I struggle with the issues that electronic controls bring but at some point may not have a choice. If you are in S Fl there is a Hynautic “expert” who could rebuild your system. I have thought about doing that. Would be interested in the forums thoughts on traditional cables. I thought I heard that there were some out there with ball bearings that were supposed to be pretty smooth.

 

[RonNP]

I had problems with my Hynautics controls 4 years ago. The PO had not had the glycol is the system changed ever so it had turned into sludge. I replaced both reservoir canisters and had the controls rebuilt by Sea Tech of San Diego for 10 boat bucks. They have been problem free ever since.

 

[Boatsb]

I just replaced ZF with Glendinning and the customer loved them. It was for electric shift and throttle so no cable interface.

On the old detroits there's few electronic engines so you would need a hybrid. They are expensive but work well. Just replace the short shift and throttle cables ever 10 years or so and your good.

Glendinning and others make decent systems for this but remember it's a pretty good sized investment in New technology

 

[Captain Ralph]

ZF has owned Mathers for quite some time. I think since 1998? Its still supported by the ZF service network globally. However, what's changed is production. Production moved from Mukilteo, WA to ZF Arco, Italy. Tech support is still good but inventory is questionable. I would recommend Ed at Control Masters Inc. for ZF control support.

Been working with Ed for many years now. Great family and dog lovers.
Forgot his connect with ZF, actually how we met years ago, customers clutch warranty claim.

 

[jmooney]

Call Gary at Marine Control Systems. 828-508-4201 . A great guy , he will go through your problems on the phone . He can rebuild your system if needed. I would never replace a Hynautic system with electric. I have enough errant electrons as it is .