mvnole

Yeah, I know, there are a couple of older threads on this, but I wanted to see if a couple of years changed anyone's mind. I am re-powering my 2002 Glacier Bay Renegade 2640, as one of the ole Honda 130's crapped out. I am considering moving to the Yamaha 150's and just got the quotes. Ouch,a little bit of a stinger. Anyway, the price difference is $5,000.00. Sell me on one or the other.

glacierbay2

Very interested in those numbers. How big is that stinger?

jj1987

Fly by wire is great. Keeps the same speed without slowly shifting up or down in no wake zones or at cruise, no resistance, etc.

Jeepman

Offshore use absolutely fly by wire, but 5k up charge is high. Run and gun bay/bass fishing not needed.

mvnole

About $32,500.00 with mechanical and $37,500.00 with fly by wire. Includes three blade props and two new tachs. I asked about using my old 4 blade Honda props and he said it was possible and could save a little there, but he said they have never had much luck with the four blade. I have only driven the boat with those, so I don't know much difference.

Boat Hound

I just got a boat with FBW - oddly I am finding it takes some getting used to. Between the damn motor being so quiet, no real detent before gears, moves with consistent friction its taking some time to adjust. Add power steering and I feel like I am maneuvering blindfolded. Not really complaining, just had no idea that I was using some many other "indicators" to what was happening. It's been an adjustment.

mvnole

Not offshore much, but do like to go out and fish occasionally. Son in law is a boat captain of a 62' Viking, so he can get me to the spots.

2_gator

I had a FBW Zuke 300, then mechanical F150s and now FBW Etecs. FBW is nice but I wouldn’t consider it a must.

BUT- the thing I love the most and wouldn’t wanna go back to mechanical controls for is the ability to sync the controls and use one throttle lever on both engines. That was something I didn’t think about until I had it, and it’s great.

$5k is a lot of money, but I think the pros of FBW outweigh the cons, if there are any. You should be able to get the cost down a bit.

Reel 007

Once you go FBW you will never go back, you can thank me later.

tiretired

I've had my DTS Mercs for 17 years and in my opinion, once you have drive by wire you'll never go back.

jfwireless

I would price out a pair of Suzuki DF150's with FBW, you can save with that for sure. I have fly by wire on both vessels, I do love it but it does get some getting used to without all that resistance and heavy detent finding neutral. FBW is very smooth and no more cables to deal with. Its easy to add a second station also

Jim

Rmoody79

Once you have a fly by wire failure you will rethink fly by wire. I have had my FBW system fail, I was 17mi out luckily it wasnt 100mi out, but once its out its out. Its not like a mechanical system that you can reach into the engine and manually engage, you are dead as dead can be. Because of this my next repower I am considering only twin 300 packages that I can have my choice of rigging. I know I am in the minority and its not ever supposed to happen but like I said, if I was in the NE canyons 100mi south of MV it would be a serious situation w no on water fix

mvnole

Pretty tight in the marina where I keep it. Have to bring it in and spin it to back in. If I go FBW, I could see a few dings off the pilings.

Jeepman

Will be easier with fly by wire, once use to them.

29A

If you ever want to add a second station, FBW makes it fairy easy. You can stay with the single lever controls and not have to route cables. You can select which station to use and the other one is locked out.

fishinmaniac

5,000 is a little steep for the step up to FBW and while its really nice to have 5k can buy alot of fuel. I run a boat that has FBW and one that doesn't, can't say that it bothers me much either way.

venison

Just blew up one of my Honda 150's and repowered with Zuke 150's. Got the boat back last week. My mechanic told me the same thing about if something goes bad, you are dead in the water. Decided to stick with mechanical controls. His scenario was this: "If something goes wrong with mechanical controls, I can talk you back in to the dock. If something goes wrong with FBW, you're screwed". Only have 15 hours on them, but so far LOVE the Zukes.

venison

And for what its worth, the upcharge for digital was around $2,500 if memory serves

captain28570

I was going to say the samething. Plus those Zukes will get a touch better MPG's than the Yamaha's and save you some money.

Twin 200 zukes are cheaper than Yamaha 150's.
Twin FBW make more sense than a single.

captain28570

Well the FBW Yamaha 150 is 2.8L block versus 2.7L on Mech. Subtle difference.