The tiller on an outboard avoids installing remote controls on his boat. But this steering mode is only possible for outboards with a power of less than 50 hp. Indeed, beyond that, the couple is so violent that holding the bar requires strength and anticipation. This is why we only find these large outboards without steering wheel on work boats, driven by professionals (mainly oyster farmers). In pleasure boating, it is rare to see outboards over 20 hp in tiller.
A tiller for easy assembly
The tiller has the advantage of being able to mount and dismount the motor from the transom without having to connect cables. This is very practical on small boats to get them out of the water or when they are used as an annex. On an engine without a tiller, you need one cable for the steering (the steering wheel) and two cables for the engine controls (accelerator and inverter). Not to mention the electrical harness that connects the ignition key and the battery charging system.
With a tiller, all these connections have disappeared. Indeed, the tiller eliminates the steering wheel and the acceleration controls are present in the handle that is turned at the end of the helm. The inverter is often in the form of a handle directly on the engine block. So no more cables.
The tiller off-centre
Historically, engine manufacturers have installed the remote bar on one side of the engine (usually on the port side). Thus, depending on the side where the pilot is positioned, he either has the helm very close to him (if he sits on the port side) or far away (sitting on the other side). On a narrow boat, it's not too awkward, but on a larger unit, the driving position can end up being tiring. Moreover, the helmsman's legs must not interfere with manoeuvres when the engine is turned.
The Mercury solution
Mercury has released an innovative tiller with its new 15 to 20 hp engines. Indeed, it is no longer on one side of the engine, but in the middle of it. No more choosing one side or the other to drive. Depending on his preference (right-handed or left-handed), the pilot can choose his ideal arm to fly. In addition, the throttle handle can be adjusted to rotate in either direction depending on the preferred direction of rotation for acceleration. Ditto for the inverter. This is moved at the end of the handle. It therefore remains accessible, close to the throttle handle without having to bend over near the engine block.
