Suicide Knobs

[DJ415]

Hello from Japan!

I'm an American who is new to the boating life. I work as a boat maintenance worker at a marina in Japan where I operate a rescue boat (19' Boston Whaler with a 130HP 4 Stroke Honda). I rescue mostly begginer sailboaters, most of which are small capsized sailboats or just out control due to gusty winds in Tokyo bay. In my experience, I found that careful menuverabilty is essential when closely following an out-of-control sailboat and I felt a need to use a "suicide knob" (Edson steering wheel maker call them Power Knobs) in order to single-handedly turn the wheel with my left hand and operate the controller with my right hand.

The term "suicide knob" carries a stigma and most people I've consulted in this matter, including my boss, had this knee-jerk reaction of disapproval with nothing to back-up their disapproval. If I understand it correctly, this knob earned it's name from 18 wheeler truck drivers in the USA because professional truck drivers disapprove of using only one hand when driving, which is understandable when driving 60+ mph and carrying tons of cargo. But operating a rescue boat is obvioulsy different.

I am wondering if any rescue boat drivers out there utilize (for lack of a better term) the "suicide knob". Can anyone provide some insight on any disadvantages of it's use? Or, are there any regulations against its use at recreational boating facilities?

Thanks for your time,
Jonas


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[jerryat]

Hi DJ415!

Welcome to Forum and I hope you enjoy it and get as much knowledge and information from its participants as I do.

The 'suicide knob' you refer to (first time I've heard it called that!) is not, as far as I'm aware, banned or disapproved of here, though my own small sailing club's rescue boats do not use them. Your question might be better posted on the MoBo (Motor Boat) forum where this is likely to be more common.

Sorry I can't be more helpful re use etc, but it's nice to have you aboard!

Good sailing!



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[Alex_Blackwood]

Hi! Don't know about recreational use but this type of control is quite common in cars ( automobiles) adapted for disabled drivers where positive one hand control of the steering is required.
If considered safe in that situation I cannot see anything wrong with your use of it especially if it helps your control and may even assist in life saving!
Maybe you could think up a different name for it, no doubt you may even get suggestions from some of the forumites here!

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[DJ415]

Thanks for the welcome, the replies, and pointing me in the right direction! I'm glad to know that there are people out there that get passed the the derogatory term. Perhaps I should make up a better name for it, like "Joy Handle", or something sexy like that *wink*

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[cliff]

The device you refer to is called an "easy-turn" and is fitted to many vehicles.

A good quality one is quite safe but must be fitted on the inside of the wheel or in the cross spokes clear of where your thumbs would be normally for obvious reasons.

The cheaper versions are dangerous as they tend to come off at the wrong moment.

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[DJ415]

Good points, Cliff. I didn't realize they can break off. If that's the case I'm now more inclined to buy a wheel with a knob built into it without the ball-bearing rotation. The 15 1/2 inch Schmitt Evolution Wheel 7201521FGK looks like a good choice...

cheers

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[SeaMark]

Hi Jonas,

Not sure about the marine application but I believe the device was widely used in the USA in the early '60's where people fitted them to cars so they could drive with one hand free.

Almost universally known as a "Neckers Knob" it would certainly allow you to steer with one hand and fiddle(!) with the other!

Mark


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[Born_Free]

Hi Jonas

And welcome to the forum. Regarding your 'Suicide Knob', they are extensively used on industrial vehicles, fork lift trucks etc, and also on earth moving plant, where you need to keep one hand free to operate the hydraulic controls whilst steering.
Seems to me that what you want to do is very similar, so if it's considered safe for those purposes, I can't see any problem in using it for your application.
One thing to bear in mind though is that you'll find you're able to turn the wheel a lot faster than before so watch your step until you get used to it.

Good luck and happy sailing
Martin

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[William_H]

Hello DJ415 Rescue boat driving for little kids in little dighys now there is an art form. Those uninitiated wouldn't realise that you need to be able to drive one handed because the other hand has grasped a gunwhale and is a human towline try to tow the dinghy out of danger or just turn it in the right direction. The other arts you need to finetune are the approach of an overturned dinghy so that you are not blown on top of the kids but close enough to encourage them. I hope you always have an assistant with buoyancy vest on ready to leap into the water to help the kids. Had one instructor left the motor as he thought in neutral he then jumped into the water to help some kids. Yes you guessed it we had to send another rescue boat to chase the unmanned boat which was mercifully slowly circling the scene unaided by human assistance. I hope you enjoy this activity it certainly takes quick reflexes to get out of the way of Kamakaze kids. I must say I would prefer an inflatable with 10 Hp to your boat. We used 3 motor dinghies for 10 sailing dinghies and then you must keep an eye out for weather changes. Regards will

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[Woodpile]

It's called a snog-knob, surely...?

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