DJ415
New member
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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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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