Hot Foot or not?

[powerman970]

I am considering putting a Hot Foot in my new boat.  I just have a few questions first.  I am only running 50 hp is it even an option at this small a motor and is it practical?  I think I would like the foot control better but I am concerned that in rough water you may get some surge from your foot bouncing up and down.  I have never had a foot pedal in a boat but I am really liking the idea of it.  Any input would be greatly appreciated before I spend the money and decide I don't like it.  Also, how hard is it to install if I want to do it myself?

Thanks guys...You always seem to have an answer.  This forum is awesome.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

That's a simple one.  ABSOLUTELY.  I've driven 2 boats with the hot foot pedal, nothing better than having both hands on the wheel.  This product was the driving force behind me moving the throttle on my jet boat to the wheel.  It now has a trigger throttle on the steering wheel so I can keep both hands on the helm.

Great product IMO

[Catt]

I've never really been impressed with a Hot Foot but trigger throttle on the steering wheel now that I like.

[lowe160]

I have a Hotfoot on my 50HP and wouldn't be without it. I fish a lot of Tournaments and when them big bassboats cut in front of you it's a lot safer being able to get off or on the throttle quick and keeping both hands on the wheel.

Wayne

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

wheel turned all the way to the left (same radius as a jet ski w/ handlebars)

all the way to the right

[Triton21]

ABSOLUTELY!  It is much safer.  When your foot come off the pedal your motor coame back to idle.  Not so with a stick.

Kelley

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

That's another nice feature with the trigger.  Even Dad drives it,lol

[powerman970]

OK.  I'm talked into the hotfoot.  Now, how hard is it to install myself?

[Redlinerobert]

My last Ranger and current boat both have the Hotfoot.  I would never own a boat without one.

[Tom Bass]

Does the Hotfoot control forward and reverse?

[Triton21]

Yes as long as you have it in forward or reverse.

Kelley

[Triton21]

Controls fuel to engine only not direction.

Kelley

[Tom Bass]

;D thanks

[striperone]

Hotfoots have their pro's and con's.

For safety normally yes. If you were to come out of the boat the throttle would drop back down to idle. But the boat would still be in gear and idling around with no one on board. If you were wearing your safety leash when you were thrown from the boat the motor would have shut off completely so there isn't any advantage here unless you don't wear the leash anyway. In rough water you can sometimes have a hard time maintaining a consistent speed as when your bouncing around so is your foot, so is your throttle. It is also less tiring to use the shifter for speed control vs a hotfoot for long runs down the lake or river.

You will still have your "gear shifter" when running a hotfoot. Your throttle cable will be removed from it (and from the boat motor) and discarded. You will need a longer throttle cable for the new installation, because it will now need to be longer to reach the hotfoot pedal. Operation of it is similar to your car. Your shifter to go forward and reverse, your hotfoot for the gas. Remember you still don't have brakes! Installation is fairly simple if your the least bit mechanically inclined. A word of warning! Be extremely careful about running the screws through the hotfoot down into the floor. If your screws are too long the WILL go down through your HULL as well as the floor.

Personally, I like the hotfoot, but it isn't for everyone...

[powerman970]

Very good information.  Thanks for the input guys, now I think I have the information I need to at least make an informed decision.  I am probably going to install the hotfoot but now my interest is up and I think I want to look at the trigger control on the wheel before I do anything.  Are they both about the same as far as responsiveness?  I assume the install is probably the same concept for both pieces. Is there any way that I can have the hotfoot installed and still keep the stick for an alternative method such as making a long run down the lake?  I guess this would require two separate throttle cables so may not even be possible.  Maybe we should design and market this idea.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

The trigger application on mine is kind of a rare thing.  The entire steering sytem is different than in a boat.  It only goes 1/4 turn to each side (think of handlebars.  Also, The "travel" on the cable may require a custom cable, not cheap.  

We took the time and money with this boat because it really is a classy, one of a kind.  A true Boston whaler, 15' center console inboard.  Yes, a 15 ft inboard,lol.  Very clean.  The trigger throttle was another part of the minmalistic appeal we were looking for.

The hot foot is designed to be simply "switched out" without all the math.

[JT Bagwell]

I would not own a boat without a hot foot.

The only thing that sometimes is a problem for me is the very long runs. My

leg starts to cramp from being in the same position for so long.

JT Bagwell

[Redlinerobert]

LBH,

When I come out to visit, were going fishing!  

[Triton21]

JT, if I start to cramp-up on long runs I just switch feet.

Kelley

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

LBH,

When I come out to visit, were going fishing!

We sure ain't goin' out cruisin twin Lambos! lol  Say when Robert.  

Are there any manufacturers that sell boats stock w/ a hot foot?

[harshman]

I don't know if any manufactures sell them stock but any dealership would install one on a new boat if you are buying one and any reputable repair shop can install one on an older boat. I had  one installed on my 89' Charger after driving a friends boat that had one. It takes some getting used to but every boat I own from now on will have one.

Harshman