ELi5: Why do race boats use a hand throttle (latching) operated by another person as opposed to a gas pedal which can be operated using the driver’s foot thus only needing one person?
In: 2
Imagine that you’re driving down the road in a brand new, Chevrolet® Corvette Stingray® 3LT with the optional Z51 Performance Suspension (complete with MagneRide® Selective Dampers). As you’re imaging what a good deal your local Chevrolet dealer made you on your brand new, enthusiast grade wheels, try to picture how smooth the ride would be.
Now ask yourself, why is the ride in America’s favorite muscle car so smooth? Beyond the obvious fact that you’ve set the magnetic suspension to “Comfort” mode, the fact is that you’re driving on a relatively smooth, stationary road and you have, you know, a suspension in the car.
Have you ever ridden in a boat before? Did you notice how the boat is not riding on a smooth, stationary surface, nor does the boat have a suspension?
The boat is constantly being knocked up into your body. If your foot is on a gas pedal when the boat goes over a wave, the force of the boat being knocked upwards by the wave will push that pedal into your foot. Because your foot is more stationary than the boat, it will end up depressing the pedal, causing you to unintentionally open the throttle to the engine.
A lever doesn’t have that problem.
Racing boats jump, a lot (they jump so much that pilots must stand up, or they could break their backs if they sit down); using a foot pedal on a jumping boat does not seem feasible.
I didn’t see this part answered.
The copilot controls the throttle so the pilot can keep both hands on the wheel. I’ve also been told when the boat gets airborne the copilot feathers the throttle to keep the prop from over speed or damage to the engine. I can’t remember which exactly. It could be both.
Latest Answers