Hotfoot - anyone go back to hand controls?

[civicrr2]

Picked up a a new to me 2003 Ranger 520 with 225 Opti.
I am considering installing a Hotfoot & blinker style trim control.

I have read a lot of old posts saying that having tried it, you won't want a boat without them. Really?

Has anyone gone back to hand controls from the Hotfoot? Mike T. posted how he had some problems with his. Are those problems common? Mike T, did you repair your Hotfoot or did you go back to hand controls?

Just want to be sure before I drop the $$.
Thanks.

[StogieMan]

Well you could always look for a brand called "Land & Sea". Although I dont own that brand I have heard it does both functions some how.

[Ringer]

I won't go back. Much safer in rough water to have 2 hands on the wheel and the trim switches on the column. I have also had to back off the throttle then turn and gun it to prevent a waverunner accident so it does help in dealing with idiots. JMO.

[Skeeterman]

Its the only and safe way to go. You have both hands on the sterring all the time.You need both when thiers ruff water.

[ash]

My first boat (the one I am in now) has a hotfoot and I wont have a boat without one. When I drive other guys boats it just doesnt feel as though I have the same level of control, the hands on all the time the trim right there at a flick of the finger its all good.

There are two bummers - 5mph zones cause you gotta stay seated and lean on the throttle some and dont forget just cause you have a gas peddle there are still NO BRAKES

[tunaman]

I've heard the same thing, especially from those who know. Those who haven't gone to a hotfoot probably won't, but those who do most likely won't ever go back.

I ran my Z20 for about 6 months without, until I went to my first US Open about three years ago and saw how important it can be out on the big water (and it was BIG that year!). I came home, did my research, and had one installed about a month later. I can honestly say that I won't be without one myself from here on out.

Roger

[macinckirk]

It will be money WELL Spent, I would never own a boat without a hotfoot on it

[McLovin]

I went back to a hand control, but only because of my accident (got paralyzed) and I agree that the hot foot is better. It just feels safer.

[904dog]

OK heres the deal. There is an option for both but it is more money! To me that would be the best. I have the hot foot with adjustable plate and I love it! You will never go back. Good luck, Steve...<>< Tell him I sent you and he will hook you up.
Contact Brant @ 707) 585-9717 www.marineunlimited.net
3335 Standish Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407


www.thefishook.com

[Norv]

civicrr2,

You will have better and faster control over the throttle and trim with a Hot Foot blinker style trim control. This wil allow an additional hand on the steering wheel which will improve your ability to make the necessary course corrections based on water conditions. The Hot Foot's disadvantages when idling through no wake zones and fatigue when traveling long distances are more than outweighed by the advantages that the Hot Foot will provide in terms of control and your ability to more safely and effectively control your boat.

[wccjanel]

I have had a Hot Foot in all of my Bass Boats. I will not have another Bass Boat without one. My current boat does not have a Hot Foot, so you could say I went back to a hand throttle. However, considering this boat is a Center Console, and I don't think a Hot Foot will work while standing, I dunno if that's the same. My next Bass Boat will have a foot throttle.

The trick with the trim on the column is that you do not have to trim up when turning right, nor trim down when turning left.


Good Luck,
James

[scott h]

My first boat didnt have it and I thought it wasnt any different than hand throttle, my current boat has the digital hotfoot and it is awesome! The concept of both hands on the wheel is a much safer one and the trim on the helm is very easy to get while driving on pad. I wil never have a boat without one installed. The safety factor alone is worth the money.

[Roger Saraiba]

I just had mine installed at Marine Unlimited. One of the best investments I have made. Brant and the guys at the shop did a great job.

[TonyL]

Like mentioned above , you may consider , the set-up which allows both controls? One of the guys on here ( I think Mike Tremont)had an issue at CL one of the hotfoot cables broke,or bracket ?,no , or limited throttle control , going thru the narrows?Maybe he'll chime in.

[MIKE TREMONT]

I'm reliving a nightmare, that was a pretty scary couple of minutes in a bass boat. Luckily , I had a knucklehead friend that I use to go out in the ocean with in a 19'bayliner, I guess I was a knucklehead for getting on that boat in some of the conditions we braved.

The odds of the bracket that broke on me are probably slim that it will happen again. Luckily my brother in-law works in a machine shop and they were good enough to let him fabricate a couple for me. He went with Stainless Steel, so I know it won't fail like the original that was made out of pot metal.

I think the Hot Foot is a great idea, and can't see me running without one, especially in the ugly stuff.

I don't like the fact that they couldn't at least respond to my several requests to purchase this part. If my brother in-law wasn't around, I'd have to buy a complete assembly? I'm sure I would of gotten a response if that was the case !

Good luck and enjoy your new ride !

[M. Warner]

if you fish big waters it the best thing you can get. two hands on the wheel at all times, I have had one since 99, and wont go back.

[Dave Wilson]

I don't use a hotfoot anymore, but the reason is I use ocean boats regularly, and am so used to having a hand on the throttle. If I was a bass boater primarily I'd use one(a hotfoot).

[Rich reeser]

hotfoot hotfoot hotfoot the only way to go and thats all i got to say about that...............

[Terry Smith]

Hotfoot DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[blkdog812]

big yes on the hot foot. I also would recommond the blinker style trim switch. if you dont have a jack plate put the dual control for the trim. ( wish i did) that way you can use either hand at any time. mines is also still wired in on the thottle level so if one goes out i still have others.