box/cover for gear levers up top

pnmudge · Post by **pnmudge** » Mon Aug 30, 2010 9:11 pm

Okay, so call me nervous...... but I want to build a box (maybe plexi?) that would cover the gear controls on the command bridge, and would hinge at the top and flip out of the way when I need them.

Here's my concern: Because of the seating in front of the helm, and because the gears are on the port side, right on the edge of walkway to get to the forward seat, I have this terrifying thought that we're going to be cruising along and someone will get up, or move an arm the wrong way, pushing the gears into neutral while at high RPM (or worse, into reverse) and totally blow the transmissions.

I usually get to run the boat while my husband sits forward, and on many occasions, his shorts have almost caught the controls as he got up and went by. When we had friends out once (non-boaters), one of them sat forward with an arm up on the top of the cushion and while hand motioning during a story, actually hit one of the controls and knocked it into neutral -- we were idling at the time thank goodness.

So.... anyone else had this nightmare vision? Anyone else put some sort of safety in place? (besides single lever controls, which i don't want to do).

Thanks!

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Mon Aug 30, 2010 9:17 pm

Instruct people to stay clear . I have to tell folks that the lower controls are not a coat rack . putting box over them would delay you using them

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Tue Aug 31, 2010 7:15 am

I agree - could be dangerous if you needed to get the boat out of gear quickly.

What if one of your non-boater friends (wearing black heels no doubt) fell overboard while walking on the front deck?

Your husband's shorts are another issue - why don't they sell "shorts" any more anyway? Men's shorts are now "longs" or Capri pants that come below the knees. What happened to good old shorts that were above the knee and you stayed nice and cool? ooops ... ranting about shorts again ...

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Tue Aug 31, 2010 8:10 am

The above posts are right on. The controls are designed to be within ease. The captain's responsibility is to instruct everyone on board, what to do and what not to do...

Stuff can happen...keep an eye out and enjoy.

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Tue Aug 31, 2010 10:31 am

And the 1st mate's (your husband) responsibility is to keep his dang shorts out of the controls

... and bring you beverages.

.