throttle by wire vs cable debate

[yam240sx]

Question for all who have driven both which do you prefer ? and what can you describe about the feel of feach compared? .... it seems yamaha sx250, ar 250, s 252 are all cable driven throttles 252se , 252sd are wire throttles . thanks

 

[Danrich]

I think the biggest thing is being able to control both engines with just one throttle. Otherwise I didn’t notice a big difference coming from my 2006 AR210 to the 2021 252SD. it’s smoother then my old boat but that’s to be expected since it’s 15 years newer. But I will say I love the DRIVE system using the paddles makes it really easy when moving around the dock or marina.

 

[Dave burke]

Tell me more about the Drive @Danrich please. I’m thinking about either the 222XE or XD and from what I can tell, the only difference is the Drive and about $4.5K. Do you really think it’s worth the difference? I was thinking if you’re new to jets, maybe. But I’ve got 6 years of experience with my 212X and many years of boating experience before that. So I was leaning towards not getting it until I saw your post. Thx.

 

[Bruce]

All 1.8s are throttle by wire but outside of the E series use a cable to control a variable resistor that feeds the wire.

MR-1s and two strokes use a cable that actually opens the throttle.

 

[Danrich]

I love the drive I had about 3 year experience before I got it and did ok docking and getting around. I boat mostly on the Columbia river in Oregon. We have pretty fast currents with competing wind that made docking pretty tough. After getting drive I have been able to back into my slip no problem every time. Basically with drive I use the single lever mode when driving around and the paddles when docking or moving in tight spaces. I don’t think in the two summers I’ve had it I have used the sifters in dual mode like I had to with my old AR210. Also my boat is completely stock none of the thrust vectors or other steering enhancements. I planned to add them when I got the boat but I don’t feel I need them.

for me if you have the option to get either boat (222XE or XD)I would get the XD. I always like to get the highest trim I can afford with the hopes of better resale value down the road. But it sounds like you know what your doing and have plenty of captaining experience. I doubt you can go wrong either way.

Hopefully that help let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[Danrich]

P. S. If I was going to ever buy another Yamaha in the future I would not buy one without the drive system unless I just couldn’t afford it.

 

[Dave burke]

Very helpful, thx.