Gear: Mercury Marine 40hp-115hp tiller handle
Mercury redesigns its tiller handle to make life easier for boaters, particularly left-handersMercury Marine has launched a major redesign for the tiller it will use on its higher-performance outboard engines, launching a new look with better ergonomics.
It is even better news for southpaws, with the gearshift lever able to swap sides for the first time to make it more comfortable for left-handed drivers, who can even reverse the throttle control.
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Unveiled in the US this week, the new-look tiller even features a the option of a heated handgrip – a feature that mimics the heated steering wheels rolled out on some premium and high-end luxury cars.
There is no word yet on Australian availability or pricing.
Mercury said the new tiller handle was compatible with Mercury four-stroke outboard engines ranging in performance from 40hp through 115hp.
Listening to customers
Mercury said it had listened to customers when deciding what changes to make to the tiller.
"Our extensive research revealed that boaters are looking for advanced features for personalising tiller control setup to meet their individual needs,” Mercury associate category manager Kevin Hockerman said.
“As a result, Mercury developed a more ergonomic, comfortable, responsive and adaptive tiller to improve boating experiences. Our all new tiller is much more than a comfortable handle - it is a state-of-the-art control system for the outboard engine.”
Mercury said its new tiller handle would provide the most adjustment in the market, allowing boaters to “comfortably operate the tiller regardless of driving hand preference”.
It also has side-to-side adjustments of up to 18 degrees port and starboard from centre, while the handle's vertical angle can adjust via an auto tilt lock system or a down-stop angle micro-adjustment knob.
The handle comes standard with Mercury Troll Control, which sets precise trolling speeds in 10rpm increments – much finer than the industry-standard 50rpm increments – using a button.
New warning display
Mercury said another new feature was an integrated engine warning display providing visual and audible warnings for engine oil, temperature, electrical and other faults – including when the driver’s safety lanyard disconnects from the unit.
The tiller handle is compatible with 40hp to 60hp EFI four-stroke outboard engines built since 2006, and the 75hp to 115hp EFI four-stroke outboard engines built since 2014.
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