[Jeff Barnett]

Hello all,
I've noticed many Mariahs and other brands, have a single control for throttle and shifting. My Z255 has a separate throttle and shifter.. I think it's refered to as "off shore" controls. My question is, what the benifit of having them seperate?
Thanks

[MariahMan]

Your Mariah has a separate throttle and shifter? Crazy, i had no idea Mariahs ever came w/ that.

The advantage to having separate controls is you can rev the engine in neutral and the controls will probably be smoother as you don't have the shift and throttle in one control. Though some of the shifter/throttle combos have a disconnect for the shift so you can still rev in neutral. I think it comes down to personal preference.

[ShabahZ280]

Mine has that as well. It's called Kiekhafer Controls, or as you said, "offshore" style. I find them incredibly useful, especially when docking, or maneuvering in tight quarters. They're much smoother than the standard Mercruiser or VP single throttle lever. They may seem intimidating at first, but it allows for much quicker shifting in and out of gears. Just don't ever have the throttle past idle speed when you shift.

[moondance100]

I wish mine did!! But my next one will....the proverbial Z302.......