Frequently Asked Questions
The compatibility requirements for the Ridesteady speed control system are:
- Your boat / engine config must be an inboard (direct-drive), V-drive, or I/O (stern-drive).
- Your instrument panel must use the standard 3.5" gauges for the Ridesteady display / control panel to fit.
- The throttle must be "pull-to-accelerate" mechanically-actuated. This means that a physical cable connects the driver throttle lever to the throttle arm on the engine. When the driver throttle lever is pushed down, the throttle cable should pull-in on the engine side. Most boats prior to 2006 had mechanically-actuated throttles (note that some older OMC engines are "push-to-accelerate" and thus require a new throttle lever and re-configuration at the carburetor to be converted to a pull-throttle). Some high-end boats from 2006-on have "throttle-by-wire". Ridesteady is not compatible with "throttle-by-wire" engines.
We suggest you take a look at the installation and operation guide to understand the installation requirements. We're here to help with any questions or concerns you may have.
Ridesteady works well with V8 and V6 engines. We're currently looking at 4-cylinder engines. Contact us if you're interested in trying Ridesteady on your boat--we'll work with you to determine its compatibility.
No; as long as you have a mechanical throttle (as opposed to throttle-by-wire), it does not matter whether your engine is carbureted or fuel-injected.
If you're riding over completely still water with no waves or currents, yes.
But, most people ride on lakes or rivers that have water movement. Even closed-in lakes can have surface currents caused by wind. With a GPS-based system, if you're going against a 2 MPH current, you'll be going 2 MPH too fast, and when you turn around you'll be going 2 MPH too slow. That's a pretty significant 4 MPH difference.
Apprehension to drilling into your hull is normal, of course.
Consider, though, that people have been doing this for literally decades. The Ridesteady and Airmar instruction manuals guide you through all the steps and considerations needed to complete a successful paddlewheel install. If it still bothers you, we suggest you take your boat to a dealer where they likely have experience installing paddlewheels.
No problem. Just contact your dealer or other professional installer and have them get in touch with Hydrophase. We'll work with them to get the Ridesteady speed control system in your boat ASAP!
If you install the Ridesteady speed control system and are not satisfied for any reason, you can return it within 60 days.
If you installed the paddlewheel and want to leave it in (understandable), we'll credit your account for the price paid minus $100 (a discounted rate for the paddlewheel).
The remaining paddlewheel may be used with a paddlewheel compatible speedometer, or the blanking plug may be put in its place if desired.
We're currently trying to 'gauge' demand for the larger 5" gauges. If you're looking for one, contact us and let us know. We'll put you on our list to notify when they become available.
Being 'smart' about controlling the throttle motor allows us to:
- Keep the price low as we can use smaller, more efficient motors.
- Keep the power consumption of the system low. The Ridesteady speed control system uses less than half the power of similar systems, saving your battery and alternator to power other things (like your tunes, for example).
Most likely you can replace your old speed control with the Ridesteady speed control system. The paddlewheel connection (if so equipped) may even be compatible. Contact us for more information.