Anytime you combine the high speeds of modern day bass boats and open water, you need make sure you’re doing everything possible to ensure safe operation. Foot throttles have been around for quite some time, but I’ve had mixed experiences with them in the past.
I installed the T-H Marine Hot Foot Throttle on my bass boat and I’ve been extremely impressed by its functionality.
Very smooth operation
When I bought my boat, it came with a foot throttle but I was never very pleased with it. In order to depress the pedal, I had to virtually stand on it with all of my weight. Even after numerous lubrication treatments on the critical pivot points, it was very difficult to make small changes to my throttle position. This resulted in rough acceleration and would even cause my engine to bog down and choke itself out.
Since installing the T-H Marine Hot Foot Throttle, my boat has never operated more seamlessly. The pedal tension is very similar to driving my truck, so I’m able to make very small adjustments to my idle speed when graphing with my electronics, which has also given me a much better picture with my sonar.
The Hot Foot Throttle features nylon and Teflon bushings on all of its pivot points, which results in very smooth acceleration and deceleration throughout the fishing day. My engine no longer bogs down when getting on plane and it has also become much easier to trailer as well.
Doesn’t rust or corrode
I’ve used numerous foot throttles and almost every single one of them would rust and corrode after just a few months of use—the nastier they get, the stiffer and more difficult to use they become. I store my boat outside under a cover, so even the slightest amount of moisture or condensation would wreak havoc on my previous pedals.
I’ve been really pleased with the durability and corrosion resistance of the T-H Marine Hot Foot Throttle. It has been an extremely wet winter for my area, so my boat has been damp more than it’s been dry. This pedal is made from lightweight corrosion-resistant aluminum with stainless steel hardware and I’ve yet to see any signs whatsoever of rust or corrosion. I put my boat through a lot of abuse and the Hot Foot still performs like the day I installed it.
Facilitates safer boating
Everyone’s preferences are different when it comes to engine throttles—some like the control of a hand throttle, but I personally feel much safer when using the Hot Foot Throttle.
When driving my boat in rough water, I always want to have both hands on the steering wheel. Even in calm conditions, you never know when some teenager on a jet ski is going to cut you off, so it’s important to have the ability to make quick adjustments in a matter of seconds. This pedal allows me to keep my hands on the steering wheel while still maintaining complete control over my throttle, which has made it much easier to drive my boat in dicey conditions.
Returns to idle quickly
Some of the previous foot throttles I’ve used required me to pull back on them in order to decrease my speed. Not only was it irritating, but it was also flat-out dangerous—I actually know a friend whose foot throttle got stuck at full speed and had to pull his kill switch feet before hitting a dock.
Regardless of my speed, the T-H Marine Hot Foot Throttle returns to idle whenever I take my foot off the pedal. It has a toe clip for added safety, but I haven’t had to use it a single time. It’s extremely responsive and acts just like a car’s gas pedal.
If you’re looking for a safer, easier way to operate your bass boat, I absolutely recommend the T-H Marine Hot Foot Throttle. It operates very smoothly, resists rusts and corrosion and allows for a much safer boating experience.
The T-H Marine Hot Foot Throttle is available at THMarineSupplies.com.
