Engine Controls

I used Kobelt with good success. I won’t ever leave my Hynautic hydraulics in exchange for electric.

I have become a little worried about Glendinning lately.
With mechanical throttles and clutches, The ole ZF controls may need to be looked at.

I did not think you would be much impressed with your Hynautic controls after service.
My old original Pannish controls are still finger light and fast.

Amen to that!

It takes much less than a lightning, to develop a fault in anything electronics.
Regardless of the levers load (which for better or worse will always be higher than electronic, obviously), what you've got is one of the most reliable control systems ever, if properly maintained.
So, if you're concerned about reliability, something better is still to be invented.

There's only one reason I can think of for jumping on the electronic controls bandwagon, and it's if you plan to install also a remote control, because I believe that would be tricky to interface to the Hynautic system.

That reminds me of something I had in mind when I previously wrote "for better or worse", but I didn't mention explicitly.
I actually prefer levers requiring a positive effort to be operated, as opposed to those that can be moved by just about anything that gets in touch with them.
No prize for guessing how I know that a lady moving around the boat with a bag is more than enough to accidently accelerate/engage/disengage/whatever electronic levers - just as an example...

Can't be bothered to look at their website, but R U sure?
The only Kobelt controls I ever came across are either electronic or pneumatic.
With the former MUCH more popular than the latter, so I would guess that electronics is what rtrafford was referring to.
But I can't and don't want to speak on his behalf, obviously!

BTW, one thing I like of Kobelt electronic levers is that in the event of a system fault, their actuators can still be operated with mechanical levers directly connected to the push/pull cables going to the governor and g/box. So, if I will ever consider replacing my fully mechanical levers (which is very unlikely), Kobelt would definitely have a high place among my preferred alternatives.

I'm a big fan of simple and reliable.
K.I.S.S.

Let us help you, spend your money on something more positive and fun.

I used the electrical units on a palm beach helm.

Yes, fully electric units. I installed them myself. The Cats-end was the bigger challenge for the learning curve than the Kobelt. Never gave me an issue other than a lightning strike nearby that required an overall replacement. Can't blame Kobelt for that...

You don't want kobalt, they are not the correct controls for your application ( a SF). You only see kobalt on slow motor yachts and not a ton of support for them. ZF controls, sturdy controls or others. ZF is probably a good choice and has good support.

My experience was via my choice, my own installation, and via a PB helm on a SF, for a decade with zero issues minus the lightning event. When I had the hit I called Kobelt, and they came out quickly and replaced the parts under an insurance claim. Following, three years later, no issue. She's still operating today, a decade later without issue as I understand.

Maybe I'm an outlier, but I'd do it again based upon my experience.

Maybe so, but they are not a brand you ever see mounted on the FB and tower of a sportfish. Nor do you see them mounted in a wet environment.

….but isn’t this more a pattern of proprietary controls? If you walk up to my former console you won’t know Kobelt was aboard unless you looked for the remote function panel. PB side controls could be any manufacturer?

I'm taking boats that were converted. Kobelt are a bit old school looking, but they're not known as being as waterproof as some of the other brands and I've never seen a set of them on a Sportfish or fast motoryacht, ever. Only ever used them on trawler like boats and slow my's. I really liked the Sturdy controls that CAT was using, just in features, durability, and feel. Those were my favorite. The Man rex roth are good as well, and zf's after that. But on a conversion generally ZF are the go to. Keep in mind you need many different parts to make it happen, actuators, harnesses etc etc.