Ok... Building a motor, but I have never driven one. so I am looking for advice from the veteran longtailers. I really want a twist throttle. i am used to it with tiller controlled outboards. I like the clean look on the handle, one less thing to snag on a pair of waders... yet I see the majority of motors factory and homebuilt have levers. Why is that?

You will use your handle as the end of a giant lever when you get in the thick stuff. I can't imagine how horrible it would be to have a twist throttle on my longtail. The lever is like cruise control as well. Honestly the lever doesn't get in the way at all.

Interesting points.
I see the PPF wood ducks have a twist.

I never considered using the motor as a lever. I will be able to reach the stock honda throttle while driving... so My question is would I need a remote throttle at all?

Yes, u will need a remote throttle, you won't want to have to spin around to operate the throttle on the engine.... As for twist throttle, ur wrist will cramp and you won't keep a steady rpm. The throttle lever is to keep throttle at a constant rpm... The long tiller handle is for leverage when the longtail gets in a bind and you have to work it... Several years of thought have gone into a standard long tail.... I'd keep to what others have done... It's simple and less of a hassle


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I would also go with the lever, "set it and forget it". As was stated, bigger block motors need wrestling holds and exertions, a twist grip would not be user friendly.

I think we're thinking in terms of a big long tail 20 hp plus where a twist throttle would suck.
He's building a 9 horse. Twist grip would probly be fine for what he's doing if that's what he really wants.
Jeramy- Go over to the dark side of the forum and look at the prodrive throttles.
Give the twist throttle a try and see if you like the way it handles. You're building the motor... You can always change it if it doesn't work out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Another thing I have found is that if you are in a cold climate the tight grip you have to maintain will make you fingers go cold quick.

I would not want to have to release a twist or lever throttle and turn hard at the same time whether at high speed or slow in a tight area, like setting decoys. I owned a PPF with a brake lever style throttle and it got really old having to pinch down with two fingers all of the time. I was skeptical of the throttle on the Backwater at first due it appearing like a snowblower throttle, but after trying it and others, I love it. It's basically cruise control and I've never caught anything on it. Most of the time when I'm in open water or straightaways I'll only have my hand rest against the end of the handle and have the throttle down. I can run a long time in any weather without fatigue. In the case of the Backwaters, they can be adjusted to run without a lot of effort.
Like others have said, try driving some different motors to get a feel for what really works for you. Don't get caught up over thinking it, manufacturers are doing what they do for good reasons.

If I did go with a twist throttle it would not be spring loaded. My current outboard is that way, twist it, and it stays where I leave it. (similar to a lever)

I do see the point of build it and try it, if it is dificult I can pay $10 for a lever and switch it.

the way everyone describes "wrestling with a motor" has me a little apprehensive. The honda gx270 isnt super heavy, and my boat is small. my plans include a 72" shaft. Im hoping that if its fairly balanced it wont be a workout.

Thats good. I was hoping a 9hp was a good beginner HP. I have ridden in a few bigger boats with big longtails on the saginaw bay. Never had the privilage of driving one.

Barely have to hold on to my Swomp23, unless I'm in some thick shit. Otherwise, I usually have a loose grip On my handle.

I've often thought about switching to a twist throttle, and I'll prolly try it for this season. I'm not a big fan of the stock throttle when navigation tight waters when you have to be on and off the throttle quickly.

If I go to a twist setup I will mount it far enough back on the handle to put a standard rubber grip on the end. I will also set it up so it stay in position like the factory throttle does. This would allow for WOT cruising by holding onto the end of the handle and the throttle staying, or setting it at part throttle and still having the full leverage to work through the nasty stuff.

Thats a great idea. Best of both worlds... I am going to see if I cant pull that off.