Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ridesteady boat speed control work?
Ridesteady GPS [Mechanical Throttle]
- Ridesteady uses GPS speed or engine RPM to control the boat to the desired set point (which is easily changed before or during operation with a turn of the display knob)
- The throttle is controlled mechanically by way of an electric “throttle motor” that sits on the engine and is transmitted to the throttle body via a “control cable”
- See our installation video for both an overview of install and a description of how the throttle connection works, and the detailed installation manual here
Ridesteady for Yamaha Jet Boats
- Ridesteady uses GPS speed or engine RPM to control the boat to the desired set point (which is easily changed before or during operation with a turn of the display knob)
- Ridesteady continuously electronically synchronizes the engines (on twin engine boats)
- The throttle is controlled electronically, by way of “throttle nodes” that connect to your boat’s APS [accelerator position sensor]
- See our installation video for both an overview of install, including the throttle nodes, and the detailed installation manual here
How do you use it?
- Set the desired set speed by rotating the knob
- Make sure the system is engaged (if it isn’t, push the “power” button)
- Push the throttle down a little more than is needed to maintain the set speed (since Ridesteady is limited to the throttle given by the operator)
- Ridesteady will take over as the speed approaches the set speed and maintain it
- Pull back on the throttle to slow down / reset throttle
- The set speed may be changed at any time, both before and during operation
- See the detailed installation manual for more information here
Ridesteady for Yamaha Jet Boats with optional Auto Launch
- On equipped systems, Auto Launch provides a repeatable and tunable ramp up to the set speed.
- For the driver, this simplifies operation, as they may push the throttle lever(s) all the way forward to the stops each start, no matter the set speed
- For the rider, predicable acceleration is delivered each time, allowing the rider to focus on getting up, while minimizing overshoot of the set speed
- See more information and a demo video here
- Select user with Auto Launch enabled
- Make sure the system is engaged (if it isn’t, push the “power” button)
- Push the throttle(s) down full forward, to the stops
- Ridesteady will take ramp the speed up to the set speed, at the user-set acceleration
- Pull back on the throttle to slow down / reset throttle
How difficult is it to install?
Ridesteady GPS [Mechanical Throttle]
- Most of our customers self-install
- If you’re mechanically inclined, you should have no problem installing Ridesteady. Even those with less mechanical skills have installed Ridesteady successfully.
- The install overview video and detailed installation manual give insight into what’s involved. You can view them both here.
- We recommend reserving 3-4 hours to install
- We’re here if you run into questions. Contact Us
- If you would prefer to have your dealer or mechanic install Ridesteady, they’re welcome to contact us if they have any questions.
Ridesteady for Yamaha Jet Boats
- Most of our customers self-install
- Most of the install is plug-and-play, with some tapping of the ignition switch wires for the power
- You should have no problem if you’ve installed a car (boat) stereo before
- The install overview video and detailed installation manual give insight into what’s involved. You can view them both here.
- We recommend reserving 2-3 hours to install
- We’re here if you run into questions. Contact Us
- If you would prefer to have your dealer or mechanic install Ridesteady, they’re welcome to contact us if they have any questions.
Can Ridesteady be installed on any type of boat?
Ridesteady GPS [Mechanical Throttle]
- Boats with mechanical throttles (i.e. not “electrical” / “throttle by wire”) are compatible
- Inboards (direct-drive), V-drive, and I/O (stern-drive) are compatible
- Customers have installed on outboards, but it is not officially supported. See examples of outboard customer installs here.
- Fuel injected and carbureted are compatible
- All engine sizes / cylinders are compatible, as long as the boat has reasonable power to speed up
- Customers have installed on engines from 2L to 8L
Ridesteady for Yamaha Jet Boats
- Ridesteady for Yamaha is compatible with all Yamaha jet boats that have an “APS” (Acceleration Position Sensor).
- The full compatibility list is here
What are some benefits of having a Ridesteady cruise control on a boat?
- Safety: Allows the driver to focus on the path ahead rather than the speedometer
- Predictability: The rider has the same, reliably accurate pull each time, enabling focus on water sports rather than constant “speed calls”
- Versatility: allows drivers of varying skill
- Fuel efficiency: RPM mode is great for a super smooth pull that maximizes fuel efficiency
How accurate is Ridesteady in maintaining speed?
- Ridesteady is specifically tuned and tested on the type of boats it was designed for
- Set speed is typically maintained within a few tenths of a mile per hour.
- See one customer’s experience with Ridesteady’s control system here.
Does Ridesteady work in rough water conditions?
- Ridesteady will maintain the set speed during rough water conditions, but it move around more as the waves slow the boat down and Ridesteady compensates
- We recommend running in RPM mode in particuarly rough conditions for a smoother, more fuel-efficient ride.
Can the Ridesteady speed control system be easily overriden or adjusted manually?
- Pulling back on the throttle will slow down the boat at any time
- Ridesteady is designed to only go as fast as the operator allows for with the driver’s throttle lever
- Ridesteady can be disengaged to manual throttle mode by simply pushing the power button.
Do you have any customer reviews?
Our Installs page has hundreds of customer installs, many with feedback on their thoughts on the system.
How user friendly is the Ridesteady interface?
- We use a knob to allow for adjustment of set speeds, users, settings, etc., to provide for the most user friendly experience
- Ridesteady was designed from the beginning to require the least operator input, and be the most user friendly when it does
Are there different modes or settings available for different types of boating activities?
- GPS mode works great for water sports from wakeboarding to wakesurfing to water skiing, even tubing
- RPM mode is great when you want to cruise in choppy water for a smooth, fuel efficient ride
What is your warranty?
We offer a one year limited warranty.
Do you ship internationally?
- We do ship internationally
- If your country isn’t listed at checkout, contact us and we’ll add it to the list.
- Note: some countries may charge duty / tax on imported items
Why Hydrophase?
- Founded in 2008, we’re old enough to be established with a refined product, but new enough to use the most modern, up-to-date technology
- We prioritize customer service
- Most orders ship the same day (if ordered before noon central time), or the next business day otherwise
- Our parts warehouse is fully stocked
- Customers who’ve owned and used both our product and our competitor’s tell us that we compare favorably