Tiller vs Remote Control Outboards: Which Setup Suits Your Boat?
Updated July 2026
Once you’ve settled on the right horsepower and confirmed it’s a modern 4-stroke outboard, there’s one more decision that shapes how your boat actually handles day to day: tiller or remote control. It’s easy to overlook, but the wrong choice can mean an awkward, uncomfortable boat — even if the horsepower and brand are spot on.
What’s the Difference?
A tiller control outboard puts steering and throttle directly on a handle attached to the motor itself. You sit near the transom and steer the whole outboard left and right by hand, twisting the throttle grip to control speed.
A remote control outboard separates you from the motor. Steering runs through a wheel and cable system (or hydraulic/electronic steering on larger setups) to a console, with a separate binnacle throttle — much like driving a car, just on the water.
Tiller vs Remote Control: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Tiller Control | Remote Control |
|---|---|---|
| Typical horsepower range | Most common under 20HP, available up to ~30HP+ | Standard above 15HP–20HP |
| Seating position | Must sit near the transom, close to the motor | Steer from a console anywhere in the boat |
| Boat types suited | Tinnies, small dinghies, tenders, simple runabouts | Fibreglass runabouts, centre consoles, side consoles |
| Setup complexity | Simple — no cables or console wiring required | Requires steering cable/wheel and throttle installation |
| Weight & cost | Lighter and generally cheaper for the same HP | Added cost and weight from steering hardware |
| Comfort on long trips | Can be tiring at speed or in chop over long distances | More comfortable, especially with a windscreen and seat |
When Tiller Control Makes Sense
Tiller steering suits boats where simplicity and low weight matter more than console comfort:
- Small tinnies and aluminium dinghies, where sitting near the back is normal anyway
- Tenders and inflatables being used for short trips to and from a mooring
- Budget-conscious builds, since tiller motors skip the cost of steering cables, wheel, and console hardware
- Simple day-fishing setups where one person is comfortable running the boat from the back
Most of our portable outboards (2.5HP–9.9HP) and a good portion of the mid-range 20HP–60HP bracket are available in tiller configuration.
When Remote Control Makes Sense
Remote control comes into its own once a boat has a proper helm position:
- Fibreglass runabouts and centre consoles, where you’re steering from a fixed helm seat
- Boats used for longer trips, where comfort and reduced fatigue matter over hours on the water
- Higher horsepower motors, where wrestling a tiller handle at speed simply isn’t practical or safe
- Boats with passengers, since a console driving position keeps the skipper better positioned to watch the whole boat
Almost all motors from 70HP–115HP upward are remote control as standard, and it’s the only practical option for our 115HP–300HP+ range.
Can You Convert Between the Two?
Some motors are available in both tiller and remote versions at the same horsepower, but tiller and remote setups typically use different internal components — it isn’t simply a matter of bolting on a steering cable to a tiller motor after purchase. If there’s a chance you might want to add a console down the track, it’s worth mentioning that when you’re choosing a motor so we can point you toward a model that supports it, rather than assuming you’ll convert it later.
Getting This Right the First Time
Control type is exactly the kind of detail that’s easy to get wrong from a spec sheet alone but obvious once you’ve seen the boat. If you’re not sure which setup fits your layout, our HP Finder tool factors in your boat’s primary use, or you can send our team your boat’s details and we’ll confirm before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tiller control safe at higher speeds?
Tiller control is manageable at moderate speeds but becomes physically demanding at higher speeds or in rough water, which is a major reason most motors above roughly 30HP are only offered in remote configuration.
Does tiller control cost less than remote control at the same horsepower?
Generally yes, since tiller setups don’t require steering cables, a wheel, or console hardware. The exact difference depends on the brand and model — contact us for current pricing on a specific motor.
Can I steer a remote control outboard from more than one position?
Some larger boats are rigged with dual stations (for example, a lower helm and a flybridge), but this depends on the boat’s rigging, not the outboard motor itself — it’s a boat-building consideration rather than something the motor determines on its own.
What control type do most fishing boats use?
It depends heavily on size. Small aluminium fishing tinnies commonly run tiller control, while fibreglass centre console fishing boats — particularly anything used offshore — almost always use remote control.
Ready to find the right setup for your boat? Browse our full range of outboard motors, filterable by control type, or get in touch for a second opinion before you buy.