Transom remote buttons getting pushed accidentally

[Evoke MFG]

I found myself getting frustrated with the transom remote buttons getting pushed accidentally on a number of occasions (2018 G23). The most annoying occurrence is when the source button gets accidentally pushed and I (the driver) has to switch screens to set the source back to where it needs to be. I've had these accidental button pushes occur in a few different scenarios:

1. A new surfer is finding the pocket for the first time with a slack rope in hand, and it swings against the remote and pushes a button.
2. A rider/surfer tosses the rope into the boat, and the handle or part of the rope bumps a button in the process.
3. When floating/swimming, someone brushes against the remote when they sit nearby. I find this is most likely to happen when there is a large crew, and everyone is crowded around the swim platform, and someone sits in the walkway or on the cushion and bumps the remote with their leg.

I decided to come up with a solution to the issue for myself, and anyone else that may share my experience. The first step was identifying why this was occurring: the OEM remote is designed with buttons that protrude above the trim ring with exposed edges making them very susceptible to accidental/unintentional button presses.

The solution is a guard designed to protect the buttons from accidental bumps, while still allowing the buttons to be pushed intentionally to maintain function of the remote. This Button Guard replaces the original trim ring and simply snaps into its place.

The Button Guard is currently available in texturized Carbon Fiber Reinforced PET (chosen for strength, UV resistance, moisture/humidity resistance), and work is underway on releasing a clear anodized aluminum version in the near future as well. There will be a 15% off promotion with discount code PN15Off running until the end of August for Planet Nautique members. This link automatically applies the discount code: https://www.evokemfg.com/discount/PN...autique-models

Given that the design is fairly new, I've created an Early Adopter Program for the Carbon Fiber Reinforced PET version which is kinda like warranty, but better. How it works - if there is any sort of failure of the part, it will be replaced at the cost of shipping upon reporting information about the failure. Replacement isn't conditional on how it failed, but rather to drive design improvements if needed. (There have been zero failures to date.) Additionally, if a design change is made in the future, an Early Adopter can upgrade their Button Guard to the new design for the price of shipping and the difference in cost (if there is any). This upgrade process will be available for the future aluminum version as well!

Follow the Evoke MFG Facebook page for updates to design and aluminum version availability: https://www.facebook.com/EvokeMFG

There is a poll at the bottom of the post - I look forward to hearing your feedback!

[greggmck]

This is an annoying problem I have encountered on all 8 of my G/Paragon boats. I have even asked the factory for a guard. Let's see if they make the change on the forthcoming 2024 G/Paragon boats.

BTW: Thank you for the initiative. I just ordered one for my Paragon!

[Evoke MFG]

This is an annoying problem I have encountered on all 8 of my G/Paragon boats. I have even asked the factory for a guard. Let's see if they make the change on the forthcoming 2024 G/Paragon boats.

That would be interesting/surprising if the 2024s did come with a guard. When I reached out to JL, their response was:

...we aren’t fielding any concerns from Nautique customers or dealers in regard to the transom remote. I’ve owned several Nautique’s personally and never had a single issue like you mentioned in your original post. I’m sorry that you had some issues but if the issue was wide spread we would have received that feedback.

BTW: Thank you for the initiative. I just ordered one for my Paragon!

Thanks Greg, it will ship tomorrow!

[greggmck]

It's funny how JL could not have been informed. I have been on dozens of Nautiques and inadvertent hits to the remote happen weekly....

[csa]

2020 nautique 210 - happens at least once per weekend - I told a friend I was considering disconnecting because we rarely use it anyway. You have a good idea.

[Cpan13]

Amazing! I’ve spent hours searching the internet for a solution and of course it’s right here. Will be ordering immediately!

[shag]

Cool addition! I don't have a newer boat and was thinking about the older rear remotes and not having that problem. After seeing this style remote, it actually looks like it's missing something from factory... Poor design for sure.. Excellent job seeing a need and fixing it... Maybe they will buy this from you for big $$$

[bird_dog0347]

I already bought one from you for my P23, just haven't gotten it installed yet but will next time I go up there. Buy with confidence guys, the seller even has excellent communication after the sale.

[Evoke MFG]

Thank you all for sharing such positive responses! I'll be honest - it's a little challenging to spread the word to such a specific audience, so every time someone shares their experience or feedback, it really goes a long way!

[bird_dog0347]

Have you thought about calling some of the Nautique dealers and asking if they want to sell some for you? I'm sure way more people have the issue than actually *DO* something about it. I know I was always saying I just wanted to get a cover for it 3D printed but never did.

[Evoke MFG]

Quote removed by Admin for not following the Guidelines for Quoting Previous Posts in a Thread.

Yes, that's actually the next bit of outreach that I plan to do. I'll be at the Canadian Regatta, so I plan to talk with some more owners and basically ask the poll question above, then have some metrics for contacting dealers and can share information on both product options. It's not really something that would be a big money-maker for them - so the main part of the conversation will be around proactive customer service. I completely agree with you - the issue is not really a critical one but it is an annoyance, so I think a lot of people experience it, but just deal with it. - It took me a couple of years of being annoyed before realizing I could just fix it haha. I think a lot of people would appreciate a dealer asking the question and offering a simple solution if they are experiencing the issue.

[bird_dog0347]

I'm going to the boat show today and if I see the guys from Buxton there I'll let them know that this is out there for them to at least let their customers know about.

[zigs]

I just ordered one. I also was considering disconnecting it or putting it on a toggle switch to be able to turn it off when needed to avoid the problem.

[bird_dog0347]

I talked to the guys at Buxton today and they had seen your post about it and asked me to send them your info, so you should be hearing from one of the top dealers in the US for this.

[Evoke MFG]

That is amazing! Thank you so much for doing that - I really appreciate it!

Also, thanks for your order zigs - it'll ship out today!