Not every boat owner needs to switch steering from port to starboard at a moment’s notice, but those who do appreciate the design and engineering savvy that went into the Latham Marine Quick Release Steering Column.

Such a boater is TNT Custom Marine’s John Tomlinson, an expert throttleman, World Champion racer and rigger whose high-performance customers wanted the flexibility to be able to switch throttling and driving roles from side to side. He called on another World Champion, Bob Latham because what was on the market just wasn’t “cutting it.” After changing sides, the steering control was compromised, creating a potentially dangerous situation each time a change was made. True to form, Latham examined the situation and came up with a workable, preferable solution.

Before the advanced technology and sophistication of today’s powerboats, only racers needed steering alternatives and for them, a quick-release steering wheel was adequate. However, today’s high performance boats offer a change of steering column option, so it is important to maintain the safety of a clear dash, an easy and quick change of steering position between port and starboard positions, and still ensure proper steering capability.

Latham developed a spring system that turns in a unique way to couple the steering column to the housing and maintain stable, precision steering. The Latham-designed cover releases with the press of a lever and the custom cap is then put in place over the alternate steering mechanism when the steering column is switched from one side to the other. The anodized cap can be color matched to the boat to complete the aesthetics of the dash.

While Latham isn’t about to share the engineering features of the new column, he will agree with Tomlinson that the new Quick Release Steering Column is “so much better than anything out there!” and it is available to boat builders or as a customized, after-market accessory.

Visit Latham Marine for more information about this and other Latham Marine innovations that have been “Steering boaters straight for over 35 years!”