Alternatives to push/pull transmission cables

[Ceto]

I'd like to know if anyone has experience with an electric transmission switching system, specifically, instead of the usual push/pull transmission cables.

The transmission levers in my cockpit are in the way where they are presently and I'd like to move them just below the tiller. Considering that, if I do that, I will need to cut new push/pull cables, I was thinking of controlling the transmission with electric controls and solenoids for the clutch and throttle instead.

Opinions? Personal experiences?

Thanks!

[forrest]

I can't say that I have a ton of experience with them, but I have a little.
They just seems unnecessary to me. Cables work well, there area very few things that can go wrong, and you can easily see the important bits and immediately know if they are having problems.
I take care of a big power boat with Volvo electric controls. A couple months ago the computer died and the boat was inoperable. Luckily it happened at the dock, but it could have been very bad.
I'm sure your system would be simpler, but I have have had an awful lot of solenoids fail on various things for no reason at all.

[Tim]

Stick with cables: simple, effective, long-lasting, and inexpensive.

Why create potential areas of failure when the simple and inexpensive method is so effective? I can't think of a single advantage, on a small auxiliary sailboat, of electronic controls over cables, yet I can think of many potential pitfalls.