Re: 3000 style Control Box on Mercury Motor
I won't go through the life's history of my current boat, but the 3000 failed prematurely in my opinion. Ok-fine as the black button you use to get fast idle and that whole system in that control really sucks in my opinion.
I found several sites with new late designed 2000 controls (including iboats and may have bought it from here...don't remember) for around $200 to $250 depending upon what it has in it, like PT lever on the control handle, whether or not it was used with varying engine designs with varying features and such. You just order the particular 2000 that fits your engine functionality, otherwise universal matching to Merc engine throttle and shifter interfaces. It was designed to operate the same control cables and electrical plug into the respective engine just as the 3000 did.
The difference is that the 3000 mounts in the bulkhead and the 2000 mounts on it. Cable/wiring harness on the 3000 is behind the bulkhead (out of sight if that matters) and the 2000 cable and wiring is outside, in plain sight.
Getting the 3000 off the boat was impossible till I got out my reciprocal saw with a metal cutting blade and cut the controller hub off the control to get to the 3 mounting screw heads...it had corroded on there, on a boat 10 years old never used in salt water, and constantly covered or garaged.
The exposed cabling doesn't bother me in the least and the control is a dream. I especially like the exposed fast idle lever as my Merc is cold natured and getting it going the first thing on an outing takes time requiring easy access to the fast idle and the fuel enrichment which is just depressing the key in the On/Start positions just like on the 3000.
Only thing left is to ensure that the new control moves your throttle and shifter correctly. You may have to adjust the barrel at the engine to get the movement to suit the engine.
HTH,
Mark
