Aftermarket controls?

[erikgreen]

Hey -

I'm shopping for my first outboards, and I have a question to confirm something I currently believe.

Coming from the I/O world it seems like outboard controls are specific to the engine, that is you can't just buy morse or teleflex controls and make them work, a lot of the time it has to be the controls that go with that engine.

Is this the case, or are there motors generic controls work on?

Erik

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Aftermarket controls?

there are generic that will work the throttle and shift. but wiring harness are brand specific. in other words you dash mount ignition.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Aftermarket controls?

Okay... so I should be sure to get at least a wiring harness with any motor I get?

I'm thinking I might get a matched set of dual control levers for shift and throttle then, with the ignition and tach on the dash. Unless I happen to find a pair of motors with stackable controls included.

Erik

 

[ebry710]

Re: Aftermarket controls?

Last year I bought a 89 Johnson 120. I also bought my whaler. Unfortunately that is all I got. Using iboats, ebay, parts manual and shop manual I was able to buy and install throttle control, teleflex steering, fuel system, electrical system and used wiring harnesses.

It was a chore and can be done, but if you buy it all the first place it is much easier.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Aftermarket controls?

finding good used harnesses can be a real PITA.

 

[pvanv]

Re: Aftermarket controls?

Depending on the age of the OB, you're better off getting a Factory setup. For example, an early-70's 'Rude does not use standard Morse cable ends. I think there may be mickey-mouse adapter ends for some models, though.

I did service on a 50 hp Tohatsu-equipped MacGregor sailboat (yes, 50 hp on a sailboat -- the boat can actually semi-plane with that much power), and the builder had equipped it with a Teleflex control, as well as the Tohatsu wiring harness.

So for modern motors that use standard Morse control cables, you could run aftermarket controls, and just order the wiring from a dealer, and it works very well. FWIW, most motor companies have stackable side-mount dual controls, and when you add up the aggravation of looking for mismatched bits on the Internet, it's sometimes better to go with Factory stuff.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Aftermarket controls?

I agree, the year and model of the motor makes the difference.

After that everything depends on skill level, money to spend, willingness to ask questions and ability to adjust for mistakes. I still think the factory parts and services manuals are a must purchase. After that, the iboat forums should bridge that gap between success and frustration.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Aftermarket controls?

Okay, great.

I have a home machine shop and a lot of experience with electronics, but I'd certainly prefer not to have to make something up. So I'll look for the harness, and if I can get it the controls and cables too.

I guess I'll see what's on the market come spring.

Erik

 

[Benny1963]

Re: Aftermarket controls?

plent of good red plug harneses on ebay and controls