Can I do this or am I messing up?

[Grice7]

My down button on my tilt is broke, nothing else is wrong. Is it ok if I buy a momentary toggle switch, marine of course, for $20 and wire it to my solenoid myself instead of paying $90 for a set of tilt switches to replace. I will wire into my ignition so it only works with key and use nice marine grade connections. When I bridge 12v to my solenoid it works fine so I think I am in the clear I just wanna make sure. Thank You

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Can I do this or am I messing up?

You can actually wire it any way you like as long as you ensure it is safe.

You need to ensure that the original wiring isn't going to interfere in any way with how you wire it now.

Normally the switches are in the throttle/shift control so you can operate the throttle and adjust the trim at the same time (with the same hand)

Some of those controls are made somewhat cheap, the wiring can get frayed and the switches might operate intermittently.

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Can I do this or am I messing up?

My down button on my tilt is broke, nothing else is wrong. Is it ok if I buy a momentary toggle switch, marine of course, for $20 and wire it to my solenoid myself instead of paying $90 for a set of tilt switches to replace. I will wire into my ignition so it only works with key and use nice marine grade connections. When I bridge 12v to my solenoid it works fine so I think I am in the clear I just wanna make sure. Thank You

....at least a clue to the type of boat/engine/drive would be helpful!!!!

Are your trim controls in the throttle handle or on the helm??

My helm-mounted switches started acting up last season. A few minutes disassembling switches, cleaning contacts, lubricating and re-assembling cured the problems...sure beat buying the complete switch package!

EDIT:
Oh, and to kinda answer your question:
Quite a few folks wire-in a momentary, water-proof, PUSH button switch in the stern area to allow operation of the tilt while trailered. Just be safe and conform to USCG regs regarding wiring and spark suppression.