Electric shifter

[doughunter37]

The previous owner of my boat replaced the old buttons with switches and they are a pain, also the throttle cable has worn a groove into the access plate of the control box making it very difficult to move the throttle. Is it economically possible to get rid of the buttons all together with a new style shifter? This is for a 1969 55hp Evinrude.<br /><br />Thanks in Advance<br /><br />Doug

 

[almost retired again]

Re: Electric shifter

Hello Doghunter,<br />Yes you can use a newer style control box and only use the throttle section, but you will still have to use the switches.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Electric shifter

Hiddy doug,<br />I'm not sure if your 55hp electro-shift can be converted, modified, up-dated or whatever to a lever shift or not but I have a '76 200hp that's been up-dated to a '96 and works like new. I bought the engine this way and I'm not sure what all's required but I bet it can be done.<br />Keep this post out there, someone will pounce on it who knows for sure.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[doughunter37]

Re: Electric shifter

Thanks for the input! I would not think that it would be a big deal conversion. But all that I have heard about this engine (it is new to me) these electric shift models can be difficult. The switches on the control box are in such a place that they could easily be hit with an elbow. I would rather have buttons if I can't do without them.

 

[Franki]

Re: Electric shifter

you should look for a 72ish model Johnson shifter.. They have the single lever style, but cater to the switches as well.<br /><br />In the Johnsons, the switches have been replaced by one roller shifter which goes under the throttle lever, and the switch is activated by the lever,, so you never need to push buttons again..<br /><br />The wiring loom for the controller may just match up straight out.<br /><br />So start looking for a newer Johnson controller from boat wreckers and you may get lucky..<br /><br />rgds<br /><br />Frank

 

[doughunter37]

Re: Electric shifter

Thanks and I will start looking for a new one. I was hoping that an even newer one might be available that might have the buttons on the throttle handle or something a little more convenient. <br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Doug

 

[Franki]

Re: Electric shifter

If you get a Johnson one like what I have, you won't have switches to push at all..<br /><br />The throttle lever does the forward/neutral/reverse switching all by itself, you pull the lever forwards for forwards and backwards to go backwards.<br /><br />The switch in my 72model controller is completely inside the controller and is activated by the throttle lever.. there are no buttons to push.. I have had OB's with the same controller as you have, and this is much nicer..<br /><br /><br />rgds<br /><br />Frank

 

[doughunter37]

Re: Electric shifter

Thank you Frank,<br /><br />I am looking for one right now. Our local parts dept. says it can't be done but I discounted them as they are known for that type of response and I am calling others.<br /><br />Doug