Installing complete outboard/steering/controls on older pontoon boat

[thormx11]

So I am rebuilding an old pontoon for a family member of mine. I've finished the decking and furniture now. When I got the boat there was no engine/wiring and only a console on some rotted deck wood. The steering wheel didn't have a modern style steering cable, instead it had 2 small cables that were routed through a couple pulleys within the console and under the boat that turned the engine.

My questions are:

- How much work is involved in installing an outboard engine from scratch? I have a brand new wiring harness and switches for the boat. I have done a little boat work, but never removed or installed an outboard engine. I can do the fuel system with no problem, just not sure about wiring the engine and installing throttle/steering cables.

- Would it be better to update the steering system to a single cable style? None of the old components are useable (steering wheel, cables, pulleys)


Would it be better to maybe find a whole parts boat to use all the controls, cables, and engine? She only wants about a 40 hp engine. This project is as cheap as possible, its just going to be an old fishing pontoon.

 

[pckeen]

You will want a steering system, controls, harness, switches, guages, and a motor that is compatible - not all controls will work with all motors... Some motors have relatively minimal wiring coming from them, and others are more extensive (particularly as they get newer), If you don't yet have a motor on, don't install the new harness you have until you are sure that it will be compatible with whatever motor you have.