Installing Mercury Outboard Controls...FROM AMAZON!!!

I always prefer to install factory brand parts and rigging components, but I know thousands of folks are willing to take a chance on knock-off products from Amazon in order to save some cash...in this case it's about $100-$200 savings over a new Mercury control box. With that being said, this control box looks, feels, and performs pretty darn well when compared to the Mercury model. Watch the video for more details and full instructions for installation. It's on my Amazon Affiliate Shop, so go shop there for it along with other parts I use from Amazon when my normal accessories aren't available at Pontoon Stuff.
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Search Keywords: Pontoon Boat, Pontoon Boat Motor, Pontoon Boat Shift and Throttle, Boat Shift and Throttle, Mercury Outboard, Mercury Motor, Mercury Controls, Outboard Motor, Pontoon Controls, Pontoon Control Box, Outboard Rigging, Pontoon Console, Pontoon Helm, Boat Console, Boat Helm, Pontoon Restoration, Pontoon Update, Pontoon Fix, Pontoon Installation, Pontoon How To, Boat How To, Boat Install, Pontoon Install, Amazon, Mercury Binnacle, Binnacle Controls.

[@djlarrywright9248]

I just found this channel a few days ago and have already learned so much about my boat. Thank you so much and thank you for taking my call today! You have helped me so much and i really appreciate it!

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for the kind words! Hope your project keeps moving along and you get it out on the water to enjoy it soon. Great chatting with you!

[@rockymcquitty]

Tom just stumbled across this video! Exactly what I needed!! Thanx !

[@tomspontoons]

Excellent! Hopefully it's helpful with your project!

[@jimstone7980]

thanks, great video.

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching!!

[@richoverton493]

Another detailed video as usual Tom Food for thought Doing a video on maybe relocating the helm and what the best process for measuring out new cable lengths. Have a great day

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching. Excellent idea!

[@ericgregorski9425]

@@tomspontoons Awesome Video !!! I second that a video about how to determine what length cables you need would be great! Very Informative videos!

[@tomspontoons]

@@ericgregorski9425 perfect, will do!

[@retro-junkie5741]

Tom I have this exact one on my Party barge 2004 27" pontoon. I need to replace it. The bottom to switch from in gear to throttle is getting bad. Sticks, hard to push in, etc. I'm guessing I have the version 1 cables too! Awesome video. Thank you! I may need to order all this and swap it before long. Weather getting good!

[@tomspontoons]

Is yours this aftermarket control or the original Mercury one? I was pretty impressed with this “knock off” and would honestly run it on my own boat if I ever needed a cheaper alternative!

[@vicesparis]

Very good

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching!

[@676Matty]

Some great tips and tricks Tom. I'm about to try hooking up my Yamaha Binacle I purchased on Vervor. $187.00 CAD. We'll see how it goes!

[@tomspontoons]

They seem to do a good job of replicating the OEM components. It’s just a matter of longevity, hopefully it works great and lasts you the lifetime of the boat!!

[@tonchido]

I also bought 703 remote on vevor,i keep it as a spare,looks identical

[@tomspontoons]

@@tonchido Solid plan to have one ready to go as a back up. Might save a day of boating or a big trip if something broke in the original box!

[@VolunteerAirsoft]

I’ve searched the backlog of videos but i couldn’t find what I was looking for. I thought you had mentioned the Mercury wiring harness for gauges in a previous video. I have a 1999 Mercury ELPTO 115. I bought a new control box that includes ignition and a complete harness all the way back to the motor. It has a connection for gauges but I cannot find the correct harness online. I’m not near any marinas with a boat shop either… thanks!

[@VolunteerAirsoft]

Oh and thanks for all the videos. I think I have finally watched all of them.

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching our channel! This should be the harness you need (depending on your control box and ignition), you'll know as soon as you see the plug: www.boats.net/product/mercury/86396A8?gclid=Cj0KCQjw9fqnBhDSARIsAHlcQYTIamACtx8p_JC7ZcjIktle3hjS6z16EJwM8HbNCuTMLqcumt0d0mkaAphAEALw_wcB

[@davidqi8073]

Hi Toms, thanks for the video. for the neutral safety wires, there are two on my 92Maxum, and I each of them should be in different connection for a small snap action switch. Wondering if I can connect those two wires to the switch whichever terminals or it has a specific terminal for each wire?

[@tomspontoons]

On any of the systems I’ve worked on the neutral safety system is a loop, so it doesn’t care which wire is hooked where. Being in forward or reverse breaks the loop and disables starting abilities. Neutral position engages the switch to complete the loop.

[@AchikSarih]

Merci bocooooooo❤❤❤❤❤

[@tomspontoons]

You’re Welcome!!

[@klewis3530]

Looking for something similar for my 24 tri toon conversion with 20” throttle cables for a 77 Johnson 140

[@tomspontoons]

I know there’s a Johnson/Evinrude style available on Amazon, but for that year motor you’d also need an ignition harness adapter to convert your older style plug to the newer style connectors. All doable though!

[@piper8463]

Do you like this control better than the Marpac controls? or do you have another suggestion other than OEM for a console mount option?

[@tomspontoons]

They’re very comparable. This one feels smoother and was easier to install, but the Marpac seemed more robust and heavier duty. If it were my own boat and I HAD TO pick an aftermarket option I’d go with this one. It was so similar to the OEM option that if they used the same material quality it should last well.

[@larrybalowski946]

great job as always i got question . i bought a mohorn and broke the neatural lock and i can get a new piece it is brand new i going to just take it out will that work

[@tomspontoons]

I haven't tried that. A lot of binnacle style boxes don't "lock" into neutral, but instead just have a little detent to help you know when you're in neutral.

[@scoresandry]

I noticed that you skipped the part where you ran the control cables. Is that because is is easy or hard?

[@tomspontoons]

Not difficult at all. Route them so that there are no tight bends (12" radius ideally) and where they won't be caught on by a trailer or other items, and so that they won't be rubbed on by sharp aluminum edges. I like to run them through the transom when possible, and will sometimes add a soft loop in front of the motor if needed to allow for smooth turning of the motor each way and avoiding rubbing or pinching in the motor well area. Hope this helps!

[@scoresandry]

@@tomspontoons Very helpful! Thanks!

[@tomspontoons]

@@scoresandryhappy to help!

[@jaimelunasanchez8567]

Please link shift & trottle cables for this unit

[@tomspontoons]

Part Numbers change based on length. This style control requires Gen2 Mercury or Quicksilver brand cables.

[@ethanisbell2183]

Can this be used on a 2004 mercury. My current has gen 1 cables

[@tomspontoons]

It sure should, but keep in mind you’ll have to confirm the push/pull for shifting and throttle (it’ll work with all different configurations, and you’ll have to swap to Gen2 cables as I had to do on this install.

[@touchadventureja]

Save me alot

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-hg3gs9en6i]

Great Video!!! My 1996 Mercury 120HP Force Outboard runs great but when I shift into forward it rattles a little while running in the no wake zone then when I start to accelerate it starts grinding and slipping and sounds terrible. It goes into neutral, forward and reverse fine and seems ok in reverse but of course I don't give it much throttle in reverse. Do you think I need to adjust it or do you think there is something wrong with the gears in the lower unit?

[@tomspontoons]

Thanks for watching! My knowledge in outboards is more just in rigging/installing motors versus wrenching on them. I would have to take it in to a mechanic to have something like that diagnosed on my own motor. It definitely sounds like a lower unit issue to me, but unfortunately beyond rigging, winterizing and oil changes I am not much help!

[@travsesha1794]

Watch KZbin videos on checking the shift linkage on your outboard first. I had the issue but with the reverse gear my problem ended up being in the lower unit with the cam that switched the gears but better to check the cheap things first

[@tomspontoons]

@@travsesha1794 Good advice!

[@jonnyrebl]

Why does my throttle back off unless my hand is on the control at "mid to full" throttle?

[@austinblevins2550]

I believe your detent needs adjusted

[@tomspontoons]

@jonnyrebl The throttle arm on the motor is spring loaded to decelerate if the cable is not pulling on it. There is a friction setting on the control to tighten the throttle at the helm so that it can't back off and decelerate. Hope this helps!

[@tomspontoons]

@austinblevins2550 Correct. I've always referred to it as the throttle friction adjustment, but same idea.

[@jonnyrebl]

@@tomspontoons yes it did I appreciate the response and the helpful videos. Great job

[@tomspontoons]

@@jonnyrebl happy to help

[@timmorris4539]

Need help/advice i have 2001 pontoon it had a mercury now has a yamaha 115 , still has mercury controls thats hard to shift. Planning on changing so what cables do i need for merc controller to 2004 yamaha 115.

[@tomspontoons]

I would definitely recommend changing over to a Yamaha shift/throttle control with new 3300 style cables. I've never seen a Mercury control rigged to operate a Yamaha motor. I've seen it rigged to run a Honda, which is similar. There must be a cable that has allows for a Mercury Cable end at the shift/throttle control and a 3300 style (threaded end with Yamaha attachment) at the motor.

[@timmorris4539]

Do you have a Amazon link for the controller and cables..really don't want to spend $$ to buy OEM controller

[@tomspontoons]

@@timmorris4539 The link is in the description of the video. The OEM's have never let me down. The local marine repair shop here said they have only had trouble with these cheaper options. Time will tell!

[@2strokesimdone833]

Believe you just saved me $200

[@tomspontoons]

I wasn’t sure how the quality would be, but for that price point (and there are some others that look identical with a lower price) it seems like a solid option!!

[@allison1995able]

How to adjust the tension? So you can be hands free.

[@tomspontoons]

There’s a friction adjustment under the cover for the control. I didn’t play with it on this control box as it stayed at throttle well, but it’s there if someone wanted to tighten it up.

[@turk_dogan]

👍👍🙂

[@RandyCrane-nk2ji]

How do I know which control box to get for my 1995 Mercury 60 hp tracker 2 stroke?

[@tomspontoons]

This control box would work, but you'd need to swap for Gen2 cables assuming you have the original control box and cables from that motor year. You could also reach out to a local Mercury parts dealer and they should be able to help get you all the correct parts. I always recommend buying OEM parts to be safe and to be sure you're getting the best quality parts possible.

[@Jammer0825]

Ok thanks, yea I have the original control box but want an updated newer style like the one your doing I need throng harness too

[@Jammer0825]

Great videos!!!

[@tomspontoons]

@@Jammer0825 Best bet would be to go to your local Mercury dealer. They may have to order the parts in, but many would stock those. If not, call Van's Sport Center 616-364-0666 and they can ship you what you need.

[@royrunyon1286]

I would like to see a video on adding a motor mount to a pontoon instead of buying a pontoon with an already installed motor mount.

[@tomspontoons]

A standard transom or center pontoon with transom integrated?

[@royrunyon1286]

A standard transom.

[@tomspontoons]

@@royrunyon1286 we just don’t do it too often. All of our projects already have a transom installed. But if I do sometime I will definitely make a video

[@royrunyon1286]

No problem. I enjoy your very detailed videos that have informed my own project.

[@dwayneroberts6616]

Better read the reviews on those controls. I found a few I was going to buy until I read the reviews. Half of them didn't function right. Straight from the factory they were not shifting into reverse or drive right. It was problems inside the controls.

[@tomspontoons]

Definitely mixed reviews. This one seemed alright out of the box other than a little more play in neutral than a factory box.

[@clarkkent8374]

Nn è corretto il montaggio,,le staffe vanno sotto la console,, nn sopra la cornice di plastica nera

[@tomspontoons]

The way it was installed is the same way the newer Mercury boxes are installed too.