Installing remote outboard motor controls

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TabbyQ

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Feb 20, 2009
5
Islander Islander 27 Seattle
We have a 27 Islander 1970 with a newer nissan outboard in a well behind the tiller. The previous outboard did have remote controls on the port side in the cock pit. It's not very easy to dock and maneuver the boat AND steer at the same time without them. I've looked into the remote controls for the nissan and it's a bit expensive. ($425 for remote box and connection kit and maybe the existing cables will work - not sure.) Has anyone else done this when they upgraded their outboard? I saw online they have controls by other companies (Uflex and Teleflex) and they say they work with all outboards, but I guess you take a risk by not buying the type made for your motor. Would be great to here what others have tried when their outboard is in a well.

Thanks in advance.
 

BobM

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Jun 10, 2004
3,269
S2 9.2A Winthrop, MA
Based on my experience with my old boat, the worst case would be that you might need the factory kit to adapt at the engine side, but generic controls should work fine as long as the cable ends are the same type of connection. I'd contact Uflex and Teleflex and take advantage of their technical expertise. These types of controls likely haven't changed in fifty years.
 

BobM

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Jun 10, 2004
3,269
S2 9.2A Winthrop, MA
I think the controls for Nissan/Tohatsu are likely the same and up to 40hp will be the same. If not, go teleflex generic as the make cables for everyone.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toha...QQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a2Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a

Teleflex SL-3 is specifically engineered for installation without control modifications. Gear mechanism is enclosed and permanently lubricated. Port or starboard installation with various cable-entry angles. Adapts for push or pull mode without tools. “Easy-On” cable design means no shift or throttle adjustments. Optional trim switch in handle grip for one-hand operation.
  • Functions: Gearshift/throttle
  • Levers: Dual functions—each lever controls throttle and shift
  • Lever Material: Metal
  • Mounting Style: Side or top mount
  • Features: Push button for neutral Adjustable brake
  • Cable Type: 33 or 3300 type (SAE 10-32 thread) Mercury, Johnson/Evinrude/OMC style
  • Warranty: Two years
 

Joe

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Jun 1, 2004
8,161
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
First of all... once you convert to remote control you'll kick yourself for not doing it sooner. So much better. Tohatsu also makes electric start conversions. http://www.tohatsu-outboard-parts.com/PartsCatalogMenu.htm

I have a tohatsu electric start/remote control set up...... you can use any singel lever dual cable type remote control box as far as I know. They are all adjustable for range of movement, just like the tohatsu box. You could even use a two lever set up... However, the electric start is another matter. My control box has it all built in with the correctly colored wire (there are 6) with bullet connectors, which makes it easy to pull the motor off the boat for service.

My main point is that if you just want to control gear and throttle remotely to a pull start motor... there's no reason you can't use a generic control box. Electric is another animal, that requires a more sophisticated box or an understanding of the required electrical hardware.

For just remote control, what you'll need specifically for the tohatsu is the engine side cable connectors and cable brackets. The connectors screw right onto the end of the cables(I use teleflex) with a lot of room for adjustment. The gear shift connecter is pretty common, just a twist lock thing, but it must be mounted with a special bracket to work correctly. The throttle connection is a more complicated piece of hardware that is specific to tohatsu, but the bracket is much smaller than the Shift lever's. You should be able to order the necessary parts from any tohatsu/nissan parts dealer, or maybe even online.

Here's a link for the 9.9 remote control parts. See page 77 if the parts list.
http://www.tohatsu-outboard-parts.c...s Catalog NS9.9C-15C-18D (1993) - (M490).pdf

If the $425 box includes all the connector parts except the cables, and someone to advise you.... it's a good deal.
 

TabbyQ

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Feb 20, 2009
5
Islander Islander 27 Seattle
Thanks for the input Joe and Bob. I think we have to do it or we'll be careening around out of control when we try to dock. The Nissan dealer did say for the $425 in was the connector to the motor and the remote controls. Teleflex had the controls part slightly cheaper, but not much. I'm wondering if we can figure it out ourselves for install, but I think we will go ahead an order it. Do either of you have your outboard in a well?
 

Joe

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Jun 1, 2004
8,161
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
TabbyQ.... I have a lot of pictures on my other computer that may help you.... I'll try to get them over to you tomorrow....

You might ask the Dealer you're going to buy the box from what he wants to install it or at least let you inspect some installations so you can get a good idea how the look and work.
 

TabbyQ

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Feb 20, 2009
5
Islander Islander 27 Seattle
We finally had a the work done. It is such a dream to be able to calmly motor and steer with out one of us head down in the engine well. Now the other person can fend off, tie up or watch for other boats - Yay! Only prblem was it cost a whole lot more than we expected. Kind of feel like we got raked over by the company that did it. Originally they said 2-3 hours work to install and it turned into ten hours with out warning or getting an okay. Then they kept the original motor arm and shifters from when they converted the boat - had to go back and ask for them later. Boat was dirty and we aren't too happy. But not much we can do about it now and it's great to have it done.
 

Mougly

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Jul 14, 2009
59
Sonic Sonic 23 Barrie Marina
Has any one installed remotes an a 7.5 hp Honda (not in a well), where can I find a manual and or part to do that.

Cheers
 
S

StumpLifter

PowerTiller.com

we Have A 27 Islander 1970 With A Newer Nissan Outboard In A Well Behind The Tiller. The Previous Outboard Did Have Remote Controls On The Port Side In The Cock Pit. It's Not Very Easy To Dock And Maneuver The Boat And Steer At The Same Time Without Them. I've Looked Into The Remote Controls For The Nissan And It's A Bit Expensive. ($425 For Remote Box And Connection Kit And Maybe The Existing Cables Will Work - Not Sure.) Has Anyone Else Done This When They Upgraded Their Outboard? I Saw Online They Have Controls By Other Companies (uflex And Teleflex) And They Say They Work With All Outboards, But I Guess You Take A Risk By Not Buying The Type Made For Your Motor. Would Be Great To Here What Others Have Tried When Their Outboard Is In A Well.

Thanks In Advance.
www.powertiller.com Has A Great Outboard Motor Remote Control. It Mounts On The Bottom Side Of Your Tiller And My Wife Loves It!
 
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