OMC Key/tach relocation

[Bill P.]

I need to replace the wire harness that goes up the pedestal on my H260 for the 9.9 Evinrude. The engine controls are current mounted on top of the pedestal with a large single level that controls throttle/transmission - key switch is part of this unit. I was not having much luck getting the harness thru the pedestal and given that I plan someday to replace the OMC unit with a more conventional throttle/shifter (separate) I had the thought that now might be the time to move the tach/warning light and the starter switch to a lazarret location. Anyone done this with these components? Any words of wisdom/safety regarding location and to someone who will be intentionally putting a hole in his boat for the first time? Love this forum - always gives great advice and thoughts! Fair winds,

 

[Bill P.]

Trying again

Not having a lot of luck on this. One very basic question to those in the know "Crazy Dave" comes to mind, is there any reason I can't use the key/ tach that is the OMC standard? Only issue I can see at present is the need to bypass the "safety neutral" wire that prevents someone (see me - idiot) from trying to start the motor in gear. I'm about to drill holes in the boat to install the key switch from the OMC unit and the tach so if this is a no no I'd love to hear. I will come back someday and replace the shifter unit with the Edson shifters. Fair winds - hoping for some help here. *o