Re: Tilt and Trim amperage draw
The wire length is biggest problem with original setup. The voltage drop inside wire makes the direct wired system more susceptible to brown out problems which can also lead to motor longevity problems. For ease of install, performance, and reliability the relay design is clearly superior. The cost of #12 OOW (oil, ozone, weather) type copper is high enough that relay/solenoid setup is often less expensive.
The Yamaha type systems are not worth using because they have proprietary parts with no benefit beyond increased corporate profits. The OMC versions have a poor reliability record as they tried to get to clever with an integrated box design. The common problem among 2w trim wiring is that the manufacturers try to design a system that forces you to buy their maintenance parts. The end result is never better, often inferior, and always more expensive. The version developed by USMarine in the late 1980's still stands as the best design ever. It is in current use by mercury. The USMarine design pulls trim power from starter with inline 30A fuse protection. The relays are standard 12v Bosch headlight relays bolted to the engine pan or starter bracket. The relays cost under $2 each in bulk. $4ish in small quantities. For marine use, buy the ones with removable metal tab and a bead of glue sealing the case.. The superiority of the USMarine-Force system is due to its simplicity and use of industry standard parts. The 2w Force design was adapted in mid 90's for 3w operation using starter grade solenoids.
