1979 Johnson on homebuilt boat

[jay33]

I've got a 55 Seahorse on my pontoon that I will be putting on a home-built runabout. Currently it's got the original control box and a separate switch for power trim. I plan to keep this setup on the new boat, but I want to separate my controls from the ignition. If I find the correct controls, do I need the adapter wiring harness, or is that only for modern digital controls and gauges? I am looking at these controls.

Thanks so much for helping a new guy who is probably in over his head but confident anyway...

Jason

 

[racerone]

Re: 1979 Johnson on homebuilt boat

I think you should be looking for a factory control box.-Single lever type.---Much easier on the gears / clutch dog if shifting is done at the lowest possible throttle setting.

 

[jay33]

Re: 1979 Johnson on homebuilt boat

Thanks. I didn't realize there was any mechanical difference. The original one is in pretty rough shape, and I'm trying to avoid anything modern looking on a boat that's supposed to look like a Chris Craft from the 50s. I'll keep looking...

 

[F_R]

Re: 1979 Johnson on homebuilt boat

So you are putting a 1979 motor on a boat and are concerned about the age/era of the control? Oh well to each his own, I guess. But if you desire a two-lever control, I'd suggest an OMC/Johnson Shipmaster style of 1979 vintage. There are plenty of good used ones out there. Be aware that 1979 and up take different cables than pre-1979.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: 1979 Johnson on homebuilt boat

Dont worry about the adaptor wiring, you can rig up whatever you want for the wiring. Coat it in copper and verdigigris if you want it to look ancient

 

[jay33]

Re: 1979 Johnson on homebuilt boat

So you are putting a 1979 motor on a boat and are concerned about the age/era of the control? Oh well to each his own, I guess. But if you desire a two-lever control, I'd suggest an OMC/Johnson Shipmaster style of 1979 vintage. There are plenty of good used ones out there. Be aware that 1979 and up take different cables than pre-1979.

I understand it may seem a bit odd, but I just don't want to hang a plastic BRP lever off my boat, and I've always liked the two-lever look. I really like that Shipmaster, and will look into finding one. Thanks!

 

[jay33]

Re: 1979 Johnson on homebuilt boat

Dont worry about the adaptor wiring, you can rig up whatever you want for the wiring. Coat it in copper and verdigigris if you want it to look ancient

All the wring will be hidden, so the look is not important. I just want to make sure I can split the electric from the throttle and steering without spending $200 on a wiring adapter. Thanks.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: 1979 Johnson on homebuilt boat

Yeah that can be done. You can splice it any which way you want so long as you connect the right leads up to the right wires

 

[boobie]

Re: 1979 Johnson on homebuilt boat

Try the top secret files at the beginning of this forum for wiring diagrams.