Help with steering and controls?

[100333624]

Hi all,

I hope y'all had a wonderful thanksgiving weekend! I need some help, I've got a 16' center console with a 1978 mercury 80hp. I was looking to get a hydraulic steering system to replace the cable steering I have now because it was a little too stiff trying to control at 40mph, what are some good brands? How much would I be looking at for a full system change? It doesn't have to be the best/top of the line, I just want it to work good and last!

Also, the controls I have are mounted on the side of the boat and it's a center console, so the motor was changed a few years ago to this 80hp and that's why it's like that.. I am in the process of restoring my boat and was wondering how I can position the controls using the original console, to be on the side of the console and not on the side of the boat, and not to have the wires running above deck/side? Is there any modifications I can do to the original controls to run the wires under the floor because I see they do need a few feet to flex and I don't mind getting a different set of controls as long as they work? But i just dont want the control wires visible! Are there any aftermarket controls made for this that can mount on a 1978 mercury 800?? I appreciate any info on this, thanks guys!

 

[oldman570]

Re: Help with steering and controls?

Search here on Iboats for Part # 309476 fot the control and the electrical wires and cables can be run under the toon above the toon on ether side. You will need cables and the wireing long enought to reach and are sold seperate. JMO
Oldman570

 

[100333624]

Re: Help with steering and controls?

Search here on Iboats for Part # 309476 fot the control and the electrical wires and cables can be run under the toon above the toon on ether side. You will need cables and the wireing long enought to reach and are sold seperate. JMO
Oldman570

Hey oldman, I was checking that same one out last night and kinda like the way it looks! Will it work for my motor? Will I have to buy new cables? Also the power trim I have now is the original with the 3 big circle buttons on the dash, can I just cut the wires and solder them into the controls so I can use the control tilt/trim switch? Thanks!!

 

[oldman570]

Re: Help with steering and controls?

Don't see no reason it wouldn't. If the cables you have now are long enought to reach the consol where needed they will work. You might have to reroute them some to get the job done. As for the tilt and trim being switched to the control can be done also as you can disconect them from the button up have and hook them to the new switch. Remmber that it is a 3 wire system where blue is sky= up, green is grass=down, and the other is 12v+. The new control shou come with wireing diagrams for it or a search for them can be done if you don't have a manual for the motor. The control is allitle $$ but it will work as long as you have room for it on the tower.
Oldman570

 

[100333624]

Re: Help with steering and controls?

Don't see no reason it wouldn't. If the cables you have now are long enought to reach the consol where needed they will work. You might have to reroute them some to get the job done. As for the tilt and trim being switched to the control can be done also as you can disconect them from the button up have and hook them to the new switch. Remmber that it is a 3 wire system where blue is sky= up, green is grass=down, and the other is 12v+. The new control shou come with wireing diagrams for it or a search for them can be done if you don't have a manual for the motor. The control is allitle $$ but it will work as long as you have room for it on the tower.
Oldman570

That's cool so it should work! I found some on eBay and amazon for a few bucks cheaper, can't seem to find the difference between the deluxe version and the regular version? I was thinking instead of this I can use my originals controls but I need a connection at the controls that allows the cables to be pointed down/vertical rather than horizontal.. Are there any like 90 degree connections that can do this? Thanks!

 

[oldman570]

Re: Help with steering and controls?

I don't realy think so, but others on here might chime in as to wether or not cables like that are even made. A call to telfex would get a anwser to that and a part # for the ones you would need. I've always used that setup or simalier on the few toons that I have worked on.
JMO Oldman570

 

[oldman570]

Re: Help with steering and controls?

Her is another control on Iboats that might interest you, Part #


Control, Single, Side Mount, w/Neutral Safety Switch - Teleflex Marine
Part # CH2920P
You would have to buy cables for it or see if there are any adapters made that could make yours fit to the control.A call to Iboats should confierm that question. JMO
Oldman570

 

[100333624]

Re: Help with steering and controls?

Her is another control on Iboats that might interest you, Part #


Control, Single, Side Mount, w/Neutral Safety Switch - Teleflex Marine
Part # CH2920P
You would have to buy cables for it or see if there are any adapters made that could make yours fit to the control.A call to Iboats should confierm that question. JMO
Oldman570

It says in the description that it's not compatible with merc cables though.. I'll have to look into it, thanks oldman!