Installing Trim Switch on Mercury Control Handle

[Inverary Boater]

G'day folks,

I've got a 2005 115 Mercury Optimax with older Mercury controls up at the console on my bass boat. There is a trim switch on the side of the motor itself, and another rocker switch installed into the dashboard. The control handle on my unit has a blank on the left side where your thumb could operate a trim switch ... if there was one there. Could be removable ... haven't really tried as of yet.

So trimming the motor while driving down the lake involves either taking your hand off the wheel (yeah, no ...) or taking your hand off the throttle to toggle the motor up or down. I'd like to install a rocker switch into the existing handle so that I can trim up or down WITHOUT taking my hand off the throttle. Is this a big deal to do? Is the existing control handle able to have this added to it, or am I into purchasing a new one? I'm okay with wiring up my own stuff for the most part, but if it's too involved ... I'll just have my marine mechanic do it.

Appreciate any advice given, thanks in advance ...

 

[oldman570]

Re: Installing Trim Switch on Mercury Control Handle

A check of the wires on the trimswitch now mounted in the dash will determin if it will be a easy job. If they go to the control wireing it should be easy, if not then you would need to see if they can be routed in and room for the switch itself installed.
Oldman570

 

[Inverary Boater]

Re: Installing Trim Switch on Mercury Control Handle

Wiring to the existing rocker switch looks pretty simple - three wire connection running under the dash then under the side panel and to the motor itself. Rewiring should not be a problem.

About removing the existing handle - from reading other threads, I've gleaned that I'll have to unbolt the throttle handle from the side of the boat. What's the best way to get the handle off and apart to see if I can remove the switch blank/knockout that is currently in there? I'll take a pic and include it shortly ...

 

[Inverary Boater]

Re: Installing Trim Switch on Mercury Control Handle

Here's some pics of my Mercury control handle ...

 

[Inverary Boater]

Re: Installing Trim Switch on Mercury Control Handle

Took the control handle off without much incident and took it to my local Mercury dealer - he ordered me a trim switch with a short wiring harness. Decided to keep the existing switch in the dash and wire the leads from the handle to it - gives me three ways to trim the motor up and down. Handle came apart very easily and switch fit inside it like a glove - like I thought, there was just a small blank knockout in there. Wires ran easily down inside the handle once reassembled and inside the gear casing. Took apart the control box to run the wires out through the wiring access at the back of the box and made my connections outside of the box and sealed them.

The only slight wrinkle was running the wires from the handle switch into the control box - had to do some re-arranging of the wires to avoid them being pinched when shifting into forward or reverse gear. Got them along the bottom as best I could - if any further issues come up, I'll take it apart and find some way to secure the wires inside better. I've included some pics I took when it was apart ... I'll add some of it completed soon.

View attachment 162544View attachment 162545

Aside from that, works great! Love having that trim AND throttle control with one hand ... thanks for the advice, folks! See you on the water!