Questions from a beginner

[Tedd]

I purchased a 1968 19' Starcraft deep-v aluminum boat and I've recently been given an 1980 50HP Johnson Seahorse. The boat is pretty much stripped except for the steering and I am trying to pick-up a control box for it. I see the auctions on Ebay for control boxes and I am wondering how do I know these will fit my engine? A lot of the Johnson/Evinrude ones have the round plug that I assume will fit the one on the Johnson. What questions do I need to ask in order to make sure I get what I need?<br /><br />Also, as you can tell I'm new at this, any books you all can recommend on how to outfit the boat? I'm starting from scratch and really need a good beginners book that covers all the pieces.<br /><br />Great forum, one of the best I've ever seen.

 

[SCO]

Re: Questions from a beginner

I can give you a lead on this,<br />My Clymers manual has electrical schematics for most all old Johnsons and Evinrudes. Find a control box on Ebay, ask what year and hp engine came with it and compare the schematics. Then you might request a photo of the box and plug(end view and side view) and an end view of the plug with a ruler across the diameter of the plug to verify it will work with your engine. Finally, take a chance and buy it!

 

[SCO]

Re: Questions from a beginner

I can give you a lead on this,<br />My Clymers manual has electrical schematics for most all old Johnsons and Evinrudes. Find a control box on Ebay, ask what year and hp engine came with it and compare the schematics. Then you might request a photo of the box and plug(end view and side view) and an end view of the plug with a ruler across the diameter of the plug to verify it will work with your engine. Finally, take a chance and buy it!

 

[SCO]

Re: Questions from a beginner

said it twice just to make sure. I think the "repost" while backing out with my browser caused the duplicate.

 

[Tedd]

Re: Questions from a beginner

SCO, thanks for the advice. Did the wiring change much on Johnson motors? The folks on ebay don't respond to these questions too readily and those that do aren't inclined to send more pictures.

 

[SCO]

Re: Questions from a beginner

I don't have my manual with me, but have noticed a lot of similarity with the pin outs on those plugs. At any rate, I think you should check them on a case by case basis. If you find one or some you are interested in, post the yr,make,hp of the engine it went with and I will check it for you till you get your own manual. Order the manual, you'll need it. It is a must read. You also have to consider the mechanical linkup. Must have the same control cable throw, compatibility etc. The box on my engine is much newer and a different style than the original for my engine, so I bet many boxes are interchangeable. Find a used boat dealer and you might find a box for your engine, or get ideas on what type boxes will work on your engine. Online boat part dealers like mastertech, http://www.maxrules.com/fixfaq.html, might have a box for your particular engine or will be able to certify that another that they have will work for you. KIT