Best Side Mount Remote Control Boxes for Mercury, Yamaha, and More
Finding the right side mount remote control box helps boaters maintain precise throttle control, safer engine management, and easier handling at the helm. This guide focuses on five reliable options suited for different engine brands and setups. Ideal buyers include Mercury or Mariner owners seeking OEM-style compatibility, Yamaha users needing a robust push/tilt system, and boaters prioritizing durable construction and easy installation. Below is a quick overview of top picks with practical buying considerations and a concise buying table to compare key points at a glance.
| Product | Brand | Harness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOATCON Side Mount Remote Control Box GEN I 8Pin | BOATCON | 15 ft | Mercury/Mariner 8-pin setups |
| FASWORX 881170A15 Side Mount | FASWORX | 15 ft | OEM-compatible Mercury/Quicksilver style |
| Galloparts 881170A15 Side Mount | Galloparts | 15 ft | Mercury/Mariner with power trim |
| SEICETEC 10-Pin Side Mount for Yamaha | SEICETEC | 14-16 ft | Yamaha 703-series control systems |
| Evinrude Johnson OEM Concealed Side Mount Remote | Evinrude | Standard (side mount) | BRP-style engines, easy toggle trim |
BOATCON 8-Pin Side Mount Remote Control Box GEN I
This 8-pin side mount remote is designed for Mercury outboards, featuring a pull-to-open throttle and a 15 ft harness. It includes a power trim switch, a key, and a flameout rope for safety. Best for Mercury/Mariner setups requiring a straightforward, OEM-aligned control box at the helm.
Best for: Mercury or Mariner engines needing a direct 8-pin, 15 ft harness solution with integrated trim. Use caution if your installation uses a different connector standard or a longer cable run than the included harness.
BOATCON 20 ft Side Mount Remote Control Box GEN I
This variant extends the harness to 20 ft, preserving pull-to-open throttle and a right-hand handle with power trim. It’s suited for larger boats or installations where the helm is farther from the engine. It shares the same 8-pin compatibility and safety features as the 15 ft version.
Best for: Longer cable runs or spacious helm areas. Avoid this if your engine side harness mounting requires a different pin configuration or a shorter lead length.
FASWORX 881170A15 Side Mount Remote Box
This direct replacement for Mercury/Quicksilver 881170A15 is designed to match OEM functions, with a handle-mounted trim switch and a 15 ft harness. It supports front-mount trim wiring and is cross-referenced to multiple Mercury/Mariner part numbers, making it versatile for older and newer Mercury installations.
Best for: Mercury/Mariner users needing OEM-compatible performance with straightforward wiring. Choose this if you want a drop-in alternative that aligns with existing Mercury cables and mounting.
Galloparts 881170A15 Side Mount Remote
This Galloparts model is a 881170A15 side mount remote for Mercury/Mariner engines with a 15 ft harness and built-in warning horn. Its power trim leads support front-mount trims, and the 8-pin configuration aligns with common Mercury setups. Best for: Mercury/Mariner owners seeking a compact, all-in-one remote with audible alert features. Limitation: ensure the horn integration fits your boat’s safety requirements and local regulations.
SEICETEC Yamaha 14-Pin Side Mount Remote Box
This Yamaha-compatible 14-pin side mount control box offers a durable aluminum housing and reinforced construction for long-term reliability. It includes a trim/tilt switch on the handle, a 16.6 ft harness, and smooth forward/reverse operation with adjustable friction. Best for: Yamaha 703-series installations needing a robust, weather-resistant control box. Caution: verify compatibility with your exact Yamaha model and preferred trim wiring configuration.
Buying Guide
What matters most when choosing a side mount remote control? Start with engine compatibility and pin count. Mercury/Mariner systems often use 8-pin configurations, while Yamaha setups commonly require 10-14 pin arrangements. Harness length should match your helm-to-engine distance. Look for integrated trim controls, a safety lanyard or flameout rope if you operate solo, and durable housing materials like die-cast aluminum for corrosion resistance.
How to compare features quickly? Create a quick checklist: pin compatibility, harness length, presence of power trim/tilt, front-mork mounting options, safety lanyard, and whether the unit supports front-mount wiring. If you need OEM-style performance, prefer models cross-referenced to Mercury 881170A15 or 8M0178521. For Yamaha-focused builds, confirm compatibility with the 703-series controls and the 14-pin interface.
Important installation notes: a proper mount location, safe routing of the harness, and correct trim wiring are essential to avoid throttle lag or trim misalignment. If a unit includes a warning horn, ensure audible alerts meet your boating safety standards. In some cases, an emergency lanyard is a valuable safety accessory for solo or high-speed boating sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a side mount remote control box used for?
– It provides helm-throttle control and engine trim via a handle-mounted box, typically used with outboard engines like Mercury, Yamaha, and BRP variants. - What should I check before buying a side mount remote?
– Engine compatibility, pin count, harness length, and whether it includes a trim/tilt switch and safety features such as a lanyard or flameout rope. - Are OEM-style boxes better than aftermarket ones?
– OEM-style boxes often offer closer compatibility and wiring compatibility; aftermarket options can be cost-effective while still delivering reliable performance. - Is a longer harness always better?
– Longer harnesses are useful for distant helm positions but may introduce more cable management considerations and potential signal loss if excessively long. - Can I mix brands for a side mount setup?
– Mixing brands is possible in some cases but verify pin configuration and wire mapping to avoid non-functional controls or safety risks. - What safety features are common?
– Safety lanyards, flameout ropes, and integrated hazard warnings are common to prevent engine runaways or unintended rpm changes.