Best Side Mount Control Box Solutions for Your Outboard Engine
Looking for a dependable side-mount control box to match your Mercury, Yamaha, or Evinrude/Johnson outboard? This guide highlights five compatible options, focusing on compatibility, ease of installation, and practical use at the helm. Ideal buyers include boaters upgrading classic controls, commercial skippers needing reliable replacements, and DIY enthusiasts seeking straightforward installations. Below is a quick summary table of the chosen products to help you compare at a glance.
| Product | Connector | Harness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FASWORX 881170A15 | 8-pin | 15 ft harness | Mercury/Mariner remote systems with trim/tilt |
| POWEROB TEC 5006180 | Push-to-open side mount | Not specified in listing | Evinrude Johnson OMC side-mount setups |
| POWEROB TEC 881170A13-4000 | 14-pin | 5 m harness | Mercury 4-stroke side-mount control with power trim |
| BOATCON 881170A20 | 8-pin | 20 ft harness | Mercury outboards; reliable pull-to-open design |
| SEICETEC 881170A13 | 14-pin | 16.6 ft harness | Mercury 881170A13 control systems; trim/tilt integrated |
FASWORX: Mercury-Style Side Mount, 8-Pin 15 Ft Harness
Direct replacement for Mercury/Quicksilver 881170A15, this side-mount remote control features a handle-mounted trim switch and is designed to match OEM function for current Mercury/Mariner outboards and 1993+ Force using Mercury-style cables. The unit cross-references to Mercury part numbers 8M0178521 and 881170A1 and includes an 8-pin connector with a 15 ft lead, suitable for most side-mount Mercury installations. Good for boaters who need a straightforward OEM-like replacement with familiar wiring and a front-mount trim option.
Best for: Mercury/Mariner setups needing OEM-compatible wiring and a familiar 8-pin interface. Limit: May require compatibility checks with non-Mercury cables or unique helm layouts.
POWEROB TEC: 5006180 Side Mount Control Box
Side-mount push-to-open control box compatible with Evinrude Johnson OMC BPR engines and suitable for right or left mounting. The listing emphasizes a push-to-open design, with a straightforward installation approach. Best for operators who value a simple actuation method and flexible mounting options in tight helm areas. Limit: Specific wiring diagrams and compatibility with non-Evinrude/OMC systems should be verified before purchase.
POWEROB TEC: 5006561 Concealed Side Mount Box
Concealed side-mount control box for Evinrude Johnson families. The listing highlights a concealed design, which can be advantageous for streamlined helm aesthetics. Best for boaters seeking a clean helm with integrated mounting and a focus on minimizing exposed wiring. Limit: Availability of detailed specifications varies; confirm harness length and output compatibility with your hardware.
BOATCON: 881170A20 Side Mount Remote Box
Boatcon’s side-mount remote control box features an 8-pin connector with a 20 ft harness and a pull-to-open design, plus a right-hand handle option. This model suits Mercury outboards that require a longer harness or a different helm reach. Best for: Longer run installations where reach from helm to engine matters. Limit: Check for compatibility with your specific trim/tilt cables.
SEICETEC: 14-Pin 881170A13-4000 Side Mount Box
SEICETEC’s 14-pin Mercury-style side-mount control box supports a 5 m harness with a 4000-series setup including power trim. It’s designed for reliable operation with Mercury-based control systems. Best for users needing a robust 14-pin solution with a longer harness. Limitation: Ensure your helm wiring and switch compatibility align with the 14-pin configuration.
Buying Guide
- Connector and harness length: Choose a box with a connector type and harness length that matches your engine and helm layout. Longer harnesses help with easier routing; shorter ones save clutter but may require extensions.
- Power trim/tilt capability: If you rely on trim/tilt features, verify that the model includes a trim switch on the handle and supports your engine’s trim wiring.
- Mounting and accessibility: Side-mount boxes should align with your steering console space. Consider whether you need a concealed-box design for a cleaner helm otherwise.
- Compatibility: Match the model to your engine brand and generation (Mercury/Mariner, Evinrude Johnson, Yamaha, etc.). Some listings reference OEM part numbers for cross-compatibility—verify before purchasing.
- Wiring and controls: Look for models offering easy push-to-open operation or a traditional lever for throttle control. Ensure the handle integrates with your throttle lever and lanyard setup if safety features are important.
- Safety features: If using at high speeds or solo boating, consider models that include a safety lanyard or quick-stop design to minimize risk if helm action is interrupted.
FAQ
- What is a side mount control box used for? It is a remote control unit mounted at the side of the helm to operate an outboard engine’s throttle, gear shift, and trim functions.
- Which connector is most common? 8-pin and 14-pin connectors are the most common, with harness lengths varying by model and installation needs.
- Do these boxes include a trim switch? Many listings include a trim/tilt feature or switch on the handle; verify inclusion in the specific product description.
- Can I mix brands? Compatibility depends on the engine and control box generation. Always cross-reference OEM part numbers and harness compatibility before mixing brands.
- Is a longer harness better? A longer harness can simplify routing but may add clutter. Choose a length that minimizes exposed wiring while reaching the helm comfortably.
- What about safety features? Look for lanyard compatibility or integrated safety mechanisms to stop the engine if the operator leaves the helm.