2004 tracker party barge pontoon questions

[richardn50]

I have a 2004 tracker 18' pontoon, boat came with no motor, no control box. I purchased a 2014 Yamaha F70LA outboard to put on pontoon..I have purchased a top mount binnacle control box for a Yamaha motor. What problems will I have making this work? What parts will I need? What about steering cables? hooking up gauges? Is this worth messing with?Thanks for any help..

 

[TyeeMan]

Welcome to iboats!!

First off, I have no idea what a binnacle control box is. That said, if you motor requires an actual shift cable or combined shift/throttle cable you will need to take a measurement from the helm to the motor following the perimeter of the pontoon. Then go to a Yamaha dealer and purchase a cable assembly that is closest to your measurement. You would also then need a key switch and associated wiring to start the engine.
Maybe Yamaha has a complete control box with key switch and cables of the correct length all ready to go, I'd go that rout first.

The motor should use the existing steering shaft/cable as in a lot of cases it's a one size fits all, , , I think. Unless for whatever reason your pontoon has hydraulic steering.

If there is no steering cable the same will apply as to the motor controls. You will need to take a measurement from the steering wheel location to the motor following the perimeter of the pontoon. Then purchase the correct length steering cable assembly. I'm sure you can get that right here at the iboats store or check out West Marine.com

As for gauges, aside from the gas gauge I'm not sure what gauges a 70hp would have, , aside from a tachometer.

Once you have everything wired and running you will need to get an appropriate pitched propeller so the motor comes up to it's proper wide open throttle (WOT) rpm. If the motor cannot obtain that rpm you will be lugging the motor which is pretty hard em.

And probably before you do any of this, does the motor have the correct shaft length for your pontoon?

Good Luck!

 

[richardn50]

A binnacle control box mounts on the dash. Motor came off a pontoon. Boat has existing steering cable. Key switch is on dash.. Thanks for the info.