converting 1965 merc 200 20hp from tiller to cable steering

[bilzebub]

I have an old merc tiller-style that I am trying to hook up to an older boat with cable/pulley steering that also has a throttle and a shifter lever. I think I can get the steering thing working but the control levers are a different story. The 2 cables that are used for throttle and shifting don't have the correct linkage for the engine. Are there any linkage kits out there for something this old, or is there another method of connecting the throttle? I am guessing I will have to try and fabricate something. Any comments or suggestions welcome.

 

[crispins]

Re: converting 1965 merc 200 20hp from tiller to cable steering

bump

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: converting 1965 merc 200 20hp from tiller to cable steering

What brand/name is on your control box? Simplex and Shipmaster are OMC brands, for OMC motors. You need cables made for your Merc...Teleflex has them for not much $$, or you could watch for an old Mercontrol box on the auction sites.

 

[bilzebub]

Re: converting 1965 merc 200 20hp from tiller to cable steering

First of all I would like to say I am grateful and impressed with the quick answers. The control is a Scott-McCulloch and the controls appear to be original equipment, but I am still searching for the manufacturer of the boat.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: converting 1965 merc 200 20hp from tiller to cable steering

Not familiar with Scott-McCulloch set ups...too new for me and they have been defunct for 40+ years, Hah! Easiest solution is to get a good, used Merc control box with cables from craigslist, Schmebay or some other source. Might check the Ask A Member board at www.aomci.org first to see if new Merc cables can be used with your Scott control box. Some of those old boxes are a rock, you really have to want to mess them up to do so...others, not so much. If the old box has cables attached and the levers, cables work...I'd be tempted to open up the box to see how the cables connect. When you buy/replace those old cables, you get just the cable made for your brand...OMC, Merc, etc. One end is made to fit your type of control box, the other end is bare cable and its up to you to put the right connectors on there to attach it to your motor. Cables aren't real expensive if you have to replace yours.

 

[bilzebub]

Re: converting 1965 merc 200 20hp from tiller to cable steering

Thanks for the advice. I will check the member board at the site you mentioned to see what I can come up with.