OMC side mount controls-ambidexterous?

[oldslowandugly]

I have a set of right-handed 1993 OMC side mount controls that I had mounted on the starboard side of a skiff. I want to use them in a Whaler with center console but on the starboard side of the console as well, but that puts the handle and kill switch up against the console. Can the controls be switched to work on the opposite side, or is there a kit to convert over? Does the handle switch from side to side somehow? I googled this and found lots of topics on Iboats, but no definite answers. Some say yes, some say no way.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: OMC side mount controls-ambidexterous?

You should be able to. I know the handle will move no problem. Depending on the control, some have a plastic plug on the back side that can pop out and accommodate the kill switch...

 

[Jon Boat Jim]

Re: OMC side mount controls-ambidexterous?

They are definitely made to be ambidextrous. The most difficult part (and it is pretty easy) is switching over the kill switch. There is a rubber plug to remove and save to use. I had to separate the two halves of the controller body to rotate the kill switch mechanism to the other side. Just pay attention to what it looks like before you rotate it.

 

[oldslowandugly]

Re: OMC side mount controls-ambidexterous?

I've had the control box open, and I remember there being a couple of rubber plugs on the opposite side cover. So that's what they were for, switching the controls over back and forth. Whew! Thank's for the replies guys, I think this will work out fine.