Replace existing Shifter for a Center Console

[SanAnBoater]

So i recently bought an 18' starcraft center console. The hull is in great condition but a few things I would like to get working on. The problem I am facing is the previous owner had installed a throttle control box on the left hand side of the console. Now the control unit itself is designed for a right hand mount (the starboard gunwhale). I would like to buy a new control box and just run the existing wires through the new one and be done. Problem is i cant find ones with the ignition in it as well. Any way, i know its a trivial thing but it looks like a lazy and i would like to clean it all up. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I also plan on keeping the cc design after i replace the flooring.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Replace existing Shifter for a Center Console

iboats may have them. If not your local Merc dealer can help. BTDT

Merc makes several styles of controls for all types of boats and applications. The one I like and bought last (from my local Merc dealer) has a single lever for throttle/shift, a lift lever at the rear top for fast idle, and a key switch on the rear for ignition. I know it fits a conventional starboard mount which is the equivalent of a port mount if mounted on the starboard side of a CC. Check your dealer. Bet he has one to fit your needs.

Mark

 

[SanAnBoater]

Re: Replace existing Shifter for a Center Console

Thanks for the insight! I will start calling around. Now only one more thing before my console removal is complete. I am attempting to remove the steering wheel so i can re-do the floor. I have removed all the screws and its down to leaving the steering in place. I would like to simply leave the hole unit (behind the helm) in place just simply remove the steering wheel and undo the mounting bracket from the console. I am hitting a snag though. I can not remove the wheel and its keeping me from removing the console. Thoughts? Thanks again and if i am asking the wrong questions for this thread could anyone point me in the right direction.

Respectfully
Jake

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Replace existing Shifter for a Center Console

Jake,

The mechanical assembly of steering systems usually is composed of piece parts, two of which would be the outer housing (with internal bearings) which mounts to the dashboard of the boat and the other the steering shaft upon which the steering wheel and steering mechanism is mounted.

The shaft is manufactured as a single element so at some point in time the steering mechanism up under the dash is attached to it, and then it is inserted into the housing mentioned and the last thing would be mounting of the wheel.

On plastic wheels, there is just a pin which is inserted into a slot on the under side of the wheel. On metallic or more sophisticated wheels, there is usually a splined interconnect (like you would find in your car) consisting of 10 or so teeth. On both types, the steering shaft is threaded and a nut locks the wheel in place.

There is usually a cap on the center of the wheel which can be removed, exposing the nut. The cap could be just pressure fitted, may have plastic spring clips, may have a metallic retainer ring, or may have a set screw on the side of the wheel to hold it in place. A wheel puller is usually required to remove the wheel. Sometimes I have put my legs up under the wheel to help in applying pressure to the wheel during removal. A good penetrating oil surely helps. Also, a smart smack with a hammer certainly helps but don't ding up the threads. Use a brass hammer or add a piece of hardwood or something like that to protect the threads. Remember CCW on nut removal.

HTH

Mark

 

[SanAnBoater]

Re: Replace existing Shifter for a Center Console

Mark,

Well it had been a productive weekend. I pulled most of the plywood from the bow to just in front of the console. About 2 sheets (cutdown) and have about two sheets left. Only problem I am facing now is where and what to buy next in order to piece it all back together. I spoke with a Mecury Mech. at the dealer, he was not to sure on why I was having a problem, his solution was to simply remove the Throttle lever, and insert it into the oppoiste side. Made sense to me until I got home and looked at the housing it is in. Nothing like what we were looking at in his tech. manual. So its a small inconvience for now, and maybe a simple fix later. As for the wheel, I looked for the retaining pin only to find none. I did see the housing mech. behind the dash and as you stated it is mounted via a single shaft. The only thing i can guess is maybe a swift smack with the hammer and wood. I had given u
after a few attempts of looking for the pin. It is indeed a plastic wheel, and yes i would eventually like to upgrade to metal one. Thank you again and I am sure i will have more in the coming days to ask.

Jake

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Replace existing Shifter for a Center Console

On the remote, like I said, your current one may or may not be swappable. When OB remotes first came out, most remote control positions were on the Port side of the boat. Later on, they were moved to the Starboard side, probably to overcome some of the motor torque problems with the larger engines being mfgr'd. During that transition period, some were made to go either place. Later they may have migrated to Starboard mount only which is what you currently have in your mounting and to relocate it to the other side will require a different control.
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To access the pin on the plastic wheel type steering, you have to pull the wheel and once done the pin will be staring you in the face stuck through the steering shaft where the bottom of the wheel was.

HTH

Mark

 

[SanAnBoater]

Re: Replace existing Shifter for a Center Console

Mark,

The wheel came off with a little tap, found the key and i got the console sitting in the back. Polystyrene (spelling) the yellow spray type foam, should that also get replaced? Looks like the transom is going to get a replacement as well. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks again for all the help, you have been a great guide.

Jake