Throttle control to tiller

[walterfree68]

I have an older 14ft jon boat, with a 1980 20hp Mercury, I'm converting. The engine is electric start with the steering arm and throttle controls about half way up the side of the boat. With my conversion idea, these will only be in the way. How do I go about converting it to a tiller and still keep my electric start? And how do I convert it to tiller? Do they make a tiller control with an electric start? This is my first boat with more than a trolling motor and I'm lost as a duck.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Throttle control to tiller

Years ago I had a new 77 Merc 500 they had a kit to add a tiller and shift lever.
As I recall it was a simple bolt on setup.I simply installed the key switch and choke button on the front of the rear seat.There may be something for your 20 though at 30 years old finding one may be a problem.
There is a conversion you could add to the boat called a stick steer.You could eliminate the console. Fits along the side of the boat when pushed forward boat turns one way when pulled back it turns the other.

 

[walterfree68]

Re: Throttle control to tiller

Yeah, I know about the stick steer on the side of the boat. That's what I have now. It's in the way of my conversion. Just was hoping for other alternatives. Your idea of the tiller and separate starter switch does get me to thinkin tho. Thank you for the input.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: Throttle control to tiller

I have an older 25hp "rude that I put a start button on the lower housing below the cowling cover. I just drilled a small hole large enough to accept a starter push-button and she worked great, plus it was right back there next to the tiller arm so I could work the starter with one hand and throttle with the other.

 

[jtscudder]

Re: Throttle control to tiller

I have a 1983 25xd merc with Tiller and I am looking for remote controls and brackets.I would love to swap all necessary parts with you.Let me know and maybe it could be a win win...John