Tiller to Remote Conversion - 25 hp Merc

[john craig]

What's involved in converting a tiller model to a remote?
I'm considering buying a 2005 25hp 4-stroke Mercury Bigfoot if the conversion is easy to do.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Tiller to Remote Conversion - 25 hp Merc

Electric start? If No, you're going to need an electric start kit plus a remote elecric harness kit.
You're going to need the remote control adapter kit.
You're going to need a remote control plus cables.
You're going to need a remote steering adapter kit.
Instructions are included with the kits.

The combined prices might exceed what you'd pay for a brand new unit of the right configuration when including the price of the motor unless you're getting it way below dealer cost (if you're buying a leftover new unit).

Don't buy a BigFoot for a planing boat. They're for pushing pontoons and workboats. You'd be very disappointed with performance. A lot of people are sold these motors on the cheap for the wrong application and post here wondering why they're such pigs. It's aslo always going to look like a converted motor because the bracket for the tiller will stand-out like a sore thumb. The tiller handle will have to come off. You can't have both.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Tiller to Remote Conversion - 25 hp Merc

If 2005 is like 2004,it looks like your Merc is really a Tohatsu/Nissan.Check and be sure all the parts you need are available,Locally.

I need some 15 4stroke parts,and they either come up NLA or go on back order forever.Also in checking, rope start and electric start cylinder heads are different.No idea why.

That said,ANY engine is hard to go remote on.Once you get shift and throttle kits,you have to buy cables ($70.00) and attach them to a remote control ($230.00) and up.Now you need to attach the steering.That kit can run you ($50.00 t0 $200.00) or more.And maybe you still have no helm or a place to steer from?

I don't wish to scare anyone from a project,but hope to advise as to how deep a project can get (into your pocket).

Sometimes it is better to sell what you have,rather than add on to it,and buy your next boat.

DHP

 

[john craig]

Re: Tiller to Remote Conversion - 25 hp Merc

Thanks for that dose of reality, guys!