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Author Topic: Off season tiller handle conversion  (Read 1318 times)

Offline kbyers

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Off season tiller handle conversion
« on: February 09, 2010, 10:38:07 AM »
I posted this on another site and figured that is might help some of the folks here too.

Let me start by saying that I assume no responsibility if you try to do this.  I am not an engineer or professional fabricator, just an average guy that knows how to build stuff and asks a lot of questions when I don't know what I am doing.  But I am willing to help where I can.  Feel free to ask any questions and I will do my best to answer.

Well I did a lot of research online before deciding to make the conversion from console steering to tiller steer and was disappointed that I was not able to find any information regarding the swap.  So I figure I will post what I found in hopes that it might help others making the switch.  I spent a lot of time on the phone with Steven's Marine, Three Rivers Marine and Northwest Marine and Sport to get this information, with Steven's Marine being the most knowledgeable.  I have a 1986 Mercury 150 2 stroke and can make no guarantees as to what models this will work for.  That being said the tiller handle that I bought for my motor is the same that is on my buddy's 2005 200hp Mercury, and it looks like it mounts the same.

My first question was is there a bolt on kit?  The answer is yes, but Mercury is pretty proud of it and charges $900 for it.  So I decided to see what else is out there.  Keep in mind that you are going to need to have the ignition key switch, run/stop switch, and power trim toggle switch in the box that the handle mounts to.  I was told that the tiller handle used by Steven's Marine was the handle off of a Mercury 90hp 2 stroke.  After a lot of calling around I was able to find one in Florida and got it for $400 shipped.  They even made me 2 new keys for it and put on a new throttle grip.  I was told that any year will work because that part number never changed, I have not confirmed this though.  Also at some point Mercury changed the connector for the wiring harness on their engine.  I was able to find a tiller handle with the old style connector that was on my motor.  I was told that if you can't find one with the same plug there is an adapter that can be bought for $50.

Well how do you mount the handle to the motor?  If you look at your motor below the motor cover right above the transom you will see a metal bar coming forward off of the swivel bracket.  This is the same bar that the hydraulic steering bolts to.  you will have to make is or have it made.  I was going to make it myself.  I took all of the measurements and drew up a design.  Then a buddy of mine that works at a machine shop said that he would do it for me and that they already have the materials.  Freebies are sweet.  And I should have it by the end of the week.  I will post more when I get all of the parts and get it mounted.

So this is what $400 gets you


Here is where the ignition and power tirm is located


This is where the handle will mount to the motor

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Offline h2ofowlr

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Re: Off season tiller handle conversion
« Reply #1 on: February 09, 2010, 02:20:38 PM »
You think the tiller is bad try buing the electric tilt after the fact.  I did the same thing.  Picked up a Mercury motor then found a tiller handle down in Portland and mounted it.  It worked good.  I did a little wire splicing, but it has performed well.  I picked up all the stuff you did on a lucky deal for about $200.
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