New User Seeking Advice on Control Box & Cables

[pookey_amiko]

I am looking for some advice as i have no boat experience whatsoever and I have just bought a small cheap basic speed boat as a christmas present for my husband.

The boat has a 20hp seacat outboard engine and a dual lever control box and 2 cables, however the control box is knackered and at least 1 of the 2 cables are also knackered. What should I be looking for, I cant seem to find a control box for this engine and there seems so many parts out there! Any help appreciated.

Regards

Paula

 

[Talbot]

several companies make control boxesfor outboards. The correct one will depend on the available fixing on the boat. It will be easier for you both if you purchase a single lever control which does both speed and gear change. The cables should have some writing on them, and this will tell an outboard shop exactly what type of cable and what length is required. They should also be able to supply the control box.

I have never heard of that type of outboard?

Make sure you also get lifejackets and at least a hand held VHF so that you can enjoy your new toy in safety.

 

[pookey_amiko]

Thanks talbot, what is a 'Hand Held VHF' - I have already purchased a life jacket.

I believe the engine is a 'johnson' seacat

The boat is at my neighbours at the moment so I dont know the 'fixings' but the control box had already been removed as it was lying on the floor of the boat. It looked something like this

http://i5.ebayimg.com/04/i/05/48/99/6a_1_b.JPG

 

[domlee]

Best advice is dont fix it!

Just give it to him as a 'project present' to work on. The real gift comes by 'giving' him the time to work on it.

 

[pookey_amiko]

I handle ALL the DIY in our house! Matt wouldnt know what a screwdriver looked like! I also wanted him to beable to take it for a spin on CHristmas Day - I live in Fermanagh in Ireland, the entire county is 1/5 water, excellent for boating, and theres a top jetty just a few miles away! Too irresistable.

My Dad is very hands on and he's going to put the control on but He's in England and I'm in Ireland, He's coming on 23rd December so I wanted to have the parts ready. He's fixed quite a few car engines and thinks he can fit the control.

 

[domlee]

Oops...

As Talbot stated you can change it for a single lever control or simply replace it with the original type of controls. However, often the manufacturer-labelled control box is much more expensive than a third party supplied control that will do the same job so it will pay to shop around. The writing on the cable will give an indication of the original supplier of the cable and the length of the cable (the length is measured between the control box and the outboard). Sometimes this writing is missing/illegible so if you have this measurement to hand then the supplier will have a better idea of what to supply.
(I'm sure someone will correct me if this is wrong). You could take the controls to a local chandlers and they will order the parts for you. I have found Waterline Marine at Kinnego 028 3834 3911(Lough Neagh) very helpful in this sort of thing or you could try Ferryman Boats (Derry) Tel. 028 7126 8766 - also very approachable.


'VHF Rado' is a form of handheld radio transmitter/receiver with a number of 'channels' (individual frequencies) on which you can communicate with another vhf transmitter/receiver. Some of these channels are dedicated to coastguard/rescue services in the event of trouble, some for marina communications, one to one communication and so on. There are protocols to be followed when using this type of communication and the radio requires a licence to operate - there are possible penalties for operating one without a licence.

I attended 'Bangor Sea School' where I acquired the required VHF training and licence (under a gentleman by the name of Frank Smyth)this was a pleasant and illuminating experience and highly recommended. This is the nearest establishment to you that I know of that does this but I'm sure a 'phone call to them will clarify matters for you.

From a safety aspect and in the absence of VHF, you could also telephone the coastguard and let them know when you are setting out and when you expect to be back. When you return, you then notify the coastguard of your safe arrival, otherwise safety and rescue (SAR) procedures will kick in. These are set up for your benefit so you should avail of them.

Otherwise, a lot of people I know rely on a cellphone to summon assistance in the event of a problem (a dodgy practice, I think). In this event, always let someone onshore know when you are leaving and when you intend to return and leave them with rescue contact details in the event of emergency. If you are going to be delayed, let them know you will be late and everything is 'OK'.

Hope this helps...

 

[PCUK]

Any make of control and cables will do the job. You only need to get the correct end fittings for the cables to attach to the engine. Any Johnson dealer will be able to help with these.

 

[pookey_amiko]

thanks Domlee/Pershilla - some very helpfull advice and much appreciated. I will make some calls about the control parts.

how much would a vhf cost, it could be a good birthday present for him in january! We cant get a mobile signal here as we are on the border so i wouldnt trust a mobile!

 

[VicS]

Before going to a dealer for your cotrol box etc make a note of the model number of the outboard and for good measure the serial number. You should find these on a small plate on the mounting bracket. Take care to read them correctly. Do it in good light and with a magnifying lens.! The iBoats forums are a good place to get help on outboards if you need any:
http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi
But always quote the model number.

 

[pookey_amiko]

Has anyone fitted a control box for an outboard? How hard is it to attatch the cables as I presume they have to be pretty taught and what tools would I need?

 

[pookey_amiko]

Would this control do for what I want?

Description given; a Mercury Quicksilver throttle shift control - a good quality throttle shift control with ignition key and loom.

This is the knackered control box I am replacing

http://images.kodakgallery.eu.com/photos151/9/70/3/60/50/0/50600370933_0_ALB.jpg


This is the connector on the knackered cable

http://images.kodakgallery.eu.com/photos151/9/70/3/64/85/0/85640370933_0_ALB.jpg