I Tested the Mercury Outboard Control Box: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started exploring the world of boating, I quickly realized how crucial every component is to a smooth and safe ride. One piece of equipment that caught my attention early on was the Mercury Outboard Control Box. It’s more than just a control panel—it’s the command center that puts you in complete control of your vessel’s engine functions. Whether you’re a seasoned mariner or a weekend adventurer, understanding the role and capabilities of this device can truly transform your boating experience. In this article, I want to share what makes the Mercury Outboard Control Box such an indispensable part of any outboard motor setup.
I Tested The Mercury Outboard Control Box Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin
881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch
For Mercury Top Mount Control box 8M0059686 Throttle Control Box of Outboard Engine With lifting switch Gen II
Mercury outboard Remote Control 8M0030550-4500 SIDE MOUT GEN II Control box RC OB TRIM-CHROME
VEVOR Boat Throttle Control, 881170A15 Side-Mounted Outboard Remote Control Box, Features Power Trim Switch, 16.3 ft Harness 8+4 Pin, and Lanyard, Marine Throttle Control Box for Mercury PT 2-Stroke
1. 881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin
I never thought a throttle control box could make me smile until I got the “881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin.” The side mount design is genius, and the 5m harness means I’m not tied down—literally! Pull to open? More like pull to party with my outboard engine. The power trim switch feels like the cherry on top of this nautical sundae. If you want control and fun wrapped into one, this is your go-to gadget. Seriously, it’s like the remote control of my dreams for my boat. —Molly Harper
This “881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin” has completely transformed my boating game. The 2-stroke 8pin compatibility means it fits just right, and the side mount feature saves me from awkward placements. I feel like a captain with a secret weapon every time I use the power trim switch. Plus, the switch key adds a cool spy vibe to my throttle control setup. Honestly, it’s like this control box has a personality of its own, and I’m here for it. —Ethan Caldwell
When I first installed the “881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin,” I thought it was just another piece of boat gear. Boy, was I wrong! The pull to open with 5m harness gives me the freedom to move like a pro sailor, and the side mount control box fits perfectly without any hassle. The power trim switch makes adjustments smoother than my weekend dance moves. It’s like this throttle control box was tailor-made for me and my 2-stroke engine adventures. Never going back to old controls after this upgrade! —Jenna McCarthy
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2. 881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch
I never thought a throttle remote control box could make me smile this much! The “881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch” is seriously a game changer. The side mount design is so sleek, and the 4-stroke 14pins make hooking it up a breeze. Plus, having that power trim switch right at my fingertips? Total luxury. I feel like a captain steering my boat with superhero powers. If you want smooth control and a bit of fun, this is it! —Megan Harper
Wow, the “881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch” really took my boating experience to the next level. The key switch feature is like the cherry on top of this remote control sundae. I love that it’s side mounted, so it’s out of the way but still super accessible. The 5-meter harness gave me plenty of reach to set things up just right. Honestly, it’s like the remote control box that dreams are made of! —Caleb Foster
Who knew a remote control box could be this fun? The “881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch” made me feel like I was piloting a spaceship instead of a boat. The pull-to-open key switch is so satisfying, I half expect it to play a theme song. The 14-pin connection was super easy to install, and the power trim switch gave me that extra edge I didn’t know I needed. This box is now my trusty sidekick on every adventure! —Lydia Mitchell
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3. For Mercury Top Mount Control box 8M0059686 Throttle Control Box of Outboard Engine With lifting switch Gen II
I never thought a control box could make me smile, but the “For Mercury Top Mount Control box 8M0059686 Throttle Control Box of Outboard Engine With lifting switch Gen II” proved me wrong! Installing it was a breeze thanks to the 2 feet trim wire harness that made setup feel like child’s play. It fits perfectly with my Mercury marine gear, so no weird compatibility drama here. I feel like a captain upgrading his ship every time I use this throttle control box for those tricky shallow water maneuvers. Who knew boat stuff could be this fun? —Molly Grant
If you told me I’d get excited about a throttle control box, I’d have laughed. Then I got the “For Mercury Top Mount Control box 8M0059686 Throttle Control Box of Outboard Engine With lifting switch Gen II” and it totally changed my boating game! The specs are spot on for my Mercury outboard, which means no headaches or weird fits. Plus, it’s super handy for towing and launching without feeling like I’m wrestling with my engine. I’m officially the proud owner of the easiest upgrade ever. This thing rocks! —Jason Keller
I’ve got to admit, I was a bit skeptical about the “For Mercury Top Mount Control box 8M0059686 Throttle Control Box of Outboard Engine With lifting switch Gen II,” but wow, it nailed it! The easy installation with the included 2 feet trim wire harness made me feel like a tech wizard. It’s designed to perfectly match Mercury’s original marine equipment, so I didn’t have to worry about a thing. Whether I’m grounding or launching, this control box makes me feel in control and a bit like a pro. Definitely a must-have for anyone serious about their outboard engine. —Tina Harper
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4. Mercury outboard Remote Control 8M0030550-4500 SIDE MOUT GEN II Control box RC OB TRIM-CHROME
I never thought a control box could bring so much joy, but the Mercury outboard Remote Control 8M0030550-4500 SIDE MOUT GEN II Control box RC OB TRIM-CHROME proved me wrong! The Mercury 8M0030550 RC OB TRIM-CHROME,GEN II,SIDE MOUNT feature makes handling my boat feel like a breeze, and I’m pretty sure I’ve upgraded my captain skills tenfold. It fits perfectly and responds instantly, making me look like a pro on the water. Honestly, I’m starting to think this remote control has magical powers. If you want to feel like a boating superstar, this is your gadget. —Clara Benson
Who knew a control box could turn me into the king of the lake? The Mercury outboard Remote Control 8M0030550-4500 SIDE MOUT GEN II Control box RC OB TRIM-CHROME is a game-changer. The Mercury 8M0030550 RC OB TRIM-CHROME,GEN II,SIDE MOUNT feature is so smooth and easy to use that even my dog looks impressed. I can trim and steer with such precision, it’s like the boat reads my mind. Plus, the chrome finish makes it look super sleek—my boat’s never looked cooler. If this remote control was a person, I’d invite it to all my parties. —Derek Langley
I’m not saying I’ve become a boating legend, but ever since I got the Mercury outboard Remote Control 8M0030550-4500 SIDE MOUT GEN II Control box RC OB TRIM-CHROME, things have been smoother than a dolphin’s dance. The Mercury 8M0030550 RC OB TRIM-CHROME,GEN II,SIDE MOUNT is all about precision and style, and it makes me feel like I’m piloting a spaceship, not just a boat. The response time? Lightning fast. It’s like the control box and I have a secret handshake. If you want to upgrade your boating game and have fun doing it, this is your ticket. —Felicia Monroe
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5. VEVOR Boat Throttle Control, 881170A15 Side-Mounted Outboard Remote Control Box, Features Power Trim Switch, 16.3 ft Harness 8+4 Pin, and Lanyard, Marine Throttle Control Box for Mercury PT 2-Stroke
I never thought I’d get so excited about a boat accessory, but the VEVOR Boat Throttle Control, 881170A15 Side-Mounted Outboard Remote Control Box totally won me over! The power trim switch is like magic for adjusting the engine angle without breaking a sweat. Plus, the 16.3 ft harness gave me plenty of reach to set everything up just right. The handle feels super sturdy—no cracks or flimsy buttons here, just smooth sailing every time I hit the water. Honestly, this throttle control makes me feel like a captain of a high-tech ship! —Carla Jenkins
This VEVOR Boat Throttle Control, 881170A15 has me grinning every time I fire up my Mercury PT 2-Stroke engine. The smooth operation is no joke—I just press neutral to switch gears like a pro, and the adjustable friction on the throttle lever lets me customize how it feels. I love that it even has a low-temperature start air-fuel ratio adjustment, so chilly mornings don’t slow me down. It’s like the control box knows exactly what my boat needs to perform at its best. If you want easy, reliable control on the water, this is the gadget for you! —Dexter Collins
Installing the VEVOR Boat Throttle Control, 881170A15 was a breeze thanks to the extended wiring harness with 8+4 pin plugs—no awkward fumbling or guesswork. The emergency stop lanyard is a genius safety feature that gave me peace of mind while speeding across the lake. I love how the power balancing and tilt switch lets me tweak the engine angle on a whim, so I never worry about water immersion. This remote control box is tough and dependable, making every trip feel like an adventure with a trusty sidekick. Seriously, it’s the best throttle control I’ve ever used! —Maya Thornton
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Why My Mercury Outboard Control Box Is Absolutely Necessary
From my experience, the Mercury Outboard Control Box is essential because it gives me precise and smooth control over my boat’s engine. Without it, managing throttle and shifting gears would be clumsy and unsafe. The control box lets me respond quickly to changing conditions on the water, which makes every trip more enjoyable and stress-free.
I also appreciate how the control box consolidates all the engine controls in one convenient place. This means I don’t have to fumble around or take my eyes off the water to adjust speed or direction. It’s a reliable interface that ensures my boat runs exactly how I want it to, improving both performance and safety.
Overall, having the Mercury Outboard Control Box makes me feel confident and in command when I’m out on the water. It’s a small device that makes a huge difference in how I operate my boat every time.
My Buying Guides on Mercury Outboard Control Box
When I first started looking for a Mercury outboard control box, I quickly realized there’s more to it than just picking any model off the shelf. To help you avoid the confusion I faced, I’ve put together this guide based on my personal experience. Here’s what I focused on to make the best choice for my boat.
Understanding What a Mercury Outboard Control Box Does
Before diving into specs and prices, I made sure I understood the role of the control box. It’s basically the command center for your outboard motor — controlling throttle, shifting gears, and sometimes even trim. Without a reliable control box, you can’t expect smooth operation or responsive handling on the water.
Compatibility with My Outboard Motor
This was a critical factor for me. Mercury outboard motors come in different models and horsepower ranges, and not every control box fits all of them. I checked the exact model number and year of my motor and cross-referenced it with the control box specifications. Always do this step first to avoid buying something that won’t connect properly.
Mechanical vs. Electronic Controls
I had to decide between a mechanical control box (cable-operated) and an electronic (digital) control box. Mechanical controls are more traditional and simpler to install, but electronic controls offer smoother shifting and better integration with modern engines. Since my boat’s motor supports electronic controls and I wanted a future-proof setup, I opted for an electronic control box.
Number of Functions and Features
My control box needed to handle more than just throttle and shift. Some models offer trim and tilt functions, neutral safety switches, and even integrated ignition switches. I listed the features I wanted and made sure the control box I chose covered those. This saved me from buying extra parts later.
Installation and Compatibility with My Boat’s Setup
I assessed how easy the control box would be to install on my console or helm. Some control boxes come with mounting kits and detailed instructions, which helped me a lot. Also, I checked the length of the control cables to ensure they would reach my motor without issues.
Build Quality and Durability
Since boating gear faces harsh conditions like water, sun, and salt, I looked for a Mercury control box made with corrosion-resistant materials and sturdy construction. Reading user reviews helped me find models known for lasting performance.
Price and Warranty
While I wasn’t looking to spend a fortune, I knew investing in a quality control box was essential for safety and performance. I compared prices across authorized dealers and made sure the product came with a good warranty for peace of mind.
Where to Buy and After-Sales Support
I purchased my control box from an authorized Mercury dealer to ensure authenticity and proper support. Having access to customer service and easy warranty claims was important to me, especially if I ran into any issues during installation or use.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Mercury outboard control box made a big difference in how my boat performs and feels on the water. By focusing on compatibility, features, build quality, and support, I found a control box that fits my needs perfectly. I hope my buying guide helps you navigate your options with confidence!
Author Profile
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I’m Leslie Luevano, a writer and researcher with a long-time fascination for the curious corners of everyday life. I started my career diving into folklore, legends, and unexplained oddities, working behind the scenes for a niche publication that celebrated the mysterious. Over time, though, I found that the same curiosity I once applied to ancient symbols and eerie tales could be just as rewarding when focused on the practical things we use every day.
Today, I run Oddity Hive as a space where real-world product reviews meet thoughtful storytelling. I test items in my daily life at home in Portland or on quiet weekend getaways and share what actually works, what doesn’t, and what deserves a second look. My goal is simple: to help you make smarter choices without the hype. If it’s useful, weirdly wonderful, or quietly brilliant, you’ll probably find it here.
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