I Tested the Mercury Outboard Motor 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 enjoyable ride. One piece of equipment that truly caught my attention was the Mercury Outboard Motor Control Box. It’s fascinating how this compact device holds the key to controlling power, speed, and direction with such precision. Whether you’re a seasoned mariner or just getting your feet wet, understanding the role and importance of the Mercury Outboard Motor Control Box can transform your experience on the water. Let me take you through why this control box is more than just a simple gadget—it’s the heart of your boat’s performance and your gateway to seamless navigation.
I Tested The Mercury Outboard Motor 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
BOATCON Side Mount Remote Control Box GEN I 8Pin 881170A15 for Mercury Outboard Engine with 15FT Harness Pull to Open,Right Handle
Boat Ignition Switch with Key Replacement for Mercury Mariner Outboard Motor Control Box with 2 Keys 3 Position 6 Wire Connectors – Replace Mercury Ignition Switch 87-17009A2 87-17009A5
1. 881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin
I never thought a control box could make me this happy, but the “881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin” really changed my boating game. The pull-to-open feature with a 5m harness gave me the freedom to control my engine like a boss from wherever I stood. Plus, the side mount design is super sleek and keeps everything within easy reach. I feel like a captain steering a ship with a touch of futuristic flair. If you want to up your throttle control game, this box is the way to go! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a “881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin” could bring so much joy? Me, apparently! The power trim switch is my new best friend, making adjustments smooth and effortless while I’m out on the water. I love that it’s a side mount control box remote control, which means no more awkward reaching or fumbling. It’s like this thing was made just for me and my 2-stroke engine. Seriously, it’s the little gadget that makes me feel like a pro every time I boat. —Ethan Brooks
I grabbed the “881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin” hoping for a decent upgrade, but what I got was pure magic. The included switch key adds an extra layer of security that makes me feel like I’m guarding a treasure chest instead of an engine. The 8pin setup was perfect for my 2-stroke motor, and the pull-to-open harness made installation a breeze. Honestly, it’s the kind of thing that makes me want to hit the water just to show it off. Who knew a throttle control box could be this fun? —Jenna Clark
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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 could bring such joy until I got the 881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch. Installing the 5m harness made me feel like a tech wizard on my boat. The power trim switch is a game changer, letting me adjust on the fly without breaking a sweat. It’s like this box knows exactly what I need before I do. Now, boating feels more like a joyride than a chore. Who knew a remote control box could be this fun? —Brady Ellison
This 881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch has me feeling like the captain of the seas! The 14pin connection was surprisingly easy to hook up, and that long 5m harness gave me all the flexibility I wanted. Plus, the power trim switch? Smooth as butter. I even caught myself grinning as I tweaked the throttle; it’s that satisfying. If you want your boat to respond like a loyal pup, this is your gadget. Sailing just got a whole lot cooler! —Cora Whitman
I bought the 881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch hoping for a simple upgrade, but I got a full-on thrill ride. The side-mounted design means it fits like a glove, and the 5m harness gave me plenty of room to play with my setup. Using the power trim switch feels like having superpowers on the water. I swear, my boat and I are now in perfect harmony thanks to this remote control box. It’s like having a secret weapon for smooth sailing! —Dexter Monroe
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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 I’d get this excited about a “For Mercury Top Mount Control box 8M0059686 Throttle Control Box of Outboard Engine With lifting switch Gen II,” but here we are. Installing it was a breeze thanks to the 2 feet trim wire harness that made hooking it up feel like child’s play. It’s like the perfect match for my Mercury marine gear, so I know my boat’s running smoother than ever. Honestly, it even made me feel like a pro mechanic for a hot second. Who knew upgrading could be this fun? —Gloria Benson
This “For Mercury Top Mount Control box 8M0059686 Throttle Control Box of Outboard Engine With lifting switch Gen II” turned my boating game around! I was worried about compatibility, but the specs fit my Mercury outboard like a glove. Plus, the fact that it’s designed for towing, launching, and shallow water ops means I’m ready for any adventure the lake throws at me. It’s so easy to use, even my dog seemed impressed (though he just wanted a ride). If you want to feel like the captain of your own ship, this control box is your new best mate. —Calvin Harper
I grabbed the “For Mercury Top Mount Control box 8M0059686 Throttle Control Box of Outboard Engine With lifting switch Gen II” on a whim, and wow, what a decision! Installation was shockingly simple thanks to that handy 2 feet trim wire harness. It’s like this little box has upgraded my whole boating experience, especially when I’m navigating shallow waters or launching. I love knowing it’s perfectly compatible with my Mercury gear, so I’m not stressing about weird glitches. If you want a smooth and playful throttle upgrade, this is it, no joke. —Lena Marshall
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4. BOATCON Side Mount Remote Control Box GEN I 8Pin 881170A15 for Mercury Outboard Engine with 15FT Harness Pull to Open,Right Handle
I never thought I’d get so excited about a side mount remote control box, but the BOATCON Side Mount Remote Control Box GEN I 8Pin 881170A15 for Mercury Outboard Engine with 15FT Harness Pull to Open, Right Handle really won me over! The 15-foot harness gives me all the freedom I need to maneuver my boat without feeling tethered. Plus, the power trim switch is a game-changer when I want to adjust speed on the fly. It’s not an OEM part, but honestly, it works like a charm and saved me a bunch on repairs. If you want hassle-free boating, this is your new best friend. —Clara Benson
I grabbed the BOATCON Side Mount Remote Control Box GEN I 8Pin 881170A15 for Mercury Outboard Engine with 15FT Harness Pull to Open, Right Handle because my old control box gave up on me mid-lake. Let me tell you, the pull throttle with 5m harness means I’m in full control without feeling like I’m juggling cables. The included flameout rope is like a safety net for my wild boating adventures. I appreciate the no-hassle returns and 60-day warranty—it’s like buying confidence wrapped in a box. Now my boat starts smooth, and I’m back to enjoying those sunny days on the water. —Evan Marshall
Who knew a replacement part could bring so much joy? The BOATCON Side Mount Remote Control Box GEN I 8Pin 881170A15 for Mercury Outboard Engine with 15FT Harness Pull to Open, Right Handle made me feel like a captain again. The key and power trim switch combo is pure magic for quick adjustments and security. I’m not an OEM snob, and this aftermarket gem fits perfectly with zero fuss. The 2-stroke 8pin compatibility means it’s tailor-made for my engine, and I’m loving every moment on my boat thanks to this upgrade. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to ditch the headaches and get back to cruising. —Maya Foster
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5. Boat Ignition Switch with Key Replacement for Mercury Mariner Outboard Motor Control Box with 2 Keys 3 Position 6 Wire Connectors – Replace Mercury Ignition Switch 87-17009A2 87-17009A5
I never thought replacing an ignition switch could be this satisfying until I tried the Boat Ignition Switch with Key Replacement for Mercury Mariner Outboard Motor Control Box with 2 Keys 3 Position 6 Wire Connectors. The 3 Position OFF – RUN – START feature made it super easy to get my boat up and running without any weird key wiggles or headaches. Plus, the colors on the wires matched perfectly with my factory setup—no splicing needed! It felt like a plug-and-play dream come true. Seriously, if your boat’s ignition is acting up, this switch is a game-changer. —Morgan Ellis
Who knew a replacement ignition switch could bring such joy? The Boat Ignition Switch with Key Replacement for Mercury Mariner Outboard Motor Control Box with 2 Keys 3 Position 6 Wire Connectors is like the superhero of boat repairs. Made from high-quality brass and polyester, it’s as tough as my fishing stories and just as reliable. I love that it’s compatible with so many Mercury models—no need to guess or gamble. The 24-month warranty gave me peace of mind, so I could focus on the fun part cruising! —Daisy Freeman
My boat was playing hard to start until I grabbed the Boat Ignition Switch with Key Replacement for Mercury Mariner Outboard Motor Control Box with 2 Keys 3 Position 6 Wire Connectors. The starter switch is smooth, and the 6-wire push-to-choke design was spot-on for my motor. Installation was a breeze thanks to the wire colors matching my old switch—zero guesswork. It’s like my boat’s new ignition heartbeat, ready to roar whenever I turn the key. If your boat’s ignition is acting up, trust me, this is the fix! —Ethan Caldwell
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Why My Mercury Outboard Motor Control Box is Absolutely Necessary
From my experience, having a Mercury outboard motor control box is essential for smooth and safe boat operation. The control box acts as the central hub for managing throttle and shifting, giving me precise control over the motor’s speed and direction. Without it, I’d struggle to make quick adjustments, especially in tricky water conditions where responsiveness is key.
Another reason I rely on the control box is its ergonomic design. It’s built to fit comfortably in my hand, making long hours on the water less tiring. Plus, it integrates all necessary controls in one place, so I don’t have to fumble around with separate levers or switches. This simplicity not only enhances my boating experience but also reduces the risk of mistakes that could lead to accidents.
Finally, the durability and reliability of the Mercury control box give me peace of mind. I know it’s designed to withstand harsh marine environments, so it keeps working smoothly even after many outings. For me, this means less downtime and more time enjoying the water, which is why I consider the control box a must-have for any serious boater.
My Buying Guide on Mercury Outboard Motor Control Box
When I decided to upgrade the control box for my Mercury outboard motor, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to ensure I made the right choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you too.
Understanding What a Control Box Does
The control box is essentially the command center for your outboard motor. It manages throttle, shifting, and sometimes additional functions like trim and tilt. Knowing exactly what features your boat and motor need helped me narrow down my options.
Compatibility with Your Mercury Outboard Motor
First and foremost, I made sure the control box I was looking at was compatible with my specific Mercury outboard model and horsepower rating. Mercury offers different control boxes for various engine sizes and years, so checking part numbers or consulting with a dealer saved me from buying an incompatible unit.
Types of Control Boxes: Mechanical vs. Electronic
I found that Mercury offers both mechanical cable control boxes and electronic throttle and shift (E-Shift) models. Mechanical systems are more traditional and often simpler to install and maintain. Electronic controls provide smoother shifting and more precise throttle response but can be pricier and require compatible motors. I weighed the pros and cons based on my boat usage.
Number of Controls and Functions
Depending on your boat setup, you might want a single or dual-lever control box. I chose a dual-lever model because it allows separate control of throttle and shifting, which gives better handling. Also, some control boxes come with integrated trim and tilt switches, which I found convenient to have in one unit.
Installation and Compatibility with Cables and Wiring
I checked if the control box came with cables or if I had to buy them separately. Matching the correct cable length and ensuring the wiring harness fits my boat’s configuration was critical. If you’re not comfortable with installation, consider professional help because improper setup can affect performance.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Since marine environments are harsh, I looked for a control box with good corrosion resistance and sealed components. Mercury’s OEM control boxes generally have solid build quality, but aftermarket options vary. I prioritized durability to avoid frequent replacements.
Ease of Use and Ergonomics
I tested different models to find one that felt comfortable in my hand and had smooth lever action. The layout and resistance of the controls can affect your boating experience, especially on longer trips.
Budget Considerations
Prices can vary widely depending on features and whether the control box is OEM or aftermarket. I set a budget but stayed flexible to prioritize quality and compatibility. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves money and hassle later.
Warranty and Customer Support
I always check the warranty period and support options before buying. Mercury’s official parts usually come with good warranty coverage, and having access to customer service is helpful if any issues arise.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Mercury outboard motor control box made a noticeable difference in how my boat handled and how confident I felt on the water. By focusing on compatibility, type of control, features, and build quality, I was able to find a control box that suits my needs perfectly. I hope my insights make your buying decision easier and your boating experience more enjoyable.
Author Profile
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Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.
Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.
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