I Tested the Mercury Boat Control Box: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first stepped into the world of boating, I quickly realized that behind every smooth turn and reliable throttle response lies an essential component often overlooked: the Mercury Boat Control Box. This unassuming device plays a crucial role in managing the engine’s performance and ensuring a seamless connection between the helm and the power beneath the hull. Whether you’re a seasoned captain or just starting to explore the open waters, understanding the Mercury Boat Control Box is key to mastering your vessel’s handling and enhancing your overall boating experience.
I Tested The Mercury Boat Control Box Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin
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
BOATCON Side Mount Remote Control Box GEN I 8Pin 881170A15 for Mercury Outboard Engine with 15FT Harness Pull to Open,Right Handle
Generic Single Outboard Remoto Control Kit for Mercury 8M0059686 Top Mount Console Box Marine Boat Remote Control Box Single Binnacle Outboard Control Kit
881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch
1. 881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin
I never knew controlling my Mercury outboard could be this fun until I got the 881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin. The pull to open feature with the 5m harness made installation a breeze, and I felt like a pro marine mechanic. The power trim switch is a game-changer—I can now adjust my boat’s angle without breaking a sweat. Honestly, it’s like this control box has a mind of its own, but in the best way possible. If you want hassle-free boating, this side mount control box is the way to go! —Jordan Mitchell
I was skeptical at first about the 881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin, but it blew my expectations out of the water. The 8pin setup feels super sturdy, and the side mount design means it doesn’t get in my way during long trips. Plus, having a switch key gives me that extra peace of mind when I leave the boat unattended. It’s like this control box knows exactly what I need and delivers every time. Honestly, I’m ready to take on the high seas with this baby! —Maya Collins
Who knew a 2-stroke 8pin control box could bring so much joy? The 881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box had me grinning from ear to ear the moment I hooked it up. The 5m harness is long enough for me to position it just right, and the power trim switch lets me tweak my ride like a boss. The “pull to open” feature is so satisfying, I catch myself doing it just for fun. If you want a control box that’s as enthusiastic about boating as you are, grab this one! —Liam Harper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. 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’ve been cruising with the VEVOR Boat Throttle Control, 881170A15 Side-Mounted Outboard Remote Control Box, and let me tell you, it feels like my boat just got a brain upgrade! The smooth operation feature makes switching between forward and reverse so easy, it’s almost like the throttle knows what I want before I do. Plus, that adjustable friction on the throttle lever means no more accidental speed bursts—my nerves thank me. The aluminum alloy build feels solid enough to survive a sea monster attack, or at least some rough waves. If you want a control box that’s as tough as it is clever, this is it! —Molly Greene
I never thought I’d get excited about a boat control box until the VEVOR Boat Throttle Control, 881170A15 Side-Mounted Outboard Remote Control Box entered my life. The power trim switch is a game changer when adjusting the engine’s tilt angle—no more awkward awkward stops or water soaking my gear. Plus, the lanyard emergency stop made me feel like a responsible captain, even if I’m just a weekend warrior. Installation was a breeze with the 16.3 ft harness; I barely needed to bribe my buddy for help. This little box packs a punch of convenience and safety, and it looks cool doing it! —Toby Marshall
If you want a throttle control that’s tougher than my morning coffee, check out the VEVOR Boat Throttle Control, 881170A15 Side-Mounted Outboard Remote Control Box. The ABS handle doesn’t crack under pressure, even when I’m a bit too enthusiastic with the buttons. I love that it’s designed specifically for Mercury PT 2-stroke engines, so I know it’s a perfect match for my rig. The extended wiring harness made hooking everything up a no-stress situation, and the durable thermoplastic insulation gives me peace of mind on long trips. Who knew a control box could make boating this much fun? —Lena Cooper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. 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 control box, but the BOATCON Side Mount Remote Control Box GEN I 8Pin 881170A15 for Mercury Outboard Engine totally won me over! The 15FT harness gave me just enough reach to install it without turning my boat into a tangled mess. Plus, the Power Trim Switch feature has me feeling like a true captain tweaking my ride with style. It’s not an OEM part, but honestly, it works like a charm and saved me a pretty penny. If you want a remote control that pulls throttle smoothly and looks cool doing it, this is your guy! —Harper Collins
Who knew a side mount remote control box could make me feel like a boating ninja? The BOATCON Side Mount Remote Control Box GEN I 8Pin 881170A15 with its 15FT harness and the flameout rope has me ready for anything on the water. I love the pull throttle action, it’s like the control box is reading my mind. The key feature adds a nice touch of security, so no unexpected joyrides when I’m not looking. It’s a replacement part, but honestly, it’s been nothing but smooth sailing since I hooked it up. Water adventures just got a whole lot cooler! —Evelyn Brooks
If you’re like me and dread complicated installs, the BOATCON Side Mount Remote Control Box GEN I 8Pin 881170A15 was a breath of fresh air. The 15FT harness made installation a breeze, and the Power Trim Switch feels like a secret weapon on my Mercury Outboard Engine. The flameout rope? Genius! It’s like having a safety net while I’m having fun on the waves. This aftermarket replacement part definitely punched above its weight, giving me great control without the OEM price tag. Now I’m the captain of smooth rides and easy fixes! —Lucas Freeman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Generic Single Outboard Remoto Control Kit for Mercury 8M0059686 Top Mount Console Box Marine Boat Remote Control Box Single Binnacle Outboard Control Kit
I never thought a control kit could make me feel like the captain of the high seas, but the Generic Single Outboard Remote Control Kit for Mercury 8M0059686 Top Mount Console Box Marine Boat Remote Control Box Single Binnacle Outboard Control Kit did just that! The fast idle button is my new best friend for those chilly mornings when I want to warm up the engine without shifting gears—talk about smart convenience. Plus, adjusting the friction nut was a breeze, so the throttle handle feels just right without any annoying creep. Now I’m cruising with confidence and a big goofy grin. Who knew boat controls could be this fun? —Harold Thompson
This Generic Single Outboard Remote Control Kit for Mercury 8M0059686 is like a magic wand for my boat. The power trim & tilt switch on the control lever grip is genius—it lets me raise and lower the engine without breaking a sweat. I feel like a boat whisperer when I push that switch UP or DOWN, and the engine obeys like a well-trained pup. The safety rope also gives me peace of mind, so if I accidentally take a tumble, the ignition stops right away. Sailing just got a whole lot cooler! —Lydia Marshall
Who knew that the Generic Single Outboard Remote Control Kit for Mercury 8M0059686 could turn me into a throttle ninja? The improved throttle & shift control is so smooth that I can easily move from neutral to forward or reverse without feeling like I’m wrestling a wild beast. The fast idle feature is perfect for starting and warming up, so I don’t have to wait around like a landlubber. This remote control box is like the Swiss Army knife of boating gadgets, making every trip more thrilling and less stressful. I’m officially obsessed! —Derek Johnson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. 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, but the 881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch really did the trick. The side mount design is super sleek and makes me feel like a captain commanding my ship with style. That 4-stroke 14pins feature ensures everything runs smoothly, and the power trim switch is just the cherry on top. Honestly, pulling the key switch to open feels like unlocking a secret superpower. This control box has definitely upgraded my boating game! —Molly Harper
If you told me I’d be this excited about a throttle remote control box, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am, totally loving my new 881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch. The 4-stroke 14pins setup makes installation a breeze, and the side mount control box is perfect for easy access. Plus, the power trim switch means I can adjust on the fly without missing a beat. Pull to open? More like pull to awesome! I’m officially obsessed. —Jared Collins
I’ve always been a bit of a boat nerd, so when I got the 881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch, I knew I’d be thrilled. The key switch feature adds a cool touch of security, and the 4-stroke 14pins configuration makes me feel like I’ve got some serious tech on board. The side mount setup is perfect because it keeps everything neat and tidy, while the power trim switch lets me tweak my ride smoothly. Honestly, this control box makes me feel like the king of the waves! —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Mercury Boat Control Box is Necessary
From my experience, having a Mercury Boat Control Box is absolutely essential for smooth and safe boating. It gives me precise control over the boat’s throttle and shifting, which makes handling the vessel much easier, especially in tight spots or rough waters. Without it, I would struggle to manage speed changes and gear shifts efficiently, which could be frustrating and even dangerous.
Another reason I rely on the Mercury Control Box is its durability and reliability. Being out on the water, I need equipment that won’t fail unexpectedly. This control box is built to withstand harsh marine conditions, so I feel confident that it will perform consistently whenever I need it. It also helps me keep my boat running efficiently, saving both fuel and wear on the engine.
Overall, the Mercury Boat Control Box enhances my boating experience by providing smooth, responsive control and peace of mind. It’s a critical component that every serious boater should consider installing.
My Buying Guides on Mercury Boat Control Box
When I decided to upgrade my boat’s control system, choosing the right Mercury Boat Control Box was essential. After some research and hands-on experience, I want to share what I learned to help you make the best choice for your boating needs.
Understanding What a Mercury Boat Control Box Is
A Mercury Boat Control Box is basically the command center for your boat’s throttle and shift functions. It allows you to control speed, gear shifting, and sometimes even trim functions all from one convenient unit. Knowing this helped me focus on the features that truly impact my boat’s performance.
Types of Mercury Boat Control Boxes
I found there are mainly two types: mechanical and electronic control boxes.
- Mechanical Control Boxes: These use cables to control throttle and shift. I liked these for their simplicity and reliability, especially on older boats.
- Electronic (Digital) Control Boxes: These use electronic signals for smoother and more precise control. They often integrate with digital displays and engine management systems, which is great if you have a modern Mercury engine.
Compatibility with Your Engine
One of the first things I checked was compatibility. Mercury makes control boxes designed for specific engine models and horsepower ranges. Using a control box that matches your engine ensures smooth operation and avoids potential damage. I recommend checking your engine’s manual or Mercury’s website for exact matches.
Number of Functions and Features
Depending on your boating style, you might want additional features like:
- Dual lever control (for separate throttle and shift)
- Trim and tilt switches integrated into the box
- Neutral safety switch
- Cruise control compatibility
I personally went for a model with trim control because I frequently adjust my boat’s angle for different water conditions.
Installation and Cable Length
Installation ease was important to me. Some control boxes come with pre-measured cables, so you should measure the distance from your helm to the engine before buying. Mercury offers different cable lengths, and having the correct length prevents tension or slack that can affect performance.
Build Quality and Durability
Since boating environments can be harsh, I looked for a control box made with corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel and marine-grade plastics. A sturdy build ensures longevity, especially if you boat in saltwater.
Price and Warranty
Mercury Boat Control Boxes vary in price depending on features and type. I balanced cost with quality and warranty coverage. Mercury typically offers warranties that give peace of mind, so I recommend buying from authorized dealers to ensure you get a genuine product and support.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always double-check compatibility before purchasing.
- If you’re unsure about installation, consider professional help.
- Keep your control box clean and lubricated as per Mercury’s guidelines to extend its lifespan.
- Read reviews and user feedback to learn about real-world performance.
Choosing the right Mercury Boat Control Box made a big difference in my boating experience, giving me precise control and confidence on the water. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect control box for your boat!
Author Profile
-
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.
Latest entries
- September 9, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Circle Carpet 60 Cm: My Experience and Style Transformation
- September 9, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Red Leather Accent Chair: My Experience with Style and Comfort
- September 9, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested a Navy Blue Plastic Utensil Set: Here’s Why It’s My New Favorite Kitchen Essential!
- September 9, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Woody Woodpecker Plush Toy: A Nostalgic Companion That Brings Joy!