SJ23 Tech Tip D11, (Created 2024-02-29) Bob Schimmel, Jim M, Jocelyn.

Index

Outboard Remote Control - Operate from the cockpit with no fuss.
Continuing from Tech Tip D07 (Gear Shift Extender) here are a couple of Tohatsu outboards equipped with remote control of throttle and gear shift to the cockpit.  Talk about convenient when motoring in or out of a slip.  The first set of photos is an installation on an SJ23 that should be of interest to most.  The second set is installed on an Aloha with an alternate configuration.  Both outboards are the same HP.
 
MOUNTED IN COCKPIT OF SJ23 - "I knew it wouldn't be long before I would end up in the water trying to shift the outboard while the boat is sliding into the slip.  My medium shaft outboard is resting on an outboard bracket designed for a Columbia.  This combination makes it hard to reach the shift lever.  To prevent loosing parts in the water I took the outboard home to install the control cables. 

- I found the outboard remote shift and throttle linkage kit on Boats.net for about $150 US. 
The control cables are 6 feet long which is long enough to allow the up/down movement of the outboard. 
- I found the Morse control at a boat junkyard for about $50 US.
 


 

The control cable installation under the cockpit.  The thru hull seal is part of the cable assembly.  Jim removed some fibreglass from the aft cockpit bulkhead for a straight run to the cockpit mounted Morse control.  A tight turn of these cables makes for stiff operation and shorter cable life.


That SS hose is an exhaust vent for the diesel heater.

This parts assembly is specific to the Tohatsu and should work for both outboards in this Tech Tip.  Jim bought and used every part on this page.  The cables are available at any boat supply.  There are many shift controls that are applicable.  This was by far the most complicated part of the installation. 
 


 

The plan is to shorten the control lever.  Its too bad the lever can't be removed for sailing.
All told this project took about 10 hours of research and chin scratching, plus 5 hours of labour.
Standing up looking forward and using reverse while docking is new to me.
I've used it a few times now and very happy with the operation."  Jim M


 

 
MOUNTED ON THE PUSHPIT OF AN ALOHA 27 - "I made a template of the remote control to shape a piece of 3/4" mahogany for a backing block.  I used a marine BBQ bracket to attach the works to a rail of the pushpit.  Obviously this technique is not applicable to an SJ23 unless a pushpit is installed.

It works fantastic as you have full control of all engine functions while standing at the tiller, facing where the action is taking place so that docking is a none event."   Jocelyn
 

 

The Morse control installed on the pushpit of this Aloha.  Its a bit difficult to see but Jocelyn installed a SS strap to the toe rail to mount the backing block and control against.  This is rock solid and out of the way for sailing.


 

 

PowerTiller II - Here is an alternate outboard remote control installed on the tiller.  I haven't felt the need to add their control system to my tiller because I don't have the space.  But it looks slick.
 

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