Page 1 of 1

Merc to OMC cables question

Posted: Apr 16, 2018 9:22 pm
by Hippie459MN
So, I just realized, my shifter and throttle cables that I have for my boat that came with it were set up for a Merc and wondering, can I make these work on my Evinrude or am I going to be in the market for new cables? Its just the motor side im worried about. If they wont, anyone want to trade some Merc cables for some OMC cables? :mrgreen:

EDIT: I forgot to mention, I do have a hot foot throttle and an aftermarket shifter so I am not using a control box what so ever if that makes a difference.

Re: Merc to OMC cables question

Posted: Apr 16, 2018 9:33 pm
by nitro_rat
You will need new cables. The Merc and BRP/OMC cable directions are opposite. One is push-pull and the other pull-push, depending on how you look at it. In other words the cables will have to reverse direction from what they are now.

If you have an aftermarket control box or shifter and hot foot most are set up to be able to work either way.

[ Post made via iPhone ] Image

Re: Merc to OMC cables question

Posted: Apr 16, 2018 9:48 pm
by Hippie459MN
Yes, I suppose I forgot to mention that. I do have a foot throttle and an aftermarket shifter so I am not using a control box what so ever.

Re: Merc to OMC cables question

Posted: Apr 16, 2018 10:22 pm
by bruzercomp81
Depending on the cables, if there 3300 cables all you need to change is the ends.

[ Post made via Android ] Image

Re: Merc to OMC cables question

Posted: Apr 17, 2018 11:33 am
by Hippie459MN
Well, here are the 2 cables I have. Looks like some 600A series Gen 1 Merc cables according the the Telflex/SeaStar web site. Looks like I will be on the hunt for new cables as well. Anyone wanna trade these for some cables that will work on my OMC? lol
20180417_112045_resize.jpg
20180417_112045_resize.jpg (1.12 MiB) Viewed 13294 times
20180417_111818_resize.jpg
20180417_111818_resize.jpg (930.03 KiB) Viewed 13294 times
Thanks for the help. :up:

Re: Merc to OMC cables question

Posted: Apr 17, 2018 11:39 am
by Hippie459MN
Now my next question, it looks like these are both the same and they are 17 feet long. My question is, for the OMC with an aftermarket shifter and a hot foot foot throttle, the two cables will be the same for both the throttle and shifter correct?

Re: Merc to OMC cables question

Posted: Apr 17, 2018 12:55 pm
by nitro_rat
You will probably need a longer cable for the foot throttle than for the shifter.

[ Post made via iPhone ] Image

Re: Merc to OMC cables question

Posted: Apr 17, 2018 1:26 pm
by Hippie459MN
Im going to measure them but it had a control box for the shifter before I think (Just the cable was there for the shifter) and the foot throttle and cable for that was already in it when I bought it. The cables both say 17 feet on them but I think I will just measure the boat and go from there. Who knows what I'll do right now. My boat is buried in the snow so I wont be messing with it for a bit yet.

Re: Merc to OMC cables question

Posted: Apr 17, 2018 7:59 pm
by nitro_rat
My Varmint has the merc control box with just the shift cable and a foot throttle. My Viper had both cables in the control box and a foot throttle. That was a better setup. If you want to cruise or ski, pop off the cowl and swap the throttle cables!

[ Post made via iPhone ] Image