Dual Trim for Merc Side Mount Contols

Discussion in 'Restoration Projects & Questions' started by tj309, Mar 18, 2014.

  1. tj309

    tj309 Composite Specialist

    Joined:
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    Location:
    LA (lower Alabama)
    Boat Model and Year:
    1972 18' Hydrodyne
    Ski Team:
    Former Hodag Water shows
    I have looked far and wide for a way to control 2 motor's trim with Merc side mount controls. I would use a top mount but the depth of the mecanism is too much for an old Dyne. What I need is a control like this: T1.jpg

    So I bought 2 Commander 4000"s and removed the trim switches and on the starboard control did this: T2.jpg

    What you see is a standard control handle next to the one I modified. The lighting is not right and does not show the paint exactly matching the color of the left handle. The Right handle in the pic is going to be the Port control after I remove the trim switch and sand the rubber down. What I am going to install in place of that trim switch is this: T3.jpg T3.jpg T4.jpg T6.jpg T7.jpg

    All of this is made from PVC and JB Weld Epoxy. I am using the Merc trim switches and designing this such that I can replace the switches if neccessary. When I am done this will look like it came from the factory. Tonight I glued the remaining pieces in to frame the trim switches: T5.jpg

    Just some winter activity. This is a project that is ongoing while the major restoration waits for my attention.
     
  2. tj309

    tj309 Composite Specialist

    Joined:
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    Location:
    LA (lower Alabama)
    Boat Model and Year:
    1972 18' Hydrodyne
    Ski Team:
    Former Hodag Water shows
    I sanded the trim switch housing off of the port throttle and expanded the factory hole for the trim switch to allow the two trim switch's wires to get into the throttle arm: T8.jpg

    This is where my home-made dual trim switch mount will go: T9.jpg

    This is a slow project as I have to make each piece - glue it in - and wait for the glue to dry. I usually manufacture and glue in the evening and do touch-up glue in the morning before work.
     
  3. tj309

    tj309 Composite Specialist

    Joined:
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    Location:
    LA (lower Alabama)
    Boat Model and Year:
    1972 18' Hydrodyne
    Ski Team:
    Former Hodag Water shows
    Here is the trim switch assembly mounted to the throttle handle. T10.jpg

    In this backside pic you can see the threaded pieces of metal that will anchor the back plate on with machine screws.
    T11.jpg

    Ready for paint:
    T12.jpg
     
  4. tj309

    tj309 Composite Specialist

    Joined:
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    Location:
    LA (lower Alabama)
    Boat Model and Year:
    1972 18' Hydrodyne
    Ski Team:
    Former Hodag Water shows
    T14.jpg T13.jpg

    Starboard unit complete. It is hard to see in the second pic but at the center of the base are the trim wires that will cross over to the port unit.
     
  5. dynegreg1

    dynegreg1 King Dyner

    Joined:
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    587
    Location:
    Pingree Grove, IL
    Boat Model and Year:
    1990 Hydrodyne 20 Open Bow
    Ski Team:
    Skimmer/Aquanut alum
    Curious if you looked into the wiring diagram and/or switches off of the Yamaha 704 dual binnacle control box. I know they will work with Mercury motors. It has a single trim on the outside that controls both motors, and individual left and right toggles at the base.

    Greg
     

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  6. tj309

    tj309 Composite Specialist

    Joined:
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    Location:
    LA (lower Alabama)
    Boat Model and Year:
    1972 18' Hydrodyne
    Ski Team:
    Former Hodag Water shows
    I can't use a binnacle mount - had to go with the dual sidemounts. The Merc sidemounts also have a Smartcraft hookup which I doubt the Yamaha would have. But in answer to your question - no - I did not look into the Yamaha.
     
  7. dynegreg1

    dynegreg1 King Dyner

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Pingree Grove, IL
    Boat Model and Year:
    1990 Hydrodyne 20 Open Bow
    Ski Team:
    Skimmer/Aquanut alum
    Dynebob purchased a 20' twin in the fall that has Mercurys with the Yamaha controls. So I am assuming it will work. Maybe an adapter is required.
     

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  8. tj309

    tj309 Composite Specialist

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    Location:
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    1972 18' Hydrodyne
    Ski Team:
    Former Hodag Water shows
    I know Merc control cables will work with Yamaha controls but I don't think the electronics are compatible with smartcraft. I am sure there is a way to do it but the depth of a console or binnacle mount will not work for me.
     
  9. tj309

    tj309 Composite Specialist

    Joined:
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    Location:
    LA (lower Alabama)
    Boat Model and Year:
    1972 18' Hydrodyne
    Ski Team:
    Former Hodag Water shows
    T15.jpg

    There was a ridge in the handle that is now the silver area after I grinded it out for better wire clearance. Instead of 3 wires running down the channel in the handle I will have 6. On the left is the red piece that is the shift lock and I may have to sand it down thinner for the 6 wire package.
     
  10. tj309

    tj309 Composite Specialist

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2010
    Messages:
    399
    Location:
    LA (lower Alabama)
    Boat Model and Year:
    1972 18' Hydrodyne
    Ski Team:
    Former Hodag Water shows
    T16.jpg

    This is the port throttle unit and the back plate. The piece on the back plate is to hold the trim switches in place.
    T17.jpg

    Trim switches installed.

    T18.jpg

    T19.jpg

    Trim switch wires routed where the factory did except I have 6 wires instrad of 3.
     

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