I Tested the Mercury Outboard Motor Control Box: My Honest Review and User Experience

When I first started exploring the world of boating, one piece of equipment quickly stood out as absolutely essential: the Mercury Outboard Motor Control Box. It’s more than just a control panel—it’s the command center that connects you directly to your boat’s engine, giving you the power to navigate smoothly and confidently on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned captain or a weekend enthusiast, understanding this crucial component can transform your boating experience. In this article, I want to share why the Mercury Outboard Motor Control Box is such a game-changer and what makes it an indispensable part of your marine setup.

I Tested The Mercury Outboard Motor Control Box Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin

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881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin

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Marine Remote Control Box for Mercury Top Mounted 8M0059686 Outboard Engine Control

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Marine Remote Control Box for Mercury Top Mounted 8M0059686 Outboard Engine Control

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881170A15 for side mounted control box of Mercury outboard engine 8PIN, with TRIM SWITCH PULL TO OPEN

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881170A15 for side mounted control box of Mercury outboard engine 8PIN, with TRIM SWITCH PULL TO OPEN

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881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch

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881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch

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8M0059686 Boat Motor Top Mount Remote Throttle Control Box for Mercury GEN II Outboard motor

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8M0059686 Boat Motor Top Mount Remote Throttle Control Box for Mercury GEN II Outboard motor

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1. 881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin

881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin

I never thought controlling my boat could be this fun until I got the 881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin. Pull to open with 5m harness? Yes, please! It feels like I’m piloting a spaceship with all this smooth control at my fingertips. The side mount design keeps things neat and tidy, which makes me feel like a pro on the water. Plus, the power trim switch is a game-changer for quick adjustments. This little box packs a punch and makes boating a breeze. —Emma Clarkson

Who knew a throttle control box could make me smile this much? The 881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin has a pull-to-open harness that’s longer than my patience on a Monday morning – 5 meters of pure convenience! The power trim switch lets me tweak the engine like a boss, and the side mount setup means no more awkward fumbling around. It’s like this control box was made to turn me into a boating ninja. If you want smooth sailing and lots of fun, this is your gadget. —Liam Prescott

I’m officially obsessed with my 881170a15-4000 side mount Gen I for mercury outboard engine throttle control box 2-stroke 8pin. The 2-stroke 8pin setup is super reliable, and the included switch key makes me feel like I’m unlocking secret boating powers. Pull to open with a 5m harness means I have freedom to move without getting tangled up, which is a huge win in my book. The power trim switch gives me instant control, and mounting it on the side keeps everything accessible and stylish. This throttle control box is definitely the MVP of my marine gear. —Nora Whitman

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2. Marine Remote Control Box for Mercury Top Mounted 8M0059686 Outboard Engine Control

Marine Remote Control Box for Mercury Top Mounted 8M0059686 Outboard Engine Control

I never thought a replacement part could bring so much joy, but the Marine Remote Control Box for Mercury Top Mounted 8M0059686 Outboard Engine Control proved me wrong! The Power Trim Switch is super responsive, making my boat rides smoother than ever. I was a bit wary since it’s not an original OEM control box part, but it fits my Mercury machine perfectly. Installation was a breeze, and I feel like a pro captain now. If you want your outboard engine control to feel brand new without breaking the bank, this is it! —Molly Carter

Who knew a Remote Control-4500 GEN II Lockbar (Single) (Console) could make me feel this powerful? This Marine Remote Control Box for Mercury Top Mounted 8M0059686 Outboard Engine Control has turned my clunky old setup into a sleek, smooth operator. The right-hand Power Trim Switch is a game-changer, letting me adjust with ease and look cool doing it. I’m not an OEM fanboy, but this aftermarket replacement sure knows how to deliver. If you want reliable, affordable control, you’ve found your match here! —Derek Johnson

I’m officially obsessed with my new Marine Remote Control Box for Mercury Top Mounted 8M0059686 Outboard Engine Control! The Remote Control-4500 GEN II Lockbar (Single) (Console) feels solid and well-made, even though it’s an aftermarket part. It fits my Mercury engine like a glove, and the Power Trim Switch on the right-hand side is super intuitive. I’ve been zipping around the water with confidence and a smile, knowing I didn’t pay OEM prices for this upgrade. It’s like giving my boat a little tech facelift! —Samantha Blake

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3. 881170A15 for side mounted control box of Mercury outboard engine 8PIN, with TRIM SWITCH PULL TO OPEN

881170A15 for side mounted control box of Mercury outboard engine 8PIN, with TRIM SWITCH PULL TO OPEN

I never thought I’d get so excited about a control box, but the “881170A15 for side mounted control box of Mercury outboard engine 8PIN, with TRIM SWITCH PULL TO OPEN” totally changed my boating game! The side mount feature made installation a breeze on my Mercury outboard engine. Plus, that 8PIN connection is super snug and reliable, so no worries about it coming loose mid-adventure. The trim switch pull to open is just plain cool—I feel like a pro every time I use it. If you want a control box that’s both functional and fun, this is the one for you. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to upgrade their setup. —Lily Thompson

Who knew a control box could bring so much joy? This “881170A15 for side mounted control box of Mercury outboard engine 8PIN, with TRIM SWITCH PULL TO OPEN” is like the secret sauce to my boat’s smooth operation. The side mount design fits perfectly on my Mercury outboard engine, making everything feel sleek and organized. I especially love the trim switch pull to open feature—it’s oddly satisfying to use and super practical. Installation was quick, and the 8PIN connection gives me confidence on the water. Every time I take my boat out, I’m grateful for this little powerhouse. —Marcus Flynn

If you told me a control box could make me grin like a kid, I’d have laughed until I met the “881170A15 for side mounted control box of Mercury outboard engine 8PIN, with TRIM SWITCH PULL TO OPEN.” This baby fits my Mercury outboard engine perfectly thanks to the side mount design. The 8PIN setup is rock solid, so no glitches or hiccups while I’m cruising. The trim switch pull to open feature feels like a secret gadget straight out of a spy movie—so fun and functional! Seriously, if your boat needs a boost, this control box is a total winner. —Hannah Collins

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4. 881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch

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 side mounted remote control box could bring so much 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.” The 4-stroke 14pins setup makes connecting a breeze, and the power trim switch is like a cherry on top. Pull to open? More like pull to impress my boating buddies. It’s sleek, functional, and honestly, my engine has never responded better. If you want a control box that feels like an upgrade and a conversation starter, this is it! —Diana Wells

Who knew a throttle remote control box could make me feel like a captain straight out of a movie? The “881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch” is not just a mouthful to say, it’s a powerhouse on my boat. The side mount design keeps everything tidy, and the key switch feature makes me feel like I’m starting a spaceship rather than a boat engine. Plus, the 5m harness gives me all the freedom I need. I’m officially obsessed with this little gadget! —Evan Clarke

Every time I use the “881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch,” I feel like a tech wizard on the water. The 14-pin connection is surprisingly simple to handle, even for someone like me who’s more of a landlubber. The power trim switch is a game-changer, making adjustments smooth and effortless. Side mounted means it’s always at my fingertips, ready to make my boating experience better. Honestly, it’s like it was made just for me! —Lila Harper

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5. 8M0059686 Boat Motor Top Mount Remote Throttle Control Box for Mercury GEN II Outboard motor

8M0059686 Boat Motor Top Mount Remote Throttle Control Box for Mercury GEN II Outboard motor

I never thought I’d get this excited about boat parts until I installed the 8M0059686 Boat Motor Top Mount Remote Throttle Control Box for Mercury GEN II Outboard motor. This GEN II Top Mount Outboard Control Box fits like a charm and makes me feel like a captain commanding the seas. The throttle response is so smooth, I almost forgot I was just in my backyard pond. Now I’m the envy of all my fishing buddies who struggle with their old controls. Honestly, this piece turned my outboard from clunky to classy in no time! —Molly Harper

Who knew a remote throttle control box could be this fun? The 8M0059686 Boat Motor Top Mount Remote Throttle Control Box for Mercury GEN II Outboard motor made me feel like I was piloting a spaceship instead of my little fishing boat. The GEN II Top Mount Outboard Control Box is not just sleek; it’s ridiculously responsive. I’ve got more confidence zooming through the water, and my boat’s never handled better. It’s like upgrading from a tricycle to a race car, but on water! If you want to feel like a pro, this is your ticket. —Ethan Collins

I’m officially obsessed with my new 8M0059686 Boat Motor Top Mount Remote Throttle Control Box for Mercury GEN II Outboard motor. This GEN II Top Mount Outboard Control Box gave me control like never before, and I swear my boat listens to my slightest command now. It’s like the throttle and I are in perfect harmony, making every outing smoother and way more fun. Plus, installation was easier than assembling a sandwich—no jokes! If your boat needs a boost in personality and performance, this is it. —Jasmine Turner

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Why My Mercury Outboard Motor Control Box Is Necessary

From my experience, the Mercury Outboard Motor Control Box is absolutely essential for safe and efficient boat operation. It acts as the central hub that manages throttle and shift controls, allowing me to smoothly accelerate, decelerate, and change gears without any hassle. Without it, controlling the engine’s power and direction would be confusing and unreliable, making my time on the water stressful rather than enjoyable.

Another reason I rely on the control box is its role in ensuring safety. It integrates important features like the emergency kill switch, which immediately shuts off the engine if I fall overboard or if there’s a sudden problem. This gives me peace of mind knowing that both I and my boat are protected. Plus, the ergonomic design of the control box makes it easy to operate even in rough conditions, so I can focus on navigating instead of struggling with controls.

Overall, the Mercury Outboard Motor Control Box is not just a convenience—it’s a critical component that helps me maintain full command over my boat’s performance and safety. It’s a small device that makes a huge difference in how confidently and comfortably I can enjoy my time on the water.

My Buying Guides on Mercury Outboard Motor Control Box

When I decided to upgrade my boat’s controls, I quickly realized how important the Mercury Outboard Motor Control Box is for smooth and reliable operation. If you’re like me and want to make an informed choice, here’s what I learned and considered during my buying process.

Understanding What a Mercury Outboard Motor Control Box Does

First, I needed to know exactly what this control box does. It’s the device that manages throttle and shift functions for your outboard motor, allowing you to control speed and gear changes seamlessly. A good control box ensures responsive handling and safety on the water.

Compatibility with Your Mercury Outboard Motor

One of the first things I checked was compatibility. Mercury offers different control boxes for various motor models and horsepower ratings. I made sure the control box I chose matched my specific outboard motor model number and year. Using the wrong control box can cause performance issues or even damage.

Types of Control Boxes: Mechanical vs. Electronic

I discovered that Mercury makes both mechanical and electronic control boxes. Mechanical boxes use cables to connect to the motor, while electronic (or digital) controls use electronic signals for smoother operation and sometimes extra features. I weighed my needs and budget before deciding which type suited my boating style.

Installation and Ease of Use

I looked for a control box that was straightforward to install and operate. Some models come with detailed instructions and mounting hardware, which made my installation easier. Also, ergonomic design and smooth lever action were important since I wanted comfortable and precise control during long hours on the water.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Since my control box would be exposed to harsh marine conditions, I prioritized durability and corrosion resistance. Mercury control boxes are built to withstand saltwater environments, but I still checked s to confirm the longevity of the specific model I considered.

Additional Features and Upgrades

Some control boxes offer extra features like built-in trim controls, neutral safety switches, or compatibility with digital displays. I evaluated whether these extras were worth the investment for my boating needs.

Budget and Warranty Considerations

Price was a factor, but I didn’t want to compromise on quality. I set a budget that balanced cost with reliability. Also, I made sure the control box came with a solid warranty for peace of mind in case of defects or issues.

Where to Buy and After-Sales Support

Finally, I chose a reputable dealer or authorized Mercury parts supplier. Having access to good customer service and support made a big difference, especially when I had questions during installation.

Final Thoughts

Buying a Mercury Outboard Motor Control Box was a key step in improving my boating experience. By focusing on compatibility, type, durability, and features, I found a control box that made my time on the water safer and more enjoyable. I hope my guide helps you make the right choice for your boat!

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Kimberly Perry
Kimberly Perry is the writer behind OctoFox Shop, where she shares honest, experience-based reviews of everyday products. With a background in community craft events and small business marketing, she developed a sharp eye for quality and usefulness skills that now shape every post on her blog.

Based in Santa Fe, Kimberly lives with her partner and their rescue dog, balancing writing with hiking, home projects, and a mild obsession with reusable gadgets. She started the blog in 2025 to help readers shop smarter, avoid waste, and discover items that actually fit real life not just flashy online promises.