upgrading throttle/shift controls?
 

i just bought a 1988 four winns 261 liberator and im thinking about upgrading the controls to a seperate gaffrig style throttle and shifter set up. the boat currently has the factory mercruiser dual shifter setup which is pretty tight. i am planning on replacing the lower cables at the end of the season. i have been searching all over the internet trying to find a writeup or parts list that would be needed to do this swap, but i cant find anything anywhere. if anyone could point me in the right direction i would greatly appreciate it. the boat has 5.7 magnum motors with alpha one outdrives. thanks!

I too wanted to switch my controls from a factory Mercury single control to the Hardin Marine dual control. I was unable to hear from anyone that did it. I was told that you would have a lot more control over the boat when docking! Good luck, I will be watching this post for anyone to chime in.

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I had a Formula 233 with alphas and the Gaffrig controls
I may still have them out in the shop somewhere

When you buy new cables you will need new fittings for each end you can check cpperformance, but any good marine shop should be able to direct in the right direction.

i may be interested if you find them.

I'll take a look when I'm out in the shop tonight

It should be an easy swap...the only thing you may need to do is cut a larger hole in the dash to fit the throttles into. As far as connecting it all.... if you buy new it should have the cable connectors with the throttles...if used you will probably need the connectors..they look like hooks that thread onto the ends of the cables. You can get them from Marc at Mercruiserparts.com its part# 8452181 called a control cable clevis.
The cables usually don't need to be replaced unless they are stretched or binding...or if you just want peace of mind...but they are all for the most part Morse style cables with threaded ends on each side.....you can get the numbers off the side of the cable jacket to buy new ones if need be....and if you want to have an easier time running the cables through the boat.....when you pull them out attach a rope to the end so you have something to guide the new cables back the same route...and you can also get superflex cables so they bend easier and you don't have to fight them on the install.

thanks for the tips. my stock shifter control seems pretty large so i doubt ill have to cut the dash. i may take a peek at the cables going up to the control to get a better idea of what connectors i will need. i checked that website but couldnt find anything.

look here: https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/...32079/8457/285
its a breakdown of the mercruiser zero effort controls...basicly same as the gaffrig/livorsi stuff
the connectors im talking about are part #40
they thread onto the ends of the cables and then attach to the shift/throttle levers

awesome. thanks for the help so far. i just bought a shifter assembly off ebay so once it gets here i'll determine what else i will need. im hoping my cables will be ok with the new shifter. is there a way i can wire up the trim switches so that both drives go up and down with one switch? thanks for all the info so far! i was about to bail on this idea lol.

yes you can....matter of fact i just found an old gaffrig trim switch that mounts on the throttle stick the other day in the garage.....it involves wiring in some diodes to keep from back feeding the other system but yes it can be done

the controls i bought have a trim switch on them. wiring it up shouldnt be too bad. ill update this thread with my progress once everything shows up.

no, wiring up the switch to the tabs is easy if you have basic electrical skills....its just a simple momentary on/off/on switch with 3 wires.....one wire will have 12V+ and the other two wires each get split into two braches to each tab up/down wires...you just need to install 4 diodes to keep the power from back feeding the other tabs when you are using the standard dash switches so the other tab doesn't operate at the same time when doing so...

Hi there. I know it's an old thread, but does anyone know if I leave the shift assist spring thing in place when installing livorsi or gaffrig controls? ( I'm replacing the stock mercruiser 3300 assembly (twin handles) to a livorsi 4 handle controller.

It seems like the shift assist wants to force the shifter into neutral. THanks

I had the same issue when I installed the Keikerfer controls into my Formula. The new controls don't have a friction adjustment and only rely on the detent balls from moving out of gear. All you have to do is remove the shift assist spring and insert a shorter bolt. You can also use stainless washers as spacers on the anchor pin.

i know this is an old post
but my 261 has Morse plson
plain alum big item on side of binnacle
throttles have holes for trim switch..but be dammed i cant find one
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...bbdd9adaca.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...aa27394391.jpg

gaffrig has several that look like direct bolt ins with trim switchs
in fact if order them i will post up the part numbers
i have to go get a few pics for them to verfiy fit etc
gaff

Those never came with built in trim switches on the controls
You may able to make these work Throttles Archives - Livorsi Marine, Inc.