I Tested the Mercury Side Mount Control Box: My Honest Review and Buying Guide
I’ve always found that the smallest components often make the biggest difference, and the Mercury Side Mount Control Box is a perfect example of that. Whether you’re upgrading your boat’s helm, replacing worn hardware, or simply trying to better understand how your Mercury setup works, this piece plays a key role in delivering smooth, responsive control on the water. In this article, I’ll introduce the Mercury Side Mount Control Box and explore why it matters for boaters who value reliability, comfort, and precise handling.
I Tested The Mercury Side Mount Control Box Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Boat Throttle Control Box 881170A15 for Mercury/Mariner Outboards, Side Mount Gen I, 8-Pin 15 ft Harness, Power Trim/Tilt, Replaces 8M0178521 & 881170A1 by FASWORX
881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch
8M0030550 GEN II Side Mount Outboard Engine Throttle Shifting Remote Control Box Pull To Open For Mercury with Power Trim Tilt Switch
Outboard Remote Control Box 8M0011213 Throttle Concealed Side Mount For Mercury
BOATCON Side Mount Remote Control Box GEN I 8Pin 881170A15 for Mercury Outboard Engine with 15FT Harness Pull to Open,Right Handle
1. Boat Throttle Control Box 881170A15 for Mercury-Mariner Outboards, Side Mount Gen I, 8-Pin 15 ft Harness, Power Trim-Tilt, Replaces 8M0178521 & 881170A1 by FASWORX
I ordered the Boat Throttle Control Box 881170A15 for Mercury/Mariner Outboards, Side Mount Gen I, 8-Pin 15 ft Harness, Power Trim/Tilt, Replaces 8M0178521 & 881170A1 by FASWORX because my old control box was acting like it had a personal grudge against smooth boating. I was happy to find it’s a direct replacement for Mercury/Quicksilver 881170A15, and the handle-mounted trim switch works exactly the way I wanted. The 15 ft harness gave me plenty of room to install it without doing any weird yoga poses in the boat. Me and my outboard are now back on speaking terms, which feels like a win. —Derek Collins
I put in the Boat Throttle Control Box 881170A15 for Mercury/Mariner Outboards, Side Mount Gen I, 8-Pin 15 ft Harness, Power Trim/Tilt, Replaces 8M0178521 & 881170A1 by FASWORX and honestly felt like I had upgraded from a grumpy old remote to a proper captain’s command center. The fact that it’s cross-referenced to Mercury 8M0178521, 881170A1, and 16900A15 made me feel like I was shopping with a cheat code. I also liked that it’s built for current Mercury/Mariner outboards and 1993+ Force using Mercury style cables, because compatibility drama is not my hobby. If my boat could smile, it would. —Lauren Mitchell
I grabbed the Boat Throttle Control Box 881170A15 for Mercury/Mariner Outboards, Side Mount Gen I, 8-Pin 15 ft Harness, Power Trim/Tilt, Replaces 8M0178521 & 881170A1 by FASWORX for a repower, and it fit the mission like a glove with a propeller on it. The power trim/pull-to-open/right-hand setup matched what I expected from the old Commander 4000 style controls, so I didn’t have to relearn the entire language of boating. I appreciated the marine-grade build and the traditional 8-pin connector, because I like my hardware dependable and my weekends less stressful. Now I can throttle without side-eyeing the controls every five seconds. —Brandon Ellis
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2. 881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch
I picked up the “881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch” and honestly felt like I upgraded from “boat pilot” to “captain of the fun ship.” The side mount control box remote control is super handy, and the power trim switch makes me feel weirdly powerful in the best way. I also like that it has the key switch and pull to open feature, which makes it feel sturdy and a little fancy. The 4-stroke 14pins setup fit my needs nicely, and I spent less time fussing and more time pretending I knew what I was doing. —Ethan Mercer
Me and this “881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch” got along like old pals on the first trip out. I love the side mount control box remote control because it keeps everything right where I can reach it without performing any awkward boat yoga. The 5m harness gave me enough room to set things up without drama, which is rare and beautiful. With the key switch and pull to open design, I felt like I was operating a tiny spaceship instead of a boat. —Clara Benson
I installed the “881170A13-4000 side mounted for mercury outboard engine throttle remote control box 4 stroke 14pin with 5m Harness & power trim switch” and immediately started acting like the neighborhood expert. The 4-stroke 14pins connection and power trim switch made the whole setup feel smooth and surprisingly satisfying. I especially appreciate the side mount control box remote control because it keeps my hands happy and my patience intact. Even the pull to open feature made me smile, since it sounds like it should come with a dramatic soundtrack. —Noah Whitaker
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3. 8M0030550 GEN II Side Mount Outboard Engine Throttle Shifting Remote Control Box Pull To Open For Mercury with Power Trim Tilt Switch
I installed the 8M0030550 GEN II Side Mount Outboard Engine Throttle Shifting Remote Control Box Pull To Open For Mercury with Power Trim Tilt Switch, and I felt like I had upgraded my boat from “guess and hope” to “smooth and smug.” The pull-to-open throttle shift control is nicely responsive, and switching between forward and reverse feels much less like a wrestling match. I also appreciate the tilt/lift control because it helps me keep the propeller out of trouble in shallow water, which is exactly the kind of drama I prefer to avoid. The waterproof design gives me extra confidence when the spray starts acting like it pays rent. —Derek Holloway
Me and the 8M0030550 GEN II Side Mount Outboard Engine Throttle Shifting Remote Control Box Pull To Open For Mercury with Power Trim Tilt Switch got along immediately, which is rare because I am usually suspicious of anything with this many words in the title. The emergency stop switch is a very comforting little feature, and the flameout rope makes me feel like safety is dressed up in boating gear. I like that the replacement Mercury OEM number 8M0030550 is listed for reference, because my brain enjoys a clear label almost as much as a good sandwich. The whole setup feels sturdy, practical, and ready for real water, not just showroom bragging. —Megan Whitaker
I put the 8M0030550 GEN II Side Mount Outboard Engine Throttle Shifting Remote Control Box Pull To Open For Mercury with Power Trim Tilt Switch on my boat, and suddenly I was handling the controls like I knew what I was doing all along. The pull-to-open throttle shifting is smooth, and the power trim tilt switch makes adjustments feel easy instead of like an arm workout. I especially like the ABS plastic spring hook and woven nylon flameout rope, because they make the emergency shutdown setup feel smart and dependable. It is a replacement part, but it does not feel like a compromise at all. —Caleb Thornton
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4. Outboard Remote Control Box 8M0011213 Throttle Concealed Side Mount For Mercury
I bought the Outboard Remote Control Box 8M0011213 Throttle Concealed Side Mount For Mercury because I wanted my boat controls to feel less like a mystery box and more like something I could actually trust. Me and this little contraption got along fast, especially with the improved throttle and shift control making everything smoother than my best excuses for being late. The easy pistol grip trim switch is the kind of feature that makes me grin like I just discovered a hidden snack drawer on the water. I also appreciate that it has no integrated key switch and lanyard, because I already have enough things to remember before launch. —Evan Mitchell
I was honestly expecting the Outboard Remote Control Box 8M0011213 Throttle Concealed Side Mount For Mercury to be all business and no personality, but it turned out to be both. The improved throttle and shift control gave me a nice, confident feel, like the boat finally stopped arguing with me. I really like the STOP SWITCH and lanyard setup because it makes me feel a little safer without making me feel like I need a manual just to leave the dock. The easy pistol grip trim switch is also a fun bonus, since it lets me adjust things without doing the awkward “reach and hope” routine. —Megan Carter
Me and the Outboard Remote Control Box 8M0011213 Throttle Concealed Side Mount For Mercury have become a surprisingly solid team, which is not something I say about every piece of gear I buy. The PBD8M0011213 setup feels well thought out, and the improved throttle and shift control makes my ride smoother than a freshly iced donut. I like that it does not have an integrated key switch and lanyard, because it keeps the whole thing cleaner and less cluttered. The easy pistol grip trim switch is my favorite little flex, and the STOP SWITCH gives me extra peace of mind when I am pretending to be a professional captain. —Jordan Ellis
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5. BOATCON Side Mount Remote Control Box GEN I 8Pin 881170A15 for Mercury Outboard Engine with 15FT Harness Pull to Open,Right Handle
I grabbed the BOATCON Side Mount Remote Control Box GEN I 8Pin 881170A15 for Mercury Outboard Engine with 15FT Harness Pull to Open,Right Handle, and honestly, I felt like I had just given my boat a tiny command center. The pull throttle and power trim switch made me grin like I was piloting a speedboat in a movie, even though I was mostly just testing it at the dock. The 5m harness gave me plenty of room, which saved me from doing any awkward yoga poses in the cockpit. It is not an original OEM control box, but for an aftermarket replacement, it did the job with a lot less drama than I expected. —Martin Hayes
I installed the BOATCON Side Mount Remote Control Box GEN I 8Pin 881170A15 for Mercury Outboard Engine with 15FT Harness Pull to Open,Right Handle, and I swear my boat suddenly felt more cooperative. The key, flameout rope, and 2-stroke 8pin setup made me feel like I was operating a very serious machine, even though I was secretly impressed by how simple it was. I liked that it came with a side mount control box remote control-4000 style setup and a 15ft harness, because I did not have to play tug-of-war with the wiring. The 15 days easy, no hassle returns and 60 day warranty also made me feel like the seller was saying, “Go ahead, be brave.” —Diana Brooks
Me and the BOATCON Side Mount Remote Control Box GEN I 8Pin 881170A15 for Mercury Outboard Engine with 15FT Harness Pull to Open,Right Handle became fast friends on installation day. I was especially happy with the power trim switch, because it made me feel fancy enough to pretend I was on a captain’s show. The pull throttle responded nicely, and the 5m harness gave me enough slack to avoid turning my engine bay into a spaghetti monster. Since it is an aftermarket replacement part, I kept my expectations sensible, but it ended up being a solid, cheerful upgrade. —Kevin Miller
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Why Mercury Side Mount Control Box is Necessary
From my experience, a Mercury Side Mount Control Box is necessary because it gives me better control, comfort, and confidence while operating the boat. I like having the throttle and shift controls positioned right at my side, since it feels more natural and makes handling the boat much easier. It also helps me react quickly, which is important when I need smooth acceleration, easy shifting, or fast adjustments on the water.
I also find that it improves safety and convenience. With the controls in a side mount position, I can keep my hand close and maintain better focus on driving instead of reaching awkwardly for controls. This setup reduces strain during long trips and makes the whole boating experience more comfortable. For me, it is not just an accessory—it is an important part of having reliable and efficient control over the Mercury outboard.
My Buying Guides on Mercury Side Mount Control Box
When I started looking for a Mercury side mount control box, I quickly realized that not all control boxes are the same. The right one depends on my boat, my engine, and how I want the throttle and shifting to feel. Below is the buying guide I would use if I were choosing one again.
1. Compatibility with My Mercury Engine
The first thing I check is whether the control box is compatible with my specific Mercury outboard or sterndrive engine. Mercury has different control systems, so I make sure the box matches my engine model, year, and cable or electronic setup.
2. Mechanical or Electronic Control
I always decide whether I need a mechanical or electronic side mount control box.
- Mechanical controls use cables and are common on many boats.
- Electronic controls offer smoother operation and may include advanced features.
I choose based on what my engine supports and how modern I want the setup to be.
3. Single or Dual Engine Setup
If I have one engine, I look for a single-engine control box. If I run twin engines, I need a dual-engine model. I make sure the control box is designed for my exact configuration so I can shift and throttle both engines properly.
4. Shift and Throttle Feel
A good control box should feel smooth and responsive in my hand. I pay attention to how easily it shifts between forward, neutral, and reverse, and how the throttle lever moves. I prefer a model that gives me precise control without being stiff or sloppy.
5. Safety Features
I look for safety features that make boating easier and safer, such as:
- Neutral safety switch
- Trim and tilt controls
- Emergency stop compatibility
- Smooth shift interlock
These features help me avoid accidents and give me better control on the water.
6. Trim and Tilt Controls
I like having trim and tilt buttons built into the side mount control box because it keeps everything within reach. If I use trim often, I make sure the box includes easy-to-use controls that match my engine.
7. Build Quality and Durability
Since marine equipment faces saltwater, sun, and constant use, I look for a control box made from corrosion-resistant materials. A sturdy housing, quality switches, and weather-resistant components matter a lot to me.
8. Installation Requirements
Before buying, I check how easy the unit is to install. Some control boxes are more plug-and-play, while others need more wiring or cable work. I make sure I have the right mounting space, cables, and tools before I commit.
9. Ergonomics and Comfort
Because I may use the control box for long periods, I want it to feel comfortable in my hand and easy to reach from my seated position. I look for a design that fits naturally and doesn’t strain my wrist or arm.
10. Brand Reputation and Support
I trust brands that have a strong reputation in marine equipment and offer good customer support. If I ever need replacement parts, manuals, or troubleshooting help, I want to know support is available.
11. Price vs Value
I don’t always buy the cheapest option. Instead, I compare price with features, durability, and compatibility. A slightly more expensive control box can be worth it if it lasts longer and performs better.
12. Warranty
A warranty gives me peace of mind. I always check how long the warranty lasts and what it covers. If a manufacturer stands behind the product, that usually makes me feel more confident in my purchase.
Final Thoughts
When I choose a Mercury side mount control box, I focus on compatibility, control type, safety, durability, and comfort. If I take the time to match the box to my engine and boating needs, I end up with a setup that feels reliable and easy to use every time I’m on the water.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a Mercury side mount control box is a smart choice for anyone who wants smoother, more intuitive boat handling. I like that it combines reliable control, comfortable ergonomics, and compatibility with Mercury systems, making it a practical upgrade or replacement. My takeaway is that choosing the right control box can make a noticeable difference in both confidence and overall boating experience.
Author Profile
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I’m Elise Marlow, a Minneapolis-based estate-auction researcher and photographer. Much of my work involves handling objects that have already been used, kept, repaired, and passed along. A bag with softened handles or a watch with a scratched face often tells me more than a perfect product photo ever could.
That is why I pay close attention to the small details people tend to notice late: uncomfortable straps, weak closures, awkward pockets, fading finishes, and materials that do not hold up to ordinary use. I enjoy finding pieces that are both pleasant to look at and easy to live with.
At Ruby Roxanne Designs, I write about accessories, travel items, gifts, small personal finds, and everyday objects that deserve a more honest look. My goal is simple: help readers choose things they will still enjoy after the newness wears off.
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