Outboard Control Box - Top mount versus Side mount

 Hi everyone

Every boat Ive ever owned has had a side mount control box for the outboard motor. Apart from Centre Console boats, does anyone have a Top Mount on a runabout/cabin style boat?

Reason I ask is that I am looking to change up my helm seat and the side mount is sort of in the way. Having never used top mount I just want to get some feedback as to whether you lose a level of control by going top mount.

The obvious benefit of side mount is that the control sits at a comfortable level near your elbow, but the down side is that it can be hit by your seat when swiveled or indeed your arm. 

The top mount obviously wont be in the way of seats and elbows...but is it too far forward to give accurate and comfortable throtle adjustment?

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ranmar850's picture

Posts: 2702

Date Joined: 12/08/12

No difference that i've ever noticed

Fri, 2018-03-16 13:09

 Topmount seems to be used more on larger boats with the real estate for them on the console. They are still just applying leverage to a cable end. And yes, some are just mounted badly--my last boat would lose one motor when you swung the seat the wrong way, as it would turn the key off, every bloody time.