2003 280 Sundancer Dual Throttle control Upgrade

J

just1time

Active Member
Jun 13, 2021
217
tOrOnTo, oN
Boat Info
2003 SeaRay 280 Sundancer
Engines
Twin Mercruiser Alpha Drives 4.3
Was wondering if anyone has upgraded their stock Throttle control to something more appealing and newer.
Found this online...
Anyone know if its doable?
Screen Shot 2022-08-19 at 11.59.10 AM.png
 
I believe what you've got pictured there is a digital throttle control. Is your boat currently digital? If not, I don't think this is a straight forward conversion...
 
Oh crap. I know Mine runs with cables. Not digital.
I would be ok with the 2008 280DA dual throttle if it will fit. Can someone tell me if the 2008 DA throttle below is digital?

DC28C0A0-F6B9-46D2-BF44-D557FBEF113F.jpeg
 
That is not DTS (pictured) ...... still cables

I wanted to upgrade to DTS -- there are kits available -- but I was advised against it

I still want to do it though :D The full kit is about six boat bucks :eek:
 
My engines came with DTS, so I can't speak to the quality of the upgrade version, but DTS is AWESOME. Add some autotabs, and autopilot, and you can set the speed, trim and course, put the feet up and just monitor the instruments. 200 hours of operation so far an no problems--with the DTS anyway.
 
just1time said:
Which?
The first or second pic?

Am really bent on doing this upgrade.
Click to expand...

For digital throttle and shift, the kit would have to come with not only the dash throttle set up, but also the electric actuators for the shift and throttle, which would have to be installed on the engine. As stated, I'm not even sure there is such a thing for these engines--at least from Mercury.
 
bfernald0 said:
For digital throttle and shift, the kit would have to come with not only the dash throttle set up, but also the electric actuators for the shift and throttle, which would have to be installed on the engine. As stated, I'm not even sure there is such a thing for these engines--at least from Mercury.
Click to expand...
Am not interested in converting to DTS. I simply want a newer more aesthetically pleasing throttle control to replace mine.
Preferably, plug and play. Am wondering if any of the two
In the pics above is plug and play. The second pic is that of a 2008 and up 280DA.
 
bfernald0 said:
For digital throttle and shift, the kit would have to come with not only the dash throttle set up, but also the electric actuators for the shift and throttle, which would have to be installed on the engine. As stated, I'm not even sure there is such a thing for these engines--at least from Mercury.
Click to expand...

I found this kit:

https://www.marinedeal.com/product_p/c46022.htm

You get the DTS, cables, and then it's got 4 actutators (2 throttle and 2 shift) that mount on the engine to work those contols manually, with just a signal in between. Slick for sure, but more of a nice to have.
 
just1time said:
Which?
The first or second pic?

Am really bent on doing this upgrade.
Click to expand...

Both of your pics are standard cable throttle/shift. I think you can make the wiring work, but the bigger issue I'd look out for is the size of the overall unit you're replacing it with -- to make sure it covers the hole or maybe you could go with a cover plate in between.

Can you post what yours look like now? You probably have the same ones that I do.
 
I did come across that one -- ending in 245 instead of 246 -- and it says it's for outboards. The 246 says it's for both but I bet Mercury could confirm, as they look very similar. Is it a real Merc part or a knock-off? You have to wonder if it's new and less than half of the normal price :eek:
 
Phil S said:
I did come across that one -- ending in 245 instead of 246 -- and it says it's for outboards. The 246 says it's for both but I bet Mercury could confirm, as they look very similar. Is it a real Merc part or a knock-off? You have to wonder if it's new and less than half of the normal price :eek:
Click to expand...
Yea. I saw that difference in model number too. Would mercury be able to tell
Me if it would work?
The price difference doesn’t scare me. Lots of stuff brought in from china and rebranded with the price being doubled.
If everything lines up I might be the Guinea pig and take a chance with this. Can’t speak on the quality of the build until it’s in hand.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,118
Messages
1,426,467
Members
61,033
Latest member
SeaMonster8
Back
Top