What all is required for Evinrude to Mercury

**Stratos_Kid** · 11-29-2015, 06:19 PM

What all do I need to swap from BRP Evinrude to Optimax including controls monitoring etc. I'm weighing my options. Also ballpark cost for turn key total swap for rigging. Thanks in advance.

**EMDSAPMGR** · 11-29-2015, 08:50 PM

The control box will be under $ 350, the two control cables will be maybe $ 55 each. Plus labor. Labor varies depending on how much of the starboard gunnel must come apart to remove the old control box/cables and install the new parts. Plus engine R&R labor too. You'll have to remove and replace the oil tank, too. The dash trim gauge will have to be replaced. The OMC trim gauge works backward from the Merc gauge.

**Stratos_Kid** · 11-29-2015, 08:54 PM

What about the system check tach that is currently installed? What about the Smart Craft? Switch and wire harness?

**EMDSAPMGR** · 11-30-2015, 02:02 AM

Smartcraft is sold as an upgrade option for the later computer-controlled engines. Those gauges come in a couple of different flavors. You'd need to get hold of the Merc Parts and Accessories guide at a dealership and select the one(s) of your preference. Since you did not post the year of the engine, you can use that guide to verify that the year of your opti can support the use of the Smartcraft instruments.

**speedinstream** · 12-02-2015, 07:33 AM

After u mash the throttle on the merc the price wont matter u think u have been dragging anchor with that evinrude

**bobthebuilder** · 12-20-2015, 06:19 AM

I hate that E-tec junk... worth the $$ to change to Merc.. I don't even like Yamahas.. But other than a Merc my next opt would be a Yamaha SHO 4 stroke but stay away from them older than a 2013.. the first years were bad.. they fixed their issues by 2013 or so I have been informed.. But my first choice would be a Pro XS Mercury in late model engines.. Myself now I still run 2.5L Mercs.... best ever engines.. use a little more fuel but not that much more.. Sure are easy to repair and cheaper too..