Are they all total junk? Every one I can remember using is stiff as can be getting in and out of neutral, and the one on the boat I just purchased is no different. Took it apart and tried to adjust to no avail. Its a pain to get in and out of gear, then you have to hold it in position once on plane. Whats the play here?
The throttles I had on the Verados were great. Fly by wire. Never recall having any probems with the Opti throttles, either. My VMAX throttles are terrible, but I think that’s an installation problem, not a brand problem.
Gotcha Covered,
Lee Strickland
Strickland Marine Insurance Agency, Inc.
https://stricklandmarine.net
843-795-1000 / 800-446-1862
Sounds like you got a cable that’s in a bind.
I’ve never had a problem with any of the throttles on the Mercs that I’ve owned. My current set up is very smooth. If anything it is a little more friction when backing off the throttle. I’ve never had anything but cable controls in Mercury brand.
The first time I ever touched a “fly by wire” control, I almost put everyone on the floor. Man was that thing smooooooth and light!!! 
teh newer Mercury mechanical throttles(uses the gray shift cables) are much better, the older one(commander series) felt like they poured sand in them at the factory, then beat on them with a hammer. I can’t believe they used those piles of junk for as long as they did
quote:Replace hammer with 10lb sledge and you have my throttle. Read a lot of similar reports on various forums. Can't wait to get back to yamaha asap. Although for a 60, thing is strong.
Originally posted by sparepartsteh newer Mercury mechanical throttles(uses the gray shift cables) are much better, the older one(commander series) felt like they poured sand in them at the factory, then beat on them with a hammer. I can’t believe they used those piles of junk for as long as they did
If your going to replace get GEN II binnacle mount or an old school teleflex binnacle, and teleflex or uflex extreme cables. I redid mine about 4 years ago and the control is very smooth and stays whereever I put it. I got another GEN I control though, and it’s a little tricky finding neutral. That is mine I only complaint.
You can easily replace it with a Teleflex control unit. It doesn’t have to be a Mercury. I like the CH7500 series. Smooth as silk.
http://www.seastarsolutions.com/products/controls-and-cables/mechanical-dual-action/ch7500-control/
You can find them on Ebay for a good price. And as was said above, the heavy duty gray cables are the way to go.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
Your cable needs to be tightened. If it makes you feel better, my Yamaha use to do the same thing until it was tightened. My last boat was a Mercury and the throttle was fine…I think you have an issue with your throttle that isn’t a Mercury specific problem.
Have someone look at it or try and tighten the cable yourself.
the newer Mercury controls are very similar to yamaha/suzuki/honda controls. Looks like they were made by the same manufacture
Cracker-That one you posted looks sweet. Haven’t seen that one before. I like that it takes OEM or universal cables. Allows you to replace controls without having to replace cables too.
Yes, fits any OEM and universal Teleflex/Morse cables. It comes with a pile of adapters to make it work with anything. Good stuff!
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose