Help w Zodiac Remote Control on 15 Merc Tiller

[MisterWill]

Thank you all in advance for your kind replies..

I inherited a 12' new zodiac with a once used 1997 Mercury 15hp from my father before he passed.

The zodiac has a high pressure deck and no console or amenities. The merc is a tiller with fwd neutral reverse and a kill switch.

I took the boat out and my 250lbs plus the motor and fuel on the transom, all the weight is in the rear, and the bow sticks up out of the water. When I goose it I feel like I'm going to flip it before the bow slaps down and planes out.

My goal is to
1) create a 3/4" ply deck and bolt down a center console- taking measures to ensure the obvious of rubbing edges and painting in marine grade paint.

2) relocate fuel tank to the bow

3) install bench seating towards the bow for 2 ppl side by side behind center console.

The QUESTION..

How the heck do I convert my 1997 Merc 15 tiller to stick steering or steering helm??

How do I convert the Merc to remote control throttle??

Can someone please take a look at my engine and help me find the parts? I have zero idea what it is I'm looking for or need to accomplish this... granted the cables will obviously need to be measured once the console is in...

Thank you all!

[MisterWill]

More Merc 15 pics

[Fenlander]

Hello and welcome to the forum. You are going to a lot of work there for a problem that I reckon could be solved far more simply.

Mount the fuel tank right towards the bow and make provision to store any kit you carry in the same place. Then get yourself a tiller extension so you can balance your weight more centrally. This should give you a far better feel.

In truth an air deck SIB is not the best type to start adding expedition style extras and kit. Their major feature is to be rolled up in the car and set up quickly at the water.

Air decks flex a lot and I'd be concerned hidden from view it may wear through on your floor and console.

If you did go ahead with the project then just look at the boat eqpt suppliers (or perhaps Ebay) for steering and throttle kits for your motor then you will have all the correct parts.

By the way great OB in fantastic condition, they are one of the classic SIB motors due to their power/weight combination.