Has anyone changed their throttle controls

[gusto378]

Thinking about changing out the shifter. Has anyone upgraded the factory shifter? What did you use?

Thanks
Ryan

[CHACHI]

Livorsi,(Uflex) single handle.

Ken

[BUIZILLA]

I have 3 done Uflex's now on 3 of my boats..

IMO, you can't beat it for the short money

[mc donzi]

Dana 2 stick. The red mounting plate is a perfect match for the bezels on the gauge package. You may or may not have to change your shift cable as well(I didn't). It's worth a call to Dana. Once you get used to it, it's pretty nice around the dock.

[gusto378]

I like the Dana 2 stick, not sure I'm ready to drop 750 though.

Has anyone used the Hardin Marine 3 position. This one is about 250.
http://www.cpperformance.com/p-26883-hardin-marine-3-position-precision-sport-shift-control.aspx

[VetteLT193]

Just for clarification the Livorsi blinged out shifter is a blinged out Uflex. So if you want function with simple looks, Uflex, cool looking... Livorsi.

[Eriewaterman]

replaced the standard Mercury 3000 with the Donzi Direct replacement throttle. I am very happy with the performance and looks of the new throttle. Had to purchase new cables and connections at West Marine. We also added a tilt button to allow for full tilt. really work well and looks great.

[pipnit]

I have a TRS and switched the throttle control from an electronic transmission control to a manual and switched the throttle itself at the same time from the Merc to a chrome teleflex, with a wood Donzi knob. I painted the plate of the throttle BLUE to match the pin stripe of my boat.

[gcarter]

Livorsi Uflex here, red powder coat that I had to paint to match everything else.
But paint works well over powder coat.

[roadtrip se]

Another one for Livorsi Uflex. One thing that I haven't seen mentioned here, is that it is a much smoother unit than the stock Merc junk in the rough.
Probably saved my drive out on the big lakes mutiple times, especially with the types of props I run these days.

[ACE51]

Another one for Livorsi Uflex. One thing that I haven't seen mentioned here, is that it is a much smoother unit than the stock Merc junk in the rough.
Probably saved my drive out on the big lakes mutiple times, especially with the types of props I run these days.

Did the Livorsi come with the cover plate (plate that mounts between square Livorsi backing and vinyl ? From the pictures I've seen of it advertised for sale it does not look like it comes with that part but necessary since the plastic Merc controls have a larger footprint.

...also, has anyone tried this throttle? https://www.donzidirect.com/anodized-aluminum-upgraded-throttle-for-donzi-classics.html

76208

[biggiefl]

That is a Uflex/Livorsi control. PS...I like my "junk" 3000. Probably the best OEM shifter I have ever used, but again OEM.

[gcarter]

The backing plate is an option.
Here's a picture of mine. Note I incorporated the safety switch into the backing plate.
Also, this is the throttle after painting, the trim switch surround is very hard to paint w/o runs or orange peel.

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=75141&d=1364318997

[Morgan's Cloud]

That is a Uflex/Livorsi control. PS...I like my "junk" 3000. Probably the best OEM shifter I have ever used, but again OEM.

Apparently the original Merc 3000 Commander unit had a 'slight issue' . They did a redesign/rebuild but it still looked the same as the first unit. Then they discontinued them alltogether.

The one that came with my 502 engine package in 2000 must have been the 'original' unit.
One day the entire control arm came off in my hand when the main splined control shaft broke. I was in a packed bay with boats nose to stern everywhere approaching a friend's boat from astern. Thank gawd it was an in gear idle to neutral shift when it let go. The possible alternative scenarios that come to mind are pretty scarey to say the least.

[roadtrip se]

Aaron, you can get the backing plate from Livorsi.

[roadtrip se]

Apparently the original Merc 3000 Commander unit had a 'slight issue' . They did a redesign/rebuild but it still looked the same as the first unit. Then they discontinued them alltogether.

The one that came with my 502 engine package in 2000 must have been the 'original' unit.
One day the entire control arm came off in my hand when the main splined control shaft broke. I was in a packed bay with boats nose to stern everywhere approaching a friend's boat from astern. Thank gawd it was an in gear idle to neutral shift when it let go. The possible alternative scenarios that come to mind are pretty scarey to say the least.

My boat is a late calendar year 2000 model year 2001 and had this unit. It was tough to shift into gear, it was made of cheap plastic, and it took a lot of effort to throttle the boat quickly with it. Oh, and the trim switch got stuck constantly. There were days I would come back with bruises on my arm from hammering that thing in an effort to control the 500 EFi in the chop. Hence, my terms of endearment for it above. Might work for some, but the Livorsi Uflex is night and day better.

[Just Say N20]

I didn’t go quite so fancy.

This unit (Morse Side Mt Std - SL3 Dual-Function, Single Lever Control, 309473), has worked well.

I really wanted outdrive trim in the handle, with the integrated KILL SWITCH, and this unit mounts either Port or Starboard.

[biggiefl]

What year did they come out? Mine I think is original 1994 unit. I was just joking about the junk part but it is pretty nice compared to others I have owned. Maybe because of the button for neutral rev instead of trying to pull out the friggin handle. Merc binnacles are horrible in comparison. Many I know run Yamaha controls on their Mercs because the quality is so poor. Back on track.....Not sure if the "bling" is worth $150 more than a chrome uflex.

[biggiefl]

Crap....now with all this talk I want to try an aftermarket and see what I am missing. I do have "issues" at idle trying to "bump" it up to say 1000-1200 rpm. It seems to go from idle to 1800 and I have to fuss with it a couple times to find my spot.

[Ghost]

76211

Eventually I found new old-stock on eBay after ogling Bill's Martini 25.

[gusto378]

Did you guys use the existing cables or go with new?
Mines a 1990 OMC shifter. The handle is zip tied on so I'm doing something soon. Sounds like Uflex may be the way I go.

[Ghost]

Unless your cables are nearly new, I'd replace them when doing the shifter. If they date from 1990 like the shifter, there's no way I wouldn't.

[hdsadey]

Teleflex CH1700 on mine. Smooth operation and fits the palm of my hand perfectly. Was economical as well.

[Conquistador_del_mar]

76211

Eventually I found new old-stock on eBay after ogling Bill's Martini 25.

Wow! The same Mercontrol as the Martini, but where is the second control? Bill

[Ghost]

Wow! The same Mercontrol as the Martini, but where is the second control? Bill

Decided one 496 was better than two 292s. And with 20+ more MPH and 30+% drop in fuel burn, pretty happy. :)

[Conquistador_del_mar]

Decided one 496 was better than two 292s. And with 20+ more MPH and 30+% drop in fuel burn, pretty happy. :)

Awesome performance difference! :thumbsup:

[gusto378]

What length cables would I need for the 22C

[gcarter]

Your existing cable is stamped w/a part # in the plastic coating w/in about 2' of one of the ends. That # includes the length.

[Shooter]

I have 3 done Uflex's now on 3 of my boats..

IMO, you can't beat it for the short money
Hello, regarding the Uflex, is the chrome handle all metal or are some parts chromed plastic? Also, I have tried to find any picture of the rear mount with no results, is it cast aluminum IE merc? Does it use stock 3000 series Merc cables? Thanks

[gcarter]

Can't comment on the Uflex as I have the blinged Livorsi throttle, but both cables are stock Merc, and one requires a small supplied adapter to lengthen the wire.

[BUIZILLA]

two were Merc's and one was a Yamaha

in all 3 installs I put new cables from Uflex as well

no reason not to

I bought the standard replacement controls, not the super duper blinged ones, both styles operate, feel, and work identically