Adding Tachometer

[BigWadeS]

I am thinking of adding a tachometer to my boat after hearing everyone talking about RPM's and how important that plays a factor in motor/prop performance. Are these easily installed for a DIY'er or do they need to be professionally installed?

[Valv]

It can go either way, you can install it yourself if you are handy with these kind of jobs, or you can have a shop doing it.

Let me know if you need anything, I might be able to help you with the hardware. What size and year motor you have ?

[BigWadeS]

I have a 90hp 1984 Evinrude

[Valv]

That's good, you will need just a standard outboard tachometer, not the more spndy System Check.

How's your knowledge of mechanics and electrical ?

It is not a tought job to install it, but if you are not a DIY person with some knowledge it might be a little tougher.

[BigWadeS]

Thanks for the info Valv.

I have done basic wiring before and worked on vehicles and some small engines, not great, but can usually troubleshoot my problems. The reason I am wondering about is I am planning on re-wiring or replacing my fuse/terminal block and the gang switch panel/rocker panel...I just have to have get some experiance at soldering first

[marine_man]

What type of control box do you have? Is it the one that is built into the side of the boat (so all you see is the handle), or is it pretty much screwed to the side of the boat?

If it's just screwed to the side of the boat there probably is an empty connector where the throttle cables run into the control box that Valv probably has a harness for. All you need to do then is mount the Tach in your boat, plug the connector in and connect it to the plug. No extra wiring required.

marine_man

[BigWadeS]

I will have to look at it, I think it is just screwed to the side of the boat, I think.

[Valv]

No problem Wade, I was just trying to be polite and ask a couple of preliminary questions.

To cut it short I should have asked " do you change your own spare tire or you call tow truck ? "

[BigWadeS]

no worries valv, I know you were being polite. Maybe I would only call a tow truck if my muffler bearings go out!

Anyway, when I start my projects once it warms up a little I will be checking with you for some parts I am sure

[Valv]

Thanks Wade, it's been a while I haven't checked my muffler bearings, I have to get to it before open water season starts...

Anyway, let me know when you are ready, it's not very tough to do it, just a couple of wiring jobs and as MarineMan said if you have a sidemount I might have the connector for it.

Start thinking location of it, they are 3 1/4" diameter, and need a 2 7/8"/3" hole to install but wait until you have the gauge.