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My 2007 90 hp Merc 4 stroke is a bit on the rough side shifting ... not a real clear detent from N to F and N to R. Actually is pretty nasty especially in tight docking situations. Had a chance to take the controls of a 24' Pursuit with electronic shifter and electronic power steering (Yamaha 300) and it was an absolute joy to handle.

Any upgrade recommendations / possibilities for the standard Merc controls? Worst part of the boat operation ... sure wish Whaler had a Yamaha relationship rather than the Mercury subsidiary.

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Reports of poor behavior and vaugue Neutral position has long been a complaint of Mercury outboard owners.

I do not recall the current generation of electronic binnacles is compatible with your model year of engine.

You might consider going to a universal shifter instead.

Teleflex Morse makes a very smooth shifter that is compatible with your engine. It will require mounting a trim switch on the dash.

https://www.jamestowndistributors.com...tail/14167

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Thanks for the link ... how much impact do the throttle / shifter cables have on the "smoothness" of the shifting? I did read in one blog that Whaler had a "base" cable set and then a "premium" higher quality set?

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Have also read some comments from people who replaced the Merc shifter with the Yamaha 704 shifter (which does have the trim button on it). Would the Teleflex MT3 be better than the Yamaha unit? Teleflex Extreme 3300 cables are highly recommended (and there is a Yamaha equivalent Premier II).

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The Yamaha 704 is very nice. I had one on two of my boats.

The cables are not Whaler branded rather Teleflex. They have two versions, many recommend the Extreme. I have run the basic cables on 3 boats for 20 years. No complaints.

As for the shifter and cables, it is a question of the "ends" of the cables. Each cable needs the proper end for the shifter and the engine.

See this for example.
https://www.wholesalemarine.com/searc...ttle+cable

You just need to ensure you get the proper end of the shifter you pick and the ends for the engine.

Also, if you select the Yamaha shifter, you will need to map the trim circuit wiring in the harness to the proper pins in the Shifter harness.

A Yamaha shop can help you with that.

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The Teleflex Extreme cables were recommended by one guy along with the Teleflex MT-3 shifter. Have you used a MT3? How does it compare with the Yamaha 704? I like the idea of the shifter knob rather than the "handle" format. Seems like it would be easier to put the trim switch on the dash than rewiring a harness for the trim button on the 704.

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All the old Whaler's in the 60's and early 70's had the Morse.

It is a great design and has not changed since then.

I have operated several boats with Morse shifters. Smooth.

I do think it will be easier to wire the separate trim switch.