Can I convert from tiller to remote later?

On some motors, yes. Mercury offers remote conversion kits for certain models. However, it's usually more cost-effective to buy the right configuration initially.

Is tiller harder to learn?

It's different, not harder. Most people adapt quickly. Steering is reversed from what car-drivers expect, but it becomes intuitive with practice.

What's the biggest motor available in tiller?

Mercury offers tiller steering from small portable motors through select 40-115 HP FourStroke and SeaPro models with the Advanced Tiller system. Above that range, remote steering is the normal setup. The right choice depends less on the maximum HP and more on the hull, driver position, workload, and how the boat is used.

Can I have both tiller and remote?

Not simultaneously. Some boats with kicker motors have remote main motor and tiller kicker, giving the benefits of both in different situations.

Can I convert my Mercury outboard from tiller to remote steering later?

Yes, you can convert most Mercury outboards from tiller to remote steering if the motor supports both configurations. A remote conversion requires a steering kit, helm controls, and installation labour, typically $500-$1,500+ in parts and labour. It costs less to spec it correctly upfront than to retrofit later. If you're considering a conversion, ask Harris Boat Works to quote it before you decide, it may be easier to order the remote-configured motor directly. Call 905-342-2153.

Is tiller steering harder to learn than remote steering?

Tiller is not harder to learn, it's different. The main adjustment is that tiller steering is reverse-intuitive: pushing the handle right turns the bow left. Most new tiller operators get comfortable within one or two outings. After that, many prefer it for the directness and feedback. The only situation where tiller gets challenging is at high speeds with powerful motors, which is exactly when remote steering makes more sense anyway.

What's the biggest Mercury motor available in tiller configuration?

Mercury offers tiller steering from small portable motors through select 40-115 HP FourStroke and SeaPro models with the Advanced Tiller system. Above that range, remote steering is the normal setup. The right choice depends less on the maximum HP and more on the hull, driver position, workload, and how the boat is used. The Mercury 60HP EFI Command Thrust in tiller is a popular choice for 16-18ft aluminum boats on Rice Lake.

Can I have both tiller and remote steering on the same outboard motor?

No, a single outboard motor is configured for one control type, either tiller or remote, not both simultaneously. On some specialized fishing boat setups, dual-control rigging exists (side mount tiller extension plus a remote), but this is not a standard configuration. If your use case requires steering from multiple positions, a second motor (such as a ProKicker trolling motor) or purpose-built dual-control rigging is the practical answer.

What is the cost difference between tiller and remote steering on a Mercury outboard?

A tiller-configured Mercury outboard is typically less expensive than the remote-steering version of the same HP motor. However, a remote setup requires additional components, steering system, helm controls, throttle/shift box, adding cost. For a complete rigging comparison on a 60HP motor, a tiller setup is often $800-$1,500 less expensive total than a fully rigged remote setup with hydraulic steering. Build a quote at mercuryrepower.ca/quote/motor-selection and call 905-342-2153 for full rigging cost.

Is tiller or remote steering better for fishing on Rice Lake?

For fishing on Rice Lake specifically, tiller is the choice of most serious anglers. Rice Lake is shallow and weedy, precise boat positioning matters. Tiller lets you stand at the transom, keep your eyes on the sonar and water ahead, and make immediate course corrections without looking at the helm. Remote steering makes more sense on Rice Lake for family trips, longer runs, or if your boat is 18ft or larger and needs a console for passenger seating.

Does Mercury offer electronic or digital tiller steering?

Mercury does not currently offer fully electronic or steer-by-wire tiller systems, the tiller remains a direct mechanical connection to the motor. However, Mercury's tiller-equipped motors do integrate with the SmartCraft digital ecosystem via Bluetooth: VesselView Mobile shows engine data, maintenance schedules, and trip information on a smartphone. The result is mechanical simplicity at the control point with digital monitoring on your phone.

Is hydraulic steering worth it on a Mercury outboard, and what does it cost?

Hydraulic steering is worth it for motors 115HP and above, where cable steering becomes fatiguing and imprecise. For motors 150HP and above, hydraulic steering is essentially required. The cost adds roughly $800-$1,500 CAD to rigging cost depending on the system and installation. For motors under 115HP, a good-quality cable steering system is adequate. Harris Boat Works specs the right steering for your motor and hull during the rigging process, call 905-342-2153.

Which Mercury tiller motor is best for a 16-foot aluminum boat on a Kawartha lake?

For a 16-foot aluminum boat on Rice Lake or the Kawarthas, the Mercury 60HP EFI Command Thrust in tiller is the most popular choice. The Command Thrust version has higher prop thrust than the standard 60HP, which helps get heavier loads on plane quickly, useful when carrying two or three people plus gear. It also handles the variable conditions on Kawartha lakes well: enough power for open-water runs, manageable at slow speed in the weeds, and reliable EFI cold-starts every morning.

Tiller vs Remote Steering Outboard: Which to Choose (2026)

Last reviewed: 2026-05-07 --- > Quick answer: Tiller is right for small boats under 16 ft, kicker motors, and solo fishing where you sit at the back. Remote control is right for console boats, family use, and anything where the operator is at the helm, not the transom. The...

Mercury Platinum Dealer·Family-owned since 1947·Mercury dealer since 1965·Gores Landing, ON·Quote builder available

Last reviewed: 2026-05-07

Quick answer: Tiller is right for small boats under 16 ft, kicker motors, and solo fishing where you sit at the back. Remote control is right for console boats, family use, and anything where the operator is at the helm, not the transom. The line is usually around 15–20 HP and 14–16 ft hull length. Configure either at mercuryrepower.ca.

Mercury control type decision

Tiller-steer or remote-helm Mercury?

More than just where the stick goes. The tiller-vs-remote decision changes how you fish, how you drive, and how you trailer. Here's how to pick.

Tiller-steer

You fish solo or 1-2 people and want to spot-cast from the back of the boat
You run a 14-18 ft aluminum tin boat (Lund WC, Princecraft Holiday, Legend Tin)
You like having open deck space in the front of the boat
You don't need bilge gauges, fancy electronics, or a wheel
20 to 60 HP range, no bigger

Cheapest, lightest, fewer parts to break. Perfect for back-trolling and casting. Mercury 20-60 HP tiller, $4,500-$9,500 installed.

Remote helm

You run with passengers, family, or kids who need a windshield to hide behind
You're 16-22+ ft and want gauges, electronics, livewell controls at your fingertips
You go further from the launch and value sitting forward at speed
You want power steering, hydraulic trim, SmartCraft displays
60 HP and up, especially 90 HP+

More comfortable, more capable, more expensive. Mercury 90 HP remote with mechanical controls, $14K-$17K installed. Add $2-4K for full SmartCraft / hydraulic upgrade.

When in doubt:If your boat has a built-in console with windshield, you want remote. If your boat is a tin with bench seats and no console, you want tiller. The middle case (14-16 ft with console) goes either way; we usually push remote on those, because it ages better as kids and gear pile in.

The simple version

Most small boats want tiller. Most bigger boats want remote control. The question isn't complicated unless you're in the crossover zone, which is 14 to 16-foot hulls in the 25 to 40 HP range.

We sell both configurations at HBW. The decision comes down to honest analysis of how you use the boat. Solo fishing where you sit in the back wants tiller. Family fishing where the operator is at the helm wants remote. Crossover cases are where it gets harder.

What changes the answer

Hull length. Under 14 ft: tiller almost always. 14–16 ft: depends. 16 ft and up: remote almost always.

HP class. 2.5–20 HP: tiller almost always. 25–40 HP: either. 50+ HP: remote almost always (some 60 HP tiller configurations exist for specific applications).

Console or no console. Console boats almost always want remote, the console exists for the helm position.

Use case. Solo fishing favors tiller; family use and passenger interaction favors remote.

Personal preference. Some experienced solo anglers prefer the direct feel of tiller even on bigger boats. It's a legitimate call.

When tiller is clearly right

Small tin boats (10–14 ft) without a console
Solo fishing where the operator sits at the back
Kicker motors on bigger boats, the 9.9 ProKicker tiller is the classic Rice Lake walleye setup
Sailboat auxiliaries
Dinghies and yacht tenders

The clear no for tiller:

Console boats over 16 ft, the helm exists; tiller is awkward from it
Family boats where the captain needs to talk to people up front
Higher HP motors (50+ HP) where the tiller becomes physically demanding

When remote control is clearly right

Console boats over 16 ft, standard configuration
Family fishing and recreation
Bigger HP main motors (90+ HP)
Pontoons, the helm seat and remote control is the standard pontoon configuration
Any boat with a hardtop or T-top where the helm is away from the transom

The clear no for remote:

Very small boats (10–14 ft) without a console, adds cost and complexity for no functional gain
Kicker applications where direct tiller control is preferred
Sailboat auxiliaries where remote rigging is unnecessarily complex

Get the printable PDF

Free 13-page inspection guide.

Download the PDF

The crossover zone: 14–16 ft hulls, 25–40 HP

This is where it gets honest:

Tiller advantages in this size class:

Lower total cost, no rigging cables, no helm controls
Simpler installation, drop-in vs. full rigging
Direct fishing control for solo or two-person use
Lighter overall weight

Remote advantages in this size class:

Better passenger interaction, captain can talk to people up front
More comfortable for long runs, sit at the helm vs. crouch at the transom
Better visibility from the helm position
Standard expectation for family-oriented boats in this size

We see customers go either way on this size class. The deciding factor is almost always use case, solo fishing often stays tiller; family use usually goes remote.

You can build a live CAD quote for your repower online at Mercury Repower Centre.

Tiller variants

Standard tiller: Manual or electric start. Throttle and shift integrated into the tiller arm. Standard on portable Mercury motors.

Power tiller: Power tilt/trim assist via a switch on the tiller handle. Common on bigger tiller motors (40+ HP). Adds cost but reduces operator effort, worth it on motors you're running for long periods.

High-thrust tiller (ProKicker variants): Built specifically for fishing kicker applications. High-thrust gearcase, larger prop, longer shaft for big-boat transoms. See the ProKicker guide for details.

Remote control variants

Mechanical remote control: Cable-driven throttle, shift, and steering. Standard on most non-DTS Mercury setups. Reliable, serviceable, lower cost.

Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS): Electronic throttle and shift, no cable wear, smoother operation. Available on higher-HP Mercury motors (generally 150 HP and up). More refined feel.

Cable vs hydraulic steering:

Cable: Standard on smaller motors (under 90 HP). Direct, simple, lower cost.
Hydraulic: Standard on bigger motors (90 HP and up). Easier feel at speed, more comfortable for long runs.
Power-assist: Available on some high-HP applications. Easiest feel, most refined.

We rig both at HBW. Specific recommendations depend on motor HP and how you use the boat.

Common mistakes

Ready to choose?

Build a quote at mercuryrepower.ca, live pricing in CAD with full configuration options for both tiller and remote. Or call 905-342-2153 and we'll walk through what's right for your boat.

FAQ

Should I get a tiller or remote-control Mercury? Boats under 14 ft and small fishing applications: tiller. Console boats over 16 ft and family use: remote. The 14–16 ft crossover zone depends on use case, solo fishing often stays tiller; family use goes remote.

What's the biggest tiller Mercury available? Mercury makes tiller variants up to about 60 HP in select models. Above 60 HP, remote control is the standard. Tiller at high HP is physically demanding and uncommon.

Is tiller cheaper than remote control? Yes, typically by the cost of rigging cables, helm controls, and console hardware. The savings are meaningful on small to mid-HP motors.

Can I convert from tiller to remote control later? Yes, but it's a significant project, new helm controls, new rigging cables, possibly a new console structure. Most cost-effective to make this decision at the time of a planned repower.

Can I troll with a tiller motor? Yes, easily. Tiller is actually preferred for trolling because direct speed and direction control is highly responsive. The 9.9 ProKicker tiller is the classic Ontario walleye fishing setup.

What's Digital Throttle and Shift? DTS is Mercury's electronic throttle and shift system, replaces cable controls with electronic actuation. Smoother operation, no cable wear. Available on higher-HP Mercury motors, generally 150 HP and up.

Does a tiller motor have throttle and shift integrated? Yes. The tiller arm includes throttle (rotating handle) and shift (forward, neutral, reverse selector), integrated into the arm.

Can I add a tiller kicker to a remote-control main motor boat? Common configuration. The main motor uses remote control from the helm; the kicker is a separate tiller motor for trolling speed control. Works well for fishing boats.

Ready to price it out? Build a live CAD quote for your repower online at the Mercury Repower Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert from tiller to remote later?: On some motors, yes. Mercury offers remote conversion kits for certain models. However, it's usually more cost-effective to buy the right configuration initially.
Is tiller harder to learn?: It's different, not harder. Most people adapt quickly. Steering is reversed from what car-drivers expect, but it becomes intuitive with practice.
What's the biggest motor available in tiller?: Mercury offers tiller steering from small portable motors through select 40-115 HP FourStroke and SeaPro models with the Advanced Tiller system. Above that range, remote steering is the normal setup. The right choice depends less on the maximum HP and more on the hull, driver position, workload, and how the boat is used.
Can I have both tiller and remote?: Not simultaneously. Some boats with kicker motors have remote main motor and tiller kicker, giving the benefits of both in different situations.
Can I convert my Mercury outboard from tiller to remote steering later?: Yes, you can convert most Mercury outboards from tiller to remote steering if the motor supports both configurations. A remote conversion requires a steering kit, helm controls, and installation labour, typically $500-$1,500+ in parts and labour. It costs less to spec it correctly upfront than to retrofit later. If you're considering a conversion, ask Harris Boat Works to quote it before you decide, it may be easier to order the remote-configured motor directly. Call 905-342-2153.
Is tiller steering harder to learn than remote steering?: Tiller is not harder to learn, it's different. The main adjustment is that tiller steering is reverse-intuitive: pushing the handle right turns the bow left. Most new tiller operators get comfortable within one or two outings. After that, many prefer it for the directness and feedback. The only situation where tiller gets challenging is at high speeds with powerful motors, which is exactly when remote steering makes more sense anyway.
What's the biggest Mercury motor available in tiller configuration?: Mercury offers tiller steering from small portable motors through select 40-115 HP FourStroke and SeaPro models with the Advanced Tiller system. Above that range, remote steering is the normal setup. The right choice depends less on the maximum HP and more on the hull, driver position, workload, and how the boat is used. The Mercury 60HP EFI Command Thrust in tiller is a popular choice for 16-18ft aluminum boats on Rice Lake.
Can I have both tiller and remote steering on the same outboard motor?: No, a single outboard motor is configured for one control type, either tiller or remote, not both simultaneously. On some specialized fishing boat setups, dual-control rigging exists (side mount tiller extension plus a remote), but this is not a standard configuration. If your use case requires steering from multiple positions, a second motor (such as a ProKicker trolling motor) or purpose-built dual-control rigging is the practical answer.
What is the cost difference between tiller and remote steering on a Mercury outboard?: A tiller-configured Mercury outboard is typically less expensive than the remote-steering version of the same HP motor. However, a remote setup requires additional components, steering system, helm controls, throttle/shift box, adding cost. For a complete rigging comparison on a 60HP motor, a tiller setup is often $800-$1,500 less expensive total than a fully rigged remote setup with hydraulic steering. Build a quote at mercuryrepower.ca/quote/motor-selection and call 905-342-2153 for full rigging cost.
Is tiller or remote steering better for fishing on Rice Lake?: For fishing on Rice Lake specifically, tiller is the choice of most serious anglers. Rice Lake is shallow and weedy, precise boat positioning matters. Tiller lets you stand at the transom, keep your eyes on the sonar and water ahead, and make immediate course corrections without looking at the helm. Remote steering makes more sense on Rice Lake for family trips, longer runs, or if your boat is 18ft or larger and needs a console for passenger seating.
Does Mercury offer electronic or digital tiller steering?: Mercury does not currently offer fully electronic or steer-by-wire tiller systems, the tiller remains a direct mechanical connection to the motor. However, Mercury's tiller-equipped motors do integrate with the SmartCraft digital ecosystem via Bluetooth: VesselView Mobile shows engine data, maintenance schedules, and trip information on a smartphone. The result is mechanical simplicity at the control point with digital monitoring on your phone.
Is hydraulic steering worth it on a Mercury outboard, and what does it cost?: Hydraulic steering is worth it for motors 115HP and above, where cable steering becomes fatiguing and imprecise. For motors 150HP and above, hydraulic steering is essentially required. The cost adds roughly $800-$1,500 CAD to rigging cost depending on the system and installation. For motors under 115HP, a good-quality cable steering system is adequate. Harris Boat Works specs the right steering for your motor and hull during the rigging process, call 905-342-2153.
Which Mercury tiller motor is best for a 16-foot aluminum boat on a Kawartha lake?: For a 16-foot aluminum boat on Rice Lake or the Kawarthas, the Mercury 60HP EFI Command Thrust in tiller is the most popular choice. The Command Thrust version has higher prop thrust than the standard 60HP, which helps get heavier loads on plane quickly, useful when carrying two or three people plus gear. It also handles the variable conditions on Kawartha lakes well: enough power for open-water runs, manageable at slow speed in the weeds, and reliable EFI cold-starts every morning.

Harris Boat Works · 5369 Harris Boat Works Rd, Gores Landing, ON · (905) 342-2153

See all Mercury outboard prices (CAD) · Repower guide · FAQ