5 Best Single Lever Throttle Shifters For Small Pontoon Boats For Effortless Cruising

You’re easing your pontoon toward the dock, a light crosswind pushing you just a bit faster than you’d like. You pull back on the throttle, but the old, stiff lever sticks, then lurches into neutral, killing your momentum. A simple upgrade—the right single lever throttle shifter—transforms this stressful moment into a smooth, controlled maneuver, making every part of your day on the water more enjoyable.

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Why Upgrade Your Pontoon’s Throttle Shifter?

The control shifter is your primary connection to your boat’s engine. It’s the difference between a jerky, frustrating ride and a smooth, intuitive one. Many smaller or older pontoons come with basic, clunky controls that have sloppy detents and require a lot of force, making fine adjustments for docking or trolling nearly impossible.

Upgrading to a modern single-lever control is one of the most significant quality-of-life improvements you can make. A quality shifter provides crisp, positive shifts into forward, neutral, and reverse, so you always know exactly what gear you’re in. It gives you precise throttle control, allowing you to hold a perfect cruising speed or dial in the exact RPMs for a slow crawl back to the slip. This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about confidence and safety, especially in tight quarters.

Think of it like the faucet in a tiny home. A cheap one is stiff and splashes everywhere, but a good one gives you perfect control over temperature and flow, making a small sink feel more functional. Your boat’s shifter is no different. It’s a small component that has an outsized impact on your entire experience.

Key Features in a Single Lever Pontoon Control

When you start looking at shifters, the options can seem overwhelming. But for a pontoon, a few key features make all the difference. Focusing on these will help you cut through the noise and find the right fit for your helm.

The most important features are the ones that enhance safety and ease of use. A single-lever design is non-negotiable for most pontooners; it combines shift and throttle into one handle for simple, one-handed operation. Here’s what else to look for:

• Neutral Safety Switch: This is a critical safety feature. It prevents the engine from starting while it’s in gear, which could cause the boat to lurch forward unexpectedly.
• Throttle Friction Adjustment: A small screw or knob lets you add tension to the throttle lever. This is fantastic for cruising, as it holds your speed steady without you needing to constantly apply pressure to the handle.
• Side Mount Design: Most pontoon consoles are best suited for a side-mount control. It keeps the helm clean and uncluttered, preserving valuable dash space for gauges or a fish finder.
• Ergonomic Handle with Trim/Tilt: Many modern controls integrate the power trim and tilt switch directly into the handle. This allows you to adjust the engine’s angle with your thumb without ever taking your hand off the throttle—a huge benefit for performance and fuel economy.

SeaStar CH1751P: A Reliable Side Mount Option

If you’re looking for a bulletproof, no-nonsense workhorse, the SeaStar (formerly Teleflex) CH1751P is it. This is one of the most common and trusted side-mount controls on the market for a reason. It’s built from a heavy-duty chrome-plated zinc alloy that stands up to the marine environment without complaint.

The beauty of the CH1751P is its simplicity and broad compatibility. It’s designed to work with standard 3300/33C type control cables, which are the industry standard for many outboard brands. This makes it an excellent choice for repowers or for boats with older, non-proprietary engines. The action is firm and the detents for forward, neutral, and reverse are unmistakable. You feel a solid "clunk" as it goes into gear.

This control doesn’t have the flashy Italian styling or integrated trim switches of more expensive models. But what it does have is decades of proven reliability. It’s the kind of component you install and forget about, which is often the highest praise you can give to a piece of marine equipment. For the pontoon owner who values function over form, this is a top contender.

Uflex B310: Sleek Italian Design and Function

For the pontoon owner who appreciates a clean, modern helm, the Uflex B310 offers a significant step up in both aesthetics and ergonomics. Made in Italy, this control has a sleek, low-profile design that looks right at home on a newer boat. It swaps the traditional boxy shape for smooth, flowing lines that just feel good in your hand.

The B310 isn’t just about looks. It features a pull-out handle that disengages the shift mechanism, allowing you to rev the engine in neutral for easy warm-ups—a simple but incredibly useful feature. The throttle action is exceptionally smooth, and it can be configured with an optional trim/tilt switch conveniently located on the handle for thumb-tip control.

The main tradeoff is a slightly higher price point, but you’re getting a premium feel and enhanced functionality. If you’ve invested in upgrading your pontoon’s seating and flooring, a control like the Uflex B310 completes the package. It’s a tactile upgrade that makes operating your boat feel more like driving a modern car than a classic tractor.

Mercury 8M0059686: Perfect for Mercury Engines

If your pontoon is powered by a Mercury outboard, using a Mercury-branded control is almost always the smartest move. The 8M0059686 side mount remote control is designed to work seamlessly with modern Mercury engines, eliminating any guesswork with compatibility. Everything just plugs in and works as intended.

This control is a perfect example of system synergy. It features an integrated trim/tilt switch right on the handle, a push-to-choke ignition switch, and a 15-foot harness with the correct Deutsch connector to plug directly into the engine. It also includes the lanyard-style emergency stop switch for safety. You get all the features the engine was designed to have, all in one package.

While you can sometimes use an aftermarket control with an adapter, you risk losing functionality or dealing with frustrating installation headaches. Sticking with the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) control ensures you get the smooth, precise response and all the integrated features your Mercury engine offers. It’s the path of least resistance to a perfect setup.

Yamaha 703 Remote: The Outboard Standard

The Yamaha 703 Side Mount Remote Control is an icon in the boating world. If you’ve spent any time around boats with Yamaha outboards, you’ve seen this controller. Its design has been refined over decades, and it’s known for being incredibly durable, reliable, and user-friendly. For any pontoon powered by a compatible Yamaha, this is the gold standard.

What makes the 703 so popular is its thoughtful, all-in-one design. The key switch, emergency stop lanyard, and push-button warm-up feature are all built right into the housing. The thumb-operated trim and tilt switch on the handle is perfectly placed and easy to use while underway. It’s a complete command station that feels intuitive from the moment you first use it.

Like the Mercury control, the primary benefit here is guaranteed compatibility. It’s designed by Yamaha, for Yamaha. The internal mechanisms and electrical connections are purpose-built for their outboards, ensuring flawless operation year after year. While it might look a bit dated compared to some sleek aftermarket options, its reputation for never letting you down is unmatched.

BRP 5006180: For Evinrude & Johnson Outboards

Even though Evinrude is no longer producing new engines, there are thousands of reliable E-TEC and older Johnson/Evinrude outboards powering pontoons across the country. For these boats, the BRP 5006180 side mount control is the correct OEM choice. BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) is the parent company, and this control is engineered specifically for their engines’ unique systems.

This control is essential for getting the most out of an Evinrude E-TEC. It integrates with the engine’s EMM (Engine Management Module) to support features like neutral warm-up mode and to display system check warnings if you have the corresponding gauges. Using a generic control might get you forward and reverse, but you’ll lose that crucial diagnostic feedback.

The handle is comfortable, the trim switch is well-placed, and the entire unit is built to withstand the elements. If you’re replacing a worn-out control on a Johnson or Evinrude-powered pontoon, investing in the proper BRP unit is the best way to maintain the boat’s reliability and integrated features. It’s about ensuring the whole system communicates correctly.

Installation Tips for Your New Pontoon Shifter

Swapping out a throttle control is a very manageable DIY project, but a few key details can make the difference between a quick success and a frustrating afternoon. Getting it right ensures your new shifter feels as smooth as it was designed to be.

First and foremost, measure for your new control cables twice and order once. To get the right length, run a measuring tape along the exact path the cables will follow from the shifter to the engine. Add about three to four feet to allow for a wide, sweeping turn at the engine without any sharp kinks. A cable that’s too short is useless, and one that’s too long can create slack and lead to sloppy shifting.

Before you start, disconnect the boat’s battery. This is a non-negotiable safety step. Once the old control is out, mount the new one and connect the cables at both the shifter and the engine. Before you secure everything, have a helper watch the engine while you move the lever. Confirm that the shifter moves the throttle and shift linkages on the engine through their full range of motion. You should clearly see the engine shift from neutral to forward, and the throttle should go from idle to wide open.

Finally, don’t force anything. The cables should move freely without binding. If you feel resistance, check your cable routing for sharp bends or pinch points. A smooth installation will result in a smooth-feeling control at the helm.

Upgrading your pontoon’s throttle shifter isn’t just about replacing a part; it’s about refining the entire experience of being on the water. It’s a simple change that pays dividends every time you leave the dock, navigate a crowded channel, or glide into your slip. By choosing a control that fits your boat, your engine, and your style, you’re investing in smoother, safer, and more effortless cruising for years to come.