Every time someone says start an engine, I automatically start thinking about the switch. Ain’t it common for you all as well?

I guess the answer is going to be yes. No matter what your answer is, it’s a definite fact that a switch is a must for starting a vehicle control system.

If you’re a Yamaha outboard user, obviously you know its necessity quite adequately. Sailors have been looking for Yamaha outboard Ignition switch replacement to make the sailing experience better.

But finding the right replacement might be a bit of a hassle. That’s why we tried to help you in this regard. To ease your worry, we thoroughly researched this product.

We invested almost half a month on this and went through at least 70 products. Afterward, we handpicked a few of them and made a shortlist of the ignition switches that will be perfect for your Yamaha outboard.

Our investigation has provided us with some interesting information and thoughtful insights as well. Stick with us till the end to get all of them. These certainly gonna help you in sailing.

Top Recommendations and Products Overview

1. Outboard Single Engine Switch Panel

 

The first product on our list is also from Yamaha. So yeah, the compatibility between the switch and the outboard is quite understandable.

They are made with more or less the same quality of products.

So, this kind of vouchers for the product category as well. But obviously, the brand name didn’t put it on top.

Its distinct qualities have crowned it as the best product on our list.

The first thing that made us a fan of this rotary switch is its versatility. It perfectly fits and works on both 2 strokes and 4 strokes motors.

But in both cases, equip the engine with a 10-pin wiring harness. If you’re wondering why, then you’re on the right track, buddy.

It’s because using this will help your motor to run efficiently. Every sailor wants to run a boat efficiently.

Therefore attaching it would enable them to achieve the goal.

One thing that we missed out on is it‘s the heaviest product on our list. This product is also very large in size.

But you must not worry about it. Because at the same time, this is extremely easy to install and operate.

On top of that, it has a useful feature in implementing choke procedures.

Moreover, the tools that come with it are perfectly designed. So, the attached clamp can easily be used on general maintenance accessories.

Are you wondering what’s so fascinating about it?

Well, this feature makes sure the switch doesn’t get misplaced easily.

After reading the whole, we know, you’ve already got a perception about it. Now you know that this product can be your top choice for replacement even.

This works just fine and doesn’t make a lot of hassle while replacing. A huge plus point, to be honest.

Also, works fast and provides a good quality service. So, check your checklist and decide whether it will suit you or not.

 

2. Yamaha New OEM PANEL

 

As our second product, we’ve got another product from the same brand Yamaha. Just like the previous one, it’s also compatible with your Yamaha outboard.

But apart from this feature, it has more to offer its users.

It’s extremely easy to connect and install. Even though it doesn’t come with a wiring manual, which makes it complicated for the newbies. But the connecting process is pretty easy.

And once you connect it, voila, it’ll run just fine. Moreover, it’s very handy to use. For instance, it might seem a bit smaller for some outboard switch plates.

You can easily move the new switches to the original base plate without any hassle.

Therefore, your work will get done and you won’t have to undergo the struggle of fitting it into your outboard perfectly.

Besides the wire and connectors are really good in quality. They provide long-lasting service. So, investing in this product will make your money worth it.

Last but not the least, the outlook of this switch. Not even exaggerating a bit, this product looks very elegant. So, using it will definitely increase your outboard’s overall outlook.

 

3. SouthMarine Remote Control Box Ignition Switch

 

Time to say hello to the third product on our list. This is a remote control ignition switch with quality performance assurance.

So, excited to know what’s the name of the product?

In the third position, we have the SouthMarine Remote Control Box Ignition Switch. It is compatible with Yamaha 2 stroke and 4 stroke outboard motors. So, choosing it will absolutely be a wise investment.

Because you won’t have to undergo the hassle of whether it fits or not. Moreover, the product quality is praiseworthy. It ensures a good user experience.

Even though it should fit in your Yamaha outboard easily. But please match if its size fits your machine or not beforehand. Just checking the wires will do the work for you.

This product comes with a key attached to it. This key is designed to start the switch in a push to choke system. Besides, the cables are fine in quality and outlook both.

 

4. RUPSE Outboard Engine Key Switch Panel

 

Obviously, you are excited to know what we have next. Well, the wait is over. It’s time to raise the curtain of our fourth product on the list. So, what’s the name of the product?

The product name is RUPSE Outboard Engine Key Switch Panel. It is an aluminum-made switch panel. This product provides a professional-level performance that speaks for its quality.

So, it is well designed and mechanized to provide the best quality service. Moreover, it has original OEM parts. It adds to its ability to ensure better service.

Also, it has a 10 pin wiring harness that makes the switch fittable with 2 strokes and 4 strokes outboards. But did you get the advantage of this feature?

This particular feature makes the switch capable of taking the mechanical shift of 2 & 4 strokes outboards. Therefore, it becomes able to easily cope with the change of power in the outboards.

After the performance and the mechanical shift, let’s focus on the mounting and installation of this switch.

So, the RUPSE ignition switch comes with pre-drilled holes and screws that are perfect for mounting. Therefore, the installation is pretty easy. If you’re still a newbie, trust us, this product will be a perfect pick for you.

Hence, if we think about it thoroughly, the product is very top-notch as a whole. So, check if the product can check your need boxes, then finalize it.

 

5. Sierra Marine Ignition Switch

 

Yes, we’re very close to the end. This is our turn to introduce our last pick. So, which product do we have on our list now?

Well, this product is from one of the renowned marine product brands Sierra. The product name is Sierra Marine Ignition Switch. Even though this is the last product of our few handpicks.

But trust us, we had a hard time ranking them all, and this product is just as good as the others we’ve already discussed.

One thing that we want to mention at the beginning of this product’s description is its lightweight. This is the lightest product on our list and only weighs around 2.72 ounces.

Moreover, the product is quite small and easy to carry in size. On top of this, the construction is also very nicely planned. It is formed in a style called heavy-duty potted construction.

For this feature, the Sierra Marine ignition switch can provide an extra degree of protection to the user. While working with voltages and switches, protection is one of the most important things.

Therefore, choosing this will ease your worry about safety. Besides, it has minimal bleed per circuit. And the key is made in molded umbrella type.

As a whole, the product is quite good at providing good quality service and protection. It’s perfect for OEM replacement and ideal for DFI, EFI, and MPI engines.

So, sort your priorities and needs beforehand, and then try ticking the boxes. If you think this can suit you well, just pick it up.

 

A Brief Idea About Outboard Ignition Switch

As we have discussed so much about ignition switches, it would not be fair if we don’t provide a brief idea about it.

Well, it’s natural that you have wondered what an ignition switch exactly does in your early sailing days. So, we really hope everyone who’s new in this will find this part really helpful.

So, let’s come straight to the point. An ignition switch is like a gate. It gives access to the voltage to reach the ignition system. If it doesn’t allow the power to reach up to that part.

Unfortunately, your boat won’t get started. Most of the time it comes with a key that works as the controller. But there are other types that don’t have a key attached to them as well.

Be it any of the above-mentioned types, the main point is it helps to start your motor. And therefore, it’s really really important, even though it seems like a small part.

How Does A Boat Ignition Switch Work?

We have already got a huge explanation about all of our handpicked products. Now is the time we elaborate a bit on the product type in general. So, as you are familiar with boating, sailing and fishing obviously you’ve got some prior ideas.

But a lot of people lack in-depth knowledge about ignition switches and how they work. Hence, I thought about elaborating a bit on this.

If we start with its mechanism, this is actually the part that starts the outboard engine. Basically, it carries the voltage power to the engine when we intend to start it.

This part is run by a key, as we have already mentioned several times before. The switch in most cases has three major rotating positions. These positions work differently to start off the engine.

The rotating switch can command the engine and starter motor. Moreover, these push switches work as a priming circuit to aid in engine starting.

Also, the terminal identifiers used on the switch follow a historical legend. Moreover, there is a color-coding system that helps in identifying.

What gives power to the ignition switch?

An ignition switch is a switch that controls the electrical current that flows to the starter motor. The starter motor is what turns the engine over, so the ignition switch must be able to provide enough power to get the engine started.

There are two main types of ignition switches: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical ignition switches use a simple set of contacts to complete the circuit, while electronic ignition switches use transistors or other electronic components to control the flow of current.

The most important factor in determining the power of an ignition switch is the amperage rating. This is a measure of how much current the switch can handle without being damaged. For most cars, the amperage rating will be between 10 and 20 amps.

How To Identify A Faulty Ignition Switch?

Now that we have known about the ignition switch’s working process, we should proceed on to the next step.

So, what’s next?

Well, we think that it’s really important to know when you need the replacement. Therefore, it’s a must to know about the identification of faulty ignition switches.

As the switch mainly connects the multimeter with the power supply, checking the multimeter is the ultimate way actually. So, these steps can be followed in this regard:

1. Place the red probe on the engine starter’s positive and the black probe on the engine ground and then turn in the DC Voltage.
2. Now turn the ignition switch and read the voltage.
3. Your starter voltage is okay which is more than 9.5 volts but still, your boat fails to start, maybe your switch is faulty.
4. But if the voltage is less than 9.5 there might be some issues in your starter as well.

So, this is how you can check your switch. Moreover, at times you might face spark or other problems as well which indicates a problematic switch.

Can You Bypass The Ignition Switch?

This is one last but one of the most important questions that we want to answer before ending. So, a lot of people think that they can bypass the Ignition switch. They even consider it as a better solution than replacing it.

But let us be honest on this. The reality speaks otherwise. Bypassing the ignition switch is a lot of hassle if we become straight.

It’s not an easy task like installing the switch as per the manual’s guide. Because none of the manufacturer’s guides will suggest this. So what’s the way?

Basically, this task requires a lot of technical knowledge and expertise. This is literally bypassing work. Like you have to convince your gadget to function without a necessary part.

So, even though this sounds very thrilling and fun, it’s a risky job and has a lot of hassles associated with it. You better just replace it. Because firstly, it’s easy. And secondly, it’s safe.

Bypassing might lead to consequences if it fails for some reason. So, we will always suggest you replace it rather than play a risky game.

FAQs

What is the life expectancy of a Yamaha outboard?

The life expectancy of a Yamaha outboard isn’t any constant number. It varies on the outboard model and its efficiency. Moreover, your usage and treatment also change the number to some extent. But a general assumption about this outboard ranges between 15000 to 30000 hours.

Which is better 2-stroke or 4-stroke outboard motor?

If we are looking for a more efficient outboard then a 4-stroke outboard is better. It’s able to provide more efficiency than 2-stroke ones. As per some experts, 4-stroke motors are 50% better than 2-stroke ones. They create fewer noises, so you’ll enjoy a much quieter ride.

Why does my outboard motor sputter?

When your boat engine sputters or loses power this indicates filter or plug-related issues. The main solution for this problem can be replacing the in-line fuel filter.

What happens if the ignition switch goes bad?

When your ignition switch goes bad it cuts the ignition power off. It even cuts off the fuel systems as well. As a result, the engine gets stalled. In some cases, without replacing or repairing the switch it’s even impossible to run the engine again.

What is the difference between an ignition switch and an ignition cylinder?

These two are not the same things. They are in most cases different components that can be installed or repaired individually. The switch is an electrical portion that can send a powerful signal to the vehicle. On the other hand, the ignition cylinder is the mechanical tumbler your key slides into.

Parting Words

It’s time to part way, my friend. We’ve reached the end of this post. Really hope that this long info-packed article helps you to find Yamaha outboard ignition switch replacement.

So, replace your ignition switch and start a thrilling sailing mission. Wishing you a safe and smooth experience. Until next time, happy fishing.