DIY: Outboard Hour Meters

As a boating enthusiast, it’s important to take an active interest in the performance and reliability of your outboard motor. Hour meters allow you to monitor usage of the motor and perform maintenance and servicing at the recommended intervals. A do-it-yourself mechanic can set up an hour meter using a 12-volt digital timer you find at appliance or auto parts stores. The timer mounts near the skipper’s station and is wired to the ignition circuit. Hook up an hour meter for your outboard with the boat on a trailer or at dockside.

Things You'll Need

  • 12-volt digital timer
  • Open-end wrench
  • Power drill or cordless drill
  • 3/16-inch drill bit
  • 14-gauge red insulated copper wire
  • 14-gauge black insulated copper wire
  • Wire pliers
  • Crimp-on wire connectors
  • Electrical tape
  • Silicone adhesive
  • Screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the battery cover. Disconnect the negative (black) battery cable from the battery with an open-end wrench. Position the end of the wire away from the negative battery terminal.

    • 2

      Establish a location for the hour meter at the instrument panel or center console. Position a 12-volt digital timer at the desired location and mark the locations of the timer wires with a pencil.

    • 3

      Set up a power drill or cordless drill with a 3/16-inch drill bit. Drill a hole through the panel or console for each timer wire.

    • 4

      Strip 1/2-inch of insulation off the ends of the red and black timer wires. If necessary, cut a cigarette lighter connector or other connector off before stripping the insulation.

    • 5

      String two lengths of 14-gauge insulated copper wire, one red and one black, from the location of the timer to the electrical block below the instrument panel or inside the console. Strip 1/2-inch of insulation off both ends of the wires with wire pliers.

    • 6

      Connect one end of the red and black insulated wires to the corresponding red and black timer wires with crimp-on wire connectors and the pliers. Wrap the connections with electrical tape.

    • 7

      Feed the stripped end of the red and black insulated wires through the 3/16-inch holes at the panel or console. Reach behind the panel or inside the console and pull the wires through as you position the timer at the desired location. Attach the timer to the panel with the provided screws or silicone adhesive.

    • 8

      Trace the path of the red and black wires from the back of the boat’s ignition switch to the main electrical block. Typically, the wires attach to contacts at opposite sides of the block. Loosen each contact screw with a screwdriver.

    • 9

      Attach the ends of the red and black timer wires to the corresponding red and black contacts on the block. Tighten the screws at each contact.

    • 10

      Reconnect the negative cable to the battery. Set the timer to “Zero” using the reset function. Turn on the ignition switch and start the outboard motor to activate the timer.