Sierra International 185737 Power Trim Relay Mercury 87 19761 Review

First Impressions of Sierra International 185737 Power Trim Relay Mercury 87 19761

The Sierra International 185737 Power Trim Relay Mercury 87 19761 isn’t exactly the type of gear that gets the adrenaline pumping like a new rifle or a high-tech GPS watch. It’s a functional component, arguably unglamorous, but absolutely essential for keeping your boat’s trim and tilt system humming smoothly. Sierra International promises a part that meets or exceeds the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards, offering a reliable replacement for the Mercury 87-19761 relay, and is specifically designed for certain 40 HP Mercury outboards.

What prompted me to seek out the Sierra 18-5737 was a frustrating issue with my trusty fishing boat. The trim was acting erratically, sometimes refusing to respond at all, leaving me stranded with a bow plowing through the water. Suspecting a faulty relay, I began the hunt for a dependable replacement.

Upon unboxing, the relay felt solid and well-constructed. The terminals were clean, and the overall appearance suggested a quality component. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be; reliability is paramount here.

Compared to a generic aftermarket relay I considered, the Sierra part seemed a better choice due to Sierra International’s established reputation for marine components. While there were cheaper options, the potential headaches of a low-quality relay weren’t worth the gamble. I chose this Sierra International relay, betting on quality and peace of mind. My first impression was one of cautious optimism – hoping this little component would restore my boat to its former glory.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Sierra International 185737 Power Trim Relay Mercury 87 19761 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Sierra International 185737 Power Trim Relay Mercury 87 19761 was on a crisp morning on Lake Huron. With the new relay installed, I launched the boat, eager to see if my trim issues were resolved. Initially, the trim system responded perfectly.

Raising and lowering the motor was smooth and consistent. There were no hesitations or erratic movements, just the dependable action I expected.

However, about an hour into my fishing trip, a slight drizzle started. The trim system began acting up again, exhibiting the same intermittent issues I had hoped to eliminate. This was a concerning development, suggesting a potential sensitivity to moisture or a deeper underlying problem.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Sierra International 185737 Power Trim Relay Mercury 87 19761 has presented a mixed bag of results. In dry conditions, the relay functions flawlessly, providing smooth and reliable trim control. However, any exposure to moisture, be it rain or even heavy humidity, seems to trigger intermittent failures.

Visually, the relay shows no signs of wear and tear, suggesting decent physical durability. The problem lies in its electrical performance under specific environmental conditions. Compared to my previous relay (the original Mercury part), the Sierra relay’s performance in wet conditions has been underwhelming.

The original Mercury relay, despite its age, handled moisture better. While the Sierra relay works perfectly in dry conditions, the inconsistent performance in even slightly damp environments is a significant disappointment.

Breaking Down the Features of Sierra International 185737 Power Trim Relay Mercury 87 19761

Specifications

The Sierra International 185737 Power Trim Relay Mercury 87 19761 is designed as a direct replacement for the Mercury 87-19761 power trim relay. It’s specifically intended for use with 40 HP (4-cylinder) Mercury outboards with serial numbers 0C159200 and up, particularly when paired with the Sierra 18-6273-1 tilt/trim motor. The relay is a standard four-terminal electrical component, responsible for switching the high-current power to the trim motor based on the signals from the trim switch.

The electrical specifications are crucial for ensuring compatibility and proper function. Without the correct relay, the trim motor might not receive the necessary power, leading to sluggish or non-existent trim operation. The relay’s amperage rating must match or exceed the trim motor’s requirements to prevent overheating and failure.

Performance & Functionality

In ideal conditions (dry weather, stable voltage), the Sierra International 185737 Power Trim Relay Mercury 87 19761 performs its intended function adequately. The trim system responds quickly and smoothly, allowing for precise adjustments to the boat’s angle. However, the relay’s sensitivity to moisture is a significant weakness.

The intermittent failures in wet conditions greatly reduce its reliability and overall usefulness. While it meets the basic requirements of a power trim relay, its inconsistency under real-world boating conditions is a major drawback. It does not consistently meet my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Sierra International 185737 Power Trim Relay Mercury 87 19761 is fairly standard for this type of component. The materials appear to be durable enough for the marine environment, but the internal sealing is questionable given its moisture sensitivity. The relay is lightweight and easy to handle, making installation straightforward.

There’s no significant learning curve involved in replacing the old relay with the Sierra part. The process is simple enough for most boat owners with basic mechanical skills. However, the design falls short in terms of weather resistance.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on its appearance and construction, the Sierra International 185737 Power Trim Relay Mercury 87 19761 seems reasonably durable in terms of physical wear and tear. However, its long-term electrical reliability is questionable, especially considering the moisture issue. Maintaining the relay is virtually non-existent; it’s a sealed unit designed to be replaced rather than repaired.

While it might last for several seasons under ideal conditions, exposure to moisture could significantly shorten its lifespan. Easy replacement doesn’t make up for the inconvenience of frequent replacements, however.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Sierra International 185737 Power Trim Relay Mercury 87 19761 doesn’t come with any accessories. As a direct replacement part, there are no customization options available. Its compatibility with other components is limited to the specific Mercury outboards it’s designed for and the corresponding trim/tilt motor.

There are no avenues for further enhancement or modification. You can only buy and install the relay as intended.

Pros and Cons of Sierra International 185737 Power Trim Relay Mercury 87 19761