Shift lever cable broke/separated on my Hunter 33.5 somewhere between the shift lever and the engine compartment. Any suggestions on how to locate and repair the problem?
Broken shift lever cable.
- Thread starter palmbeachboater
- Start date
If it hasn't separated from the controls at either end I believe you'll need to replace the cable. I suppose it could be spliced within the jacket but that would be difficult and not very secure.
You can get a replacement cable on this site. If the sheathing of yourcable is intact, you can disconnect both ends, then tape the engine end of the new cable to the lever end of the old cable, and then pull the old cable from the engine end and pull it through....or vice versa. It may be tricky at bends and narrow openings...so yu may have to "work it" in some spots. Try and get as smooth and small diameter tape connection as you can...and spray it with McLube so it will slide easily.
The cable should have 2 stationary attachment points (one inside the pedestal) assuming it is a YS pedestal and another at the engine/transmission. The one inside the pedestal can be a little tricky to R/R the cables. There is also a fitting inside the pedestal that you will need to remove from lever. Then remove the attachment from the transmission.
It is best if you can attach a fish line to the cable housing when you pull it out. This will make it easier to install the new cable. Each boat is slightly different so hopefully someone with a H'33 or H'33.5 of this era can also give you some suggestions. You may also want to consider replacing the throttle cable at the same time (not necessary).
These cables are available from the store on this website.
It is best if you can attach a fish line to the cable housing when you pull it out. This will make it easier to install the new cable. Each boat is slightly different so hopefully someone with a H'33 or H'33.5 of this era can also give you some suggestions. You may also want to consider replacing the throttle cable at the same time (not necessary).
These cables are available from the store on this website.
What exactly is happening that you think that the cable has broken. I ask this because a month ago, my throttle started not putting engine to proper RPM. I assumed that maybe the cable was finally stretching to the point of breaking.. I happen to be sailing down by Jonesport, so I stopped into the Hamilton Marine store to get me a new cable, well with all the options available, I went back to boat to verify... Only to finally realize, I had loosened up a screw on the back side of steering column, to mount my new knife, not realising that this screw was actually holding the cable end in place, and by loosening it, it made the cable slip, thus not engaging my engine to proper RPM.. I know long story, but what if you did this as well.... Saved me 400 bucks and hours of work....