Catalina 320 Replacing Throttle Cable

[JibeMama]

We have a 1997 Catalina 320. The throttle control is hard to move. We want to replace the cable and the transmission cable while we are at it. First off we have been unable to talk to any "live" person at Catalina Yachts for a week now. We need to know the specifics of the cables and how to remove the compass. There are no screws holding the compass so it is a mystery on how to remove it. Any help would be appreciated. Also if you know how to actually talk to someone at Catalina tech support or parts it would be nice to know.
Thanks!

 

[Calif. Ted]

Remove the 2 small screws holding the black plastic housing for the compass light, you can then lift up the light and the stainless cover to access the 4 long screws holding the body together. This video shows a later model but shows you what is inside. Do be sure it's the cables that are binding before replacing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYkW1bxiNis&list=UUq9O8Dtlp0UGEtnSyV0ISHw&index=18

 

[Donnybrook]

Your cables probably just need to be lubricated. Remove the compass. Yours might be slightly different than the one in the video, but the idea is just the same. Get a 4oz bottle of Break-Free from any place that sells gun lube. Put the little red straw in the top and shake it. Apply a couple of drops to each cable and let it run down. After about an hour do it again for about 5 times. Also, lube the engine stop cable. While your at it, put a drop of 30 weight on the the wheel shaft and chain. You will be amazed at the improvement.

 

[Glenn17467]

Something else to check. My 84 C30 throttle and shift were hard to move. Turned out to be the delrin bushings at the levers. Pedistal is Edson. Changed these in 2004 and are still working smoothly. Since yours is a 97, this may not be the case, but try this. Disconnect the cables from the levers, move the cable then the lever. If cables are free moving and lever is stiff, this indicates problem in lever bushing. I lever is free and cable stiff, cable problem or linkage.