Control Cables - Edson Pedestal

[NYSail]

Hello all....

One of my projects is replacing steeling chain /cable and break assembly in my Edson Pedestal n(1986 vintage). While I am in there with everything else out I am contemplating the throttle and gear shift cables as well. I see the attachments and understand how to run them.... but just wanted to know if there are any things one should be aware of when changing. Are there a lot of adjustments that need to be made after instillation? I have all parts except the shifter/throttle cables.... any suggestions where to purchase. Looking at sizing I assume you want to get as close to the original size, however size will not matter as long as cable is anchored down correctly...

Advise and suggestions appreciated.

Thanks!
Greg

 

[Sailvayu]

Well this is one case where size does not matter as long as you are talking length. I see no reason not to replace with the same size unless it is a bit long to start with. The cable ID and length is stamped in the cable on one end, it will be in inches. Just use that number when getting a new one. West marine or Defenders will carry these as they are a standard 33c cable just have to order by length. Pay attention to the adjustment on the ends as you remove them and try to get close with the replacement cables you may need to do some adjustment at one end. Make sure you get the u clamp in the groove on the cable before tightening, that can be a pain at times. Good Luck

Capt. Wayne Canning, AMS
www.projectboatzen.com

 

[PaulK]

We had our gearshift control cable break last summer and found replacement parts IN STOCK at our next port of call - Greenport LI. We called up the Brewer Yacht Yard and they had five guys ready to catch our lines when we pulled in (hard to get into reverse w/o a gearshift control). We pulled out the cable (two hours of us in the bilge & fiddling with the 1981 Edson pedestal) and they had the replacement for us after lunch. An hour and a half to get it back in (very tight bilge) but we had run a messenger when we pulled the original. Replaced the throttle control as well, since we had the pedestal open anyway. (Another hour, since by then we knew how it worked.) Efficient and no-nonsense guys who would have done it for us if we weren't so cheap. Ditto the U-clamp. (above) The pieces and cables fit together in an obvious setup, but it DOES have to be right in order to work properly.

 

[AXEL]

I had to replace the cables in my Edson steering years ago when one snapped. When you open up your pedestal take note if the cables are crossed. One might think the cables just run straight up and down on each side and over the gear. NO, NOT THE CASE. At least in my steering. After putting the whole thing together I took it out for a test spin and to my horror when I turned left the boat went right. I re-read the instructions and in small print it mentioned crossing the cables. So a heads up, check your cable orientation before taking it apart. Also read the instructions very carefully and look for any mention of crossing the cables.
Also, be aware, the pedestal is the easy part, for me removing and re-attaching the cables on the quadrant left my hands a bloody mess. Like working blind in a shoe box backwards. Access not always the greatest on some boats.
Best of luck!

 

[NYSail]

Thanks for the input. On engine side all cables had been painted over and can't see numbers. Figure I would pull them out this weekend.

Again thanks!