Gear shift extension for Honda 5 HP?

[Bob C.]

I just lauched my 1st sailboat (Cal 24) with a Honda 5HP outboard and motor mount. I found it extremely difficult to shift gears on the motor, due to the long distance from the stern to the outboard. Any suggestions for a safer alternative (than hanging over the stern)? Anyone familiar with an "extension" that would make shifting easier?

 

[Mac Bentley]

Dowel rod

I've got a dowel rod loosely bolted to the gear shift lever on my h23 with 5hp Nissan. The lever already had a hole for the bolt. Works great, shifts easily, but you need to tighten the motor so it doesn't rotate.Mac

 

[Paul]

Shift Extension

I used a piece of 1/2" Schedule 40 PVC pipe. I cut 2 notches opposite each other to allow the pipe to slip over the lever. Than I drilled a hole through the pipe, slipped a 1/4" stainless bolt through the pipe and the lever. Works great. By the way the notches have to be deep enough to allow the lever to pivot outside of the pipe. I got this idea and the parts from my local Hardware store. I wouldn't go to Home Depot if they paid me.

 

[Bob C.]

Paul and Mac,Thanks for the 2 suggestions... I actually incorporated both by using 1/2 PVC and inserted a dowel for added support. Capped one end with 1/2 PVC cap and the other with a bicycle handlebar grip. (Made 2 in case I lose one). Each is 24' long. I will no longer have to hang over the stern!!!

 

[Artie]

gear shift attachement

I have used two devices in the past - one is the handle to a fly swatter. The other is a gear shift handle made by Ronco. That Ron Popeil sure has some great idea on his website.