Problems shifting gears on a Hunter 37 Legend

[Wilf pinsonneault]

I own a Hunter 37 and have always had problems shifting gears (very stiff, binds, and hard to get into neutral). So I had the repair shop install a new 22 foot shift cable, and you guessed it - NO DIFFERENCE! I can actuallly shift the lever on the transmission by hand, so that's not the problem. I think it must be the length and # of bends in the cable.My question is, is there an aftermarket electric shift kit, or does anyone know a fix for the cable problem?Thanks in advance,Wilf

 

[Robert Pancza]

Reroute Cable

Some info on the 375 may be helpful if you also have the Edson pedestal. The shift cable, as factory installed, is improperly run between the pedestal tube and a small space that is formed by a crimp in a plate at the bottom of the pedestal. This space is too small and squeezes the cable, causing excess friction. This spot is where many cables break. If you reroute this cable through any of the round holes that are in this plate, shifting will become easy. Removing the pedestal is a major project due to the seizing of the stainless bolts to the aluminum pedestal, so if you do this, think about buying an extra cable and running it in parallel to the cable in use. Tie the ends of this spare cable to the ends of the cable in use, and if needed, it can be connected by simply removing the compass from the top of the binnacle and attaching the other end to the transmission lever.

 

[Robert Dean]

Edson Shift Cable

Wilf,I had the same problem on my 1989 Hunter Legend 35.The solution is to use a quality easy slide cable from Edson. Or check with Defender - believe they have one also.The problem is the material used on the inside of the common commerical (Morse Red Dog) cable housing.Call Edson and order their special easy slide cable - but check your length first. 22 feet sounds a bit long. Your shop personnel may be using too much cable with a big loop in the lazarette to cut down on drag.The cable run from my Edson pedistal throttle and shift levers to the engine make the same bends as yours. In the past my cables were very hard to move - now with the Edson cables they are a pleasure to useBob Dean