very tight forward and reverse linkage

caguy · Apr 9, 2015

I would first suspect the cables. I would disconnect them from the motor and if still tight, lube or replace them.

Capt jgw · Apr 10, 2015

It's almost always the cable, but I've heard not good things about those sail drives, so it could be internal. Like caguy said, disconnect the cable from the drive, if its still stiff, disconnect from the shifter. That will isolate the three possible sources. Hope its the cable, they're kind of disposable anyway

caguy · Apr 10, 2015

Capt jgw said:
It's almost always the cable, but I've heard not good things about those sail drives, so it could be internal. Like caguy said, disconnect the cable from the drive, if its still stiff, disconnect from the shifter. That will isolate the three possible sources. Hope its the cable, they're kind of disposable anyway

FYI you can find them at a good price on Ebay. I replaced mine when I needed longer ones to reach the OB.

caguy · Apr 11, 2015

4hand said:
Caguy - I am considering changing from the sail drive to and outboard. people in my area do not know sail drives and hate the tight quarters when working on it. the outboard route may be the most cost effective over the long haul. you mentioned above you have cables reaching your outboard. I assume you have the controls for the outboard in the cockpit. this is my interest as well. I would like to know the details. I have several questions about the connection process at the motor. thanks

I will be3 soiling tomorrow and will take picture of the set up. I could not find cable with both ends that were compatible so I Gerry Rigged the control end. Has worked well for the last 5 years.