Shift Cable
 

I launched my boat this past weekend and after a bonehead move (forgot to take the transom straps off and couldn't figure out why I couldn't get the boat off the trailer) I realized it would not go in to gear. I had a chance to look at it today and the shift cable is not working properly. I could manually move it in gear at the motor. I looked in at the shift cable through an access hole mounted near it and I can see the whole cable is move back and forth when I move the shifter in to gear. If I hold the cable in place tightly with my handle I can get the shift mechanism to work so it seems that something should be hold the outer sheath of the cable in place. It is a fluch mounted shift stick with the mechanism hidden inside and looks pretty awkward to get at. I did not have the right tools to get in there.....so I am wondering what to expect when I get back there? Will this be an easy fix or I am I going to need a new control assembly?? I can't really see what is really going on back there so it's hard to tell.

Whale.. this is just an educated guess, but since you say you can move the inner shift cable if you hold onto the outer jacket I'm thinking that the inner cable itself is ok and that somewhere there is a clamp that has let go/rotted/loosened up and is now allowing your outer jacket to move. Not knowing how the outer jacket was held in place originally prevents me from making any guess as to what is wrong. As to whether or not it will require replacing the assembly or simply tightening a clamp depends on what you find when you actually look at it. :head:

I've got to replace mine. I have Yamaha flush mount controls. I have a small 4 or 5" inspection hatch for access. This should be fun. NOT

That's the same situation I have.....:cry:

You fellas got rod boxes?

Yes and it will be out but it is a pretty good stretch and tight as tick to work in. I'm sure it won't be as bad as I'm making out. I just hate boat problems.