Stiff gear change on Sealine Flybridge.

[Thepipdoc]

Is it "normal" to have stiff gear change levers on a Sealine Flybridge?
I dont just mean that the controls on the flybridge are stiff - the lower helm is as well.
The problem is the levers are so hard to move it sometimes difficult to find neutral.

The model of boat I'm specifically referring to is a 2002 F33 model but I guess this problem could also be apparent in other models of a Sealine - or any other twin engined outdrive boat for that matter.


Thanks.

 

[PRH]

When I first got my F43 I had the same problem on the flybridge only and it was very unsetling arriving at a new berth in the home port for the first time as, like you, it was difficult to find neutral.

I got Col to look at them and he said that it was lack of use.

Since then I have used the boat as often as possible and I have either got used to them of they have improved (I think they have improved) though they are still not as easy to use as my old Corniche.....

 

[jparham]

As both sets are stiff I'd go for lack of use aswell. Imperative you regularly (monthly) mess with both sets, putting them full forward and full astern twenty times or so.
There are a couple of points you can grease - starboard side of engine bay, above the batteries next to the steering hydraulics compressor there is a rack where both sets of cables come together and drive single sets down to the drives. Lithium spray grease all of these.
Also on the control lever there is a friction adjust somewhere. You could try slackening these off. Take the gear assembly out and spray grease the lot.
Only other place is at the end of the cables within the top of the drive. Need liberal marine greasing annually.
If you can't free them up, get them changed. Having the boat stuck in gear in the marina is a nightmare (I got hit by one....)

 

[GrahamHR]

The standard Teleflex cable is not wonderful; changing from one of those to the "TFxtreme" cable transormed the shift on my boat from obstructive to "knife through butter".

Graham

 

[Thepipdoc]

Thanks guys

 

[Teddy]

I had my 330 for 11yrs and found that the set up will always be stiff, even when fully greased. The port engine is normally stiffer due to the longer cable.

Try replacing the gear cables from the control box in the engine bay to the outdrives (the bits that get wet). This made an appreciable difference to mine.

The other tip is to make sure that the cables are finely adjusted at the control box so that the gears engage at the same time when the levers are moved together (upper and lower).

Over winter, especially if the boat remains in the water, it is a good idea to exercise the gears (engine need not be running). If the gear cannot be returned to neutral easily, don't force it, but turn the prop with a broom or similar.

 

[mikesyam]

Got the same boat same year as you and had the same problem twice, the cables from the fly and the lower helm both meet up in the engine bay at a junction box which splits the control cables from upstairs or down depending on where you have set the change over switch, separate cables come out of this junction box to control the engine speed and the gearchange, the gearchange one for me causes the problem as its the one which goes underwater into the leg for the gearshift, you can disconect this one in the engine bay and if your controls move smoothly you know you have the same problem, if you have its a lift out to replace.
Mike

 

[Thepipdoc]

So it does seem to be a problem on the F33, maybe not a big problem, but it I'm not alone!

Thanks for the advice.

 

[PCUK]

This is nearly always caused by badly routed cables with tight curves. Smoothing the cable run will usually help.