shift and throttle levers

[Gene Regan]

Hi all.
 Looking to replace both rubber duck handles .
Wondering if anyone has had any experience  in doing this. Edson has both through many sources. I have 1988. Are there any precautions to be considered. Thanks
Gene

[tsoko]

Gene,
Find the best deal and go for it.  Only two screws, two minutes, and you never have to worry about a broken handle agian.  The SS ones look much nicer, too.

[Mike Smith]

Hi Gene -

Here is a link to a discussion on installing the new SS levers and potential adjustments of the transmission cables. I have seen several C34s with the top of the shift lever cut off ($$$) because of this problem - all you really need to do is adjust the connection at the transmission. Been there.

Mike

[Gene Regan]

Mike,
  Do you see the problem you had as being due to a different pedestal guard,ie: would you have had the same problem if you had kept your old guard.
  I had read your thread regarding  this yesterday but was unclear due to your changing the guard. I intend to use my old guard at least for now anyway.
 Thanks

[Stu Jackson]

Throttle & Shift Levers

Gene,

I changed mine about 6 months after we bought Aquavite in July 1998.  Never had a problem with the pedestal.  Easy to install, probably the easiest installation of ANYTHING on our boats!!!!  Tom's right.  Work great, looks great, very worthwhile, especially if the old handles go blooey on you at the most inappropriate time.

Stu

[Gene Regan]

Stu , & everyone

  Thanks for the info, placed order and will install this weekend. If any problems , I'll report back.

[Mike Smith]

Gene -
I was on a friend's C34 this weekend and saw where the head of the new style shift lever had been cut off to accomodate shifting into forward. His pedestal guard was the original straight type. The only detent on the Hurth transmission shift range is at the Neutral position. When you throw the shift lever forward it just needs to travel forward just enough to push the linkage out of the Neutral detent. From there the lever can hit any flippin' thing  it wants to because you are now in forward and there is no more forward to go; i.e., there is no Forward detent. For more forward you use the other "Fast - Slow" throttle lever! Ditto for Reverse. This has been discussed in the past in another thread on this board. Ron Hill even suggested the "Caveman" approach by having Edson take some of the bend out of the shift lever (I still think he was pulling our collective legs with that!)  Here is the link. I would definitely go for the good looking new levers, and make the adjustment properly at the transmission, per Hurth instructions, which I have. It's easy enough. And don't bend your new ($$$) shift lever or cut off the head.

[JIM BRENER 1987 #504 "WI]

Catalina Yachts has an Engineering Bulletin 57 that addresses this problem and gives instructions for making adjustments.  I have tried several times including a modification to the cable bracket to use the SS handles and have not been able to make it work.  I will try again this year following these instructions.  Call Catalina 818-884-7700 ext. 237 or email to service_ca@catalinayachts.com

[Jim Price]

I still have the originals on my boat but I too would like to consider the upgrade (just to aviod the envidable).  I think the question to the group is can this be done without physical cutting, etc for my specific model - 1991 25XP.  Linkage adjustments I can do, but do I have to "rebuild" leavers.  Also have old style Edison with two double "oval pods" on each side of compass.  Maybe we need guide for each engine / year series setup. :rolleyes:

[Stu Jackson]

There are basically two issues here:

1.  Is it easy to take the old ones off and fit the new ones on?

YES, it is.  It's just a simple set screw in the base of the handle.  Not an issue.  Very easy.


2.  Does it clear the binnacle handhold tubing?

Seems to be an individual boat situation.  The service bulletin should address that for Mark II owners, given the input above.

I'd get the bulletin and check it out.  Don't understand how much more we can help given what's been discussed already.  Hope I'm not missing something.

Stu

[Mike Smith]

Stu -

For what its worth, I installed the new levers on the original pedestal which had the two instrument pod arrangement. The pods mounted on a plate which was attached throught the compass housing to the binnacle pedestal by 4 long bolts. I had no problem shifting into forward or reverse. When I installed the new angled pedestal guard, the old plate, pods, and original pedestal guard were removed. When I installed the new angled guard and new plate, the ring holding the shift/throttle levers dropped about 3/4" due to the difference in thickness of the plate.  The shift lever now hit the pedestal guard when shifted into forward. The 3/4" difference shouldn't make a difference because of the construction of the cable, but it did. I followed the instructions for the Hurth transmisssion and made the adjustment(s). The shift lever still strikes the pedestal guard, but only after it has securely shifted into forward. More adjustments would correct this, for now it is good enough for sailing. No problem with reverse.

Mike

[Gene Regan]

Mike,
  Thanks for the info, that is really helpful, I believe everything will go well especially knowing what led to your difficulty. I still have original pods and plate on Freedom.
   Will probably update set up in the future but all works for now and hopfully for a few more years to come. Again Thanks

[Mike Smith]

Gene -

If you just install the new levers, you should have no trouble.

Fair winds...
Mike

[Jim Price]

Thanks guys.  This is enough for me to go ahead with order.  At least I can keep old ones for spares or for cheap sale to someone who breaks only one.

[Jim Price]

Installed both leavers without any adjustments at all , just put in to the shaft and screwed down tight and that was it.  Straight Edison tubes / pedistal and shifter leaver works fine.  It does go all the way to the tube but surprisingly, the shfit between the gears is suddenly VERY SMOOTH and POSITIVE with no "hunting" for the gear.  I HIGHLY recommend this upgrade to all.  I think the "rubber ducky" leavers allowed too much slack in the cable movement and this is amazing, it is like having a new transmission.  Foward to reverse and back (spin turns) is smooth as glass.  Thanks for the info.  Any one need any "rubber duckys"? :rolleyes: