1988 Searay 250 - Throttle: Fix or replace?

[Barddzen]

I have a 1988 SeaRay I have been fixing up and the throttle seems a bit rough, it works, but it seems to take significant effort to go FWD and REV, more than it should.

I’ve watched some YT videos about lubricating the cables, but for a 35+ year old boat is that just a short term bandage or should i just eat it and do a new throttle and cables?

 

[dubs283]

The binnacle mount remote pictured is a nice one. I've run into little issues with the single engine controllers of that style

You can try lubricating the cables but most likely they need replaced

With the cables disconnected from the engine end does the controller handle move smoothly? When was the last time you adjusted/replaced the lower shift cable?

 

[Barddzen]

The binnacle mount remote pictured is a nice one. I've run into little issues with the single engine controllers of that style

You can try lubricating the cables but most likely they need replaced

With the cables disconnected from the engine end does the controller handle move smoothly? When was the last time you adjusted/replaced the lower shift cable?

I checked yesterday and the cables seem to move fine but the mechanisms in the throttle box seem very “tight” and don’t move well.

The issue I also noticed is F/N/R on the cover don’t at all line up with the actual position of the handle.

This is an issue when I dock because if I think I’m in N, I’m actually still in gear.

It’s a bit ratchet but I marked a small line with a sharpie to make sure I know where I’m at.

The hardest action is moving from F to R when docking because getting through N is pretty stiff. F and R gears seem fine. I really have to force it and as we all know you can’t really hesitate much and that just makes me nervous because of the force I need to apply has made me over throttle at times.

 

[dubs283]

The remote assembly itself may need cleaning/lubrication

Not horrible to remove the assembly. Pop the plastic cover off the top and it ought to be held in place on the helm by four screws, possible through bolted

Once out remove the plastic cover and inspect. If you decide to remove the cables take a few pictures prior. The cables need to be reattached exactly as before

 

[Barddzen]

One of the screws wouldn’t come out on the back plate so I wasn’t able to do that.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Replace the cables. They usually only last 15 years