Hard Shifters and other issues

[Jarhead1775]

I'm new to Larson's and the Volvo Penta dual shifters (generally speaking). The main question I have is shifting with these? It appears I have about 30 degrees of slack/sway until either FWD/REV engage. The travel is about 4-5 inches in both directions, making it very tricky to know exactly how hard to push when docking, etc. Also, they do seem somewhat hard to engage. Secondly, my starboard side seems to be about 1/2" less than my port engine when under power. I try to sync my engines, but I have the put them in different positions just to get the gauge to neutral. It's this shifter side that feels a little loose also I'm assuming this is not normal?

I'm thinking of redoing the entire shifters with a new Seastar or U-flex (or similar) and maybe new cabling? I want it to shift and drive like it should. Not sure what I would need to buy if I go that route, as there seems to be a ton of options? What would I need to look for in a replacement?

 

[ahicks]

Clearly something is not right. I agree you shouldn't have slop like that. The ONLY way you are going to be able to fix it is to do whatever is necessary to find that slop. I doubt seriously it's the cables themselves. It's much more likely going to be at either end of them. You'll need to do some troubleshooting....