Throttle & Gear Contols- 32 Open

[Rusty]

I have a 1999 32 Open, with twin 330 Cummins diesels. The controls for the gears and throttles are the standard cable system.

The cable sytems are starting to give me trouble and headaches with stretch, alignment, sticking, etc.

The throttles will not align and operate correctly; the gear shifts are difficult. The gear and throttles on the flying bridge are extrelmely difficult.

I am considering changing the system out this winter and would like to consider electronic controls.

Has anyone used electronic type of controls on a boat that had cables? If so, can you recommend "do's & don'ts, manufacturer, etc.?

Thanks
Rusty

[irishrogue]

rusty,

we have a '98 32 open and have had a lot of issues with gear shifters due to rust on the trannies and poor access to clean them. given the throttle locations, rust shouldnt be a problem unless cummins has them down low on the rear of the motors...

do you have the red cables? are they still properly supported and wiretied to minimize problems? they dont stretch....they might bind or stiffen....

check the brackets attaching the throttles on the motors and shifters on the trannies - they should be tight and clean of rust/corrosion.

if you decide to upgrade, be prepared to spend some money. i think the teleflex and glendinning electronic controls will set you back about $4-6k plus install. Hydraulic controls will run $6-8k plus install....either way not cheap.

electronic and hydraulic controls have a "delay" that you will need to get used to when docking. they are not as instant as the hydraulic or electronic input still gets converted into a push/pull from the slave unit that connects to the trannies and non electronic motors....

Any decent marina should be able to install them without a problem. running wires or hydraulic hoses should be easy since they can pull the cables out.


good luck!

[Rusty]

Thanks for the information:
I have driven a 52 ft. vessel with electronic controls and I realize the lag in the system. My friend (the Owner) yerlled at me a couple of times when I was not patient for the system to engage prior to throlle application. In a "bind". I am use to hitting the gears and throttle quickly.

I did not realize the costs were that high; however, a boat is a boat. I may take another shot at adjustment of my cable system; however, I think that is a loosing cause. I may have to break down and spend the dollars.

Thanks Again for the Info!!

Rusty

[irishrogue]

rusty

i agree that the tower controls are a problem - they have always felt mushy/inexact and tend to bind more.

the main controls should be ok though. our throttles have never been an issue. and we know the problem with the shifters is a rusted/sticking tranny connector with a rusty detent ball. the cables themselves are still smooth as silk....

i think all of the problems are attachment points. check them all carefully and go from there.

good luck

[dnkstarr]

Rusty,
This may sound a bit strange, but try this, disconnect the tower cables at the engine,(just remove the c clip and remove them from the nub) and try the helm controls then do the same for the tower. This will tell you what station is causing you problems. Now the crazy part. If they both work fair then replace the cables. I had the same problem on a 32. Both stations worked fine but when together they would bind and were hard to operate. The problem was solved when I replaced the cabes. Sure a lot cheaper then new controls.


David

[irishrogue]

but i am almost positive that the tower cables run to the main helm controls....there are not 2 sets of cables running all the way to the motors/trannies....

if you look at the underside of your main helm controls, you will see the tower cables connected....

i m not 100% on this, but im pretty darn sure...

same principles still applies i guess,disconnect tower and see if the binding is tower cables or main cables or both.

[dpdash]

I have a 98' 32 Open and just replaced all throttle/control cables. It was relatively painless, did it myself. They were Teleflex Supreme C cables. I paid about $300 for all 8 cables from Lewis Marine, a wholesale supply house. Made a huge difference.

[witeagle]

On your 98, did the upper controls run to the lower controls then to the engines?

[dpdash]

Yes upper to lower, lower to engine/tranny

[irishrogue]

we are moving to hynautic hydraulic controls upper and lower this winter. will let you all know how it works out in terms of complexity, cost and of course end use!

[dnkstarr]

ZF Marine make a electronic/cable retrofit unit. May be worth looking into. Not sure if it will fit your application, but deletes the need for hydrolic.

[Rusty]

I just received estimate for the electronic controls for my 330 Cummins.
Controls - $5,500 (plus)
Labor - $3,500 to $4,000
Fuel Fee to Move Boat to Yard - $1,500

As all can see, this is an expensive undertaking.

I have decided to omit the electronic control option and concentrate on cable replacement.

I have a "glendinning mechanical unit" synchronizer system to keep equal rpm's on the engines. It works great. Any ideas on problems associated with cable replacement including this unit???

I am glad to hear you other guys have had problems and changed out cables with satisfactory results.

Thanks for The Feedback!!

Rusty

[flbluerunner]

Hey,
I have had good luck with the Hynautic controls on my 1996 38. The only issue after 11 years and 3400 hours was a leaky seal in the one of the control
heads.
I called Hynautic and they sent me a new head for the shipping costs.
They continue to work smoothly from both the tower and the helm.

John :patriot:

[irishrogue]

hynautic are great but crazy expensive. less delay than electronic controls i m told as well.

i just picked up a clean used set of hynautics to be installed this winter. several years old and still not cheap. but much less than the $6k+ a new dual station set costs....new installed easily could be $8-10k.