engine controls

[JSS]

I have a CD27 (1977) which has a two lever engine control ... one for forward/neutral/reverse and the other for slow/fast. This evening the cable and controls for the throttle parted company with a big snap. I think it was the linkage between the levers and the cable mechanism that wore out and broke. If I have to replace the control lever assembly, should I replace it with a single lever mechanism. I've always found it a bit of a pain to have to work both throttle and clutch when coming into a dock, reaching backward to get to the levers, forward to see where I'm heading and working the tiller. Does anyone have any favorite brands or models they would recommend?

Joel S
s/v Baraka

[Andy Denmark]

Be sure to check the engine end of the linkage. Some engines, like the Westerbeke 13, do not lend themselves to a single lever control because of the shut off mechanism. I had this done last year and it is a monumental FUBAR. I will convert back to the high $$$ double lever system as soon as I possibly can. Right now I cannot start my engine without it being in gear! One of those brilliant ideas that didn't pan out because I wasn't following my own advice about looking at the entire system instead of just part of it. Aaaargh!
________
ALASKA DISPENSARY

[gates_cliff]

I have a Westerbeke 13 in Katie Girl. I need to replace the engine controls, throttle and gear shifter. Talked to the yard this morning and the guy there suggested a Teleflex. I believe that Teleflex bought Morse out. I think that's what's there now. I would like the Morse CH2500 P installed. Kind of expensive but from what I know it's a good piece of equipment.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with the Morse controls or something else.

[Neil Gordon]

I just repowered with a Beta 14 and added a Vetus-Sisco single lever control. So far, so good.

http://www.vetus.com/engines-and-around ... using.html

[gates_cliff]

Thanks Neil. as much as I'd dearly love to repower with a Beta 14, that's not in the cards (or cash) right now. Andy Denmark posted on another thread about how he tried to install a single lever control on his Westerbeke, but it just didn't work right, the engine had to be in gear to start! Had something to do with how Westerbeke throttle control is set up, I think.

So...I'm looking at dual lever controls. going to talk with the guy at the yard, he indicated that the installation wans't all the difficult, however, I know the cost of the Morse CH 2500P is close to $500

I have to do something because I'm never sure when the boat is in gear unless I rev the engine, which isn't always a good idea when manuvering near other boats.

[Neil Gordon]

>> as much as I'd dearly love to repower with a Beta 14, that's not in the cards (or cash) right now.<<

My MD7A, while running well, wasn't cooling well and was leaking both water and oil. It seemed only a matter of time, so I figured for a once in a lifetime repower, why wait?

>>Andy Denmark posted on another thread about how he tried to install a single lever control on his Westerbeke, but it just didn't work right, the engine had to be in gear to start! Had something to do with how Westerbeke throttle control is set up, I think.<<

Could be. I know that with the Beta (and I suspect other engines) it's important that the shifter be able to go from neutral into gear while the engine remains at idle. That varies by shifter, I'm led to believe.

[Maine_Buzzard]

The throttle lever on the engine is the decider for what kind of single lever control-

Can the lever float "backwards" (negative throttle?) without hitting a stop?

The MD 7 would, and it allowed for the old shifter to have some free travel in the throttle as the lever actuated forward or reverse.

Once it was in gear, the throttle was at idle, and additional lever travel gave it gas.

The Beta has a hard stop, and the shift linkage must select the gear before pulling on the throttle.
The old shifter yanked the Beta throttle as it shifted, and raced the engine as you were trying to put it in gear. That's an unpleasant experience... Solved by the persistent application of money.

That $250 Vetus single lever shifter does not move the throttle until the gear is selected.

Two lever shift/throttle will never see this problem.

[marilou]

I just received a Teleflex (Morse, now Sea Star Solutions) Single Lever Side Mount Sailboat, Control, CH2100P to replace my Teleflex (Moorse) dual lever control Model. After much confusion and debate, I purchased this unit for 149.99 (on sale) delivered from GO2 marine. Have Westerbeke 13. Unit appears that it should work. We wil see.?

[gates_cliff]

I'm going over to talk to the yard tomorrow, I'll raise the quesiton then.

I'll be interested to hear how things work out for you.

[gates_cliff]

I talked with the mechanic at the yard and said I was concerned about installing a single lever. He assured that it would work fine. I'm sceptical still. He said he'd order the new single lever control and if I wasn't happy with it, he'd return it, no charge to me. Of course, that's not installed so, not sure how much value that will have.

Just wondering if anyone was successfully had a single lever control installed on a westerbeke 13.

[Neil Gordon]

Have you called your local Westerbeke dealer?

[gates_cliff]

Good idea, no I haven't. but, will do so