Shift and Throttle Cables Replacement Cost

[uchu]

Our Carver suffers from a rather stiff controls at the helm. The recommendation from the Marina's mechanic is replacement. They are quoting roughly $2,000 ($1,860 to be precise) for parts and labor.

I know that prices from such jobs vary widely, but I'm wondering if this sounds too high or if it's consistent with what one can expect to pay for such service. Any input is much appreciated.

[Viper]

Accessibility is everything and is what will drive the labour cost in this type of job, the cables themselves aren't really that expensive. I would ensure though that they are using a good quality replacement such as SeaStar Xtreme. I hope they diagnosed properly and checked other items such as cable routing and the remote itself. There is also the possibility that the lower cable to the drive is the issue as that's a more common failure.

Don't know what the typical door rate is in your area but it seems to me they're thinking around 10 hours or so labour. That's quite a bit but again, it depends on how difficult it is to remove the old and run the new ones. Flybridge designs are usually more challenging for cable runs.

Keep us posted. Where do you keep her and which marina?

[uchu]

Thank you very much for the reply. I will talk to the mechanic to inquire for more info, specifically checking for cable routing, proper lubrication at the pivot points and the condition of the remote control (I believe is a Morse - original unit).

The boat is located in the Georgina area of Lake Simcoe. Flybridge Marina.

[Viper]

If I recall, that's in Pefferlaw, Flying Bridge Marina I think is the correct name. Buddies of mine were down the river at Everglades at one time. Would the work be done at Flying Bridge or at Everglades?

[uchu]

Yes, It's in Pefferlaw. And you are correct, that's the name of the marina (I can't even type right, these days...lol). The work would be done there, not at Everglades.

I spoke to the mechanic and they are going to check the remote and pivot points first, to try to isolate the issue. I guess if the cables are the original ones, they more than served their useful life span and it'd be worth to replace them.

I'll update as I get more info. Thanks again!

[Cooler]

OK - I'll say it. Sounds pretty high to me. Seastar Extreme cables should be around $90 US each, maybe a little less. So that leaves $1600 in labor? Friend of mine had his Sea Ray 290 cables replaced last season, labor was 2.5 hours. Maybe he is just aiming high so he can cheer you up coming in lower than estimate. er

[Viper]

Likely way different pricing structure up here Cooler. Average door rates in this area are around the $129/hr mark, some less some more, depends on the marina. You're looking at about $90-100 for a 20' cable but again, it's a flybridge boat which will take longer to run the cable.

If you want to save some labour, look for the cable run from the engine compartment to the helm. Follow the cable from the engine and remove any panels and access covers in the cabin or cockpit that they'll need access to. This will help save time. The cables may be zip tied with a wire bundle which makes it very difficult to remove the cables if you can't cut some ties, but removing the cables is always better than leaving them in.

[g36]

If the op would post what kind of boat someone on here may be able to help with access or routing info

[PossiblyPaul]

I'd also appreciate routing information (for a 2827 Voyager). I intend to either a. lubricate the lot, or b. replace them, as I also have a fairly significant resistance in them. The boat's from 1988, and with no information passed on about maintenance.

[Midnightsun]

uchu,

I see you have outdrives with alpha legs. 99% of the time the cables from the helm to the engines are fine, it's the intermediate shift cables that need replacing and cause the stiffness. They are around 60-80 bucks for a set of which you need 2, so parts will be under $150. I did this myself on my Bravo drives of a previous boat when it was out of the water for storage. Not that difficult to do but you do need to be mechanically inclined. https://www.offshoremarineparts.com/32-31-643k.html