F30 flying engine control handle

Boat Systems
1

So I’m backing the new-to-me F30 out of the previous owner’s slip to take her to her new home. First time operating this boat. I nudge the shifter with my foot out of reverse, into neutral, then forward and the handle flies across the cockpit. Small moment of drama. I manage to run over, grab it and shove it back in before we hit anything. I can’t figure out how to get the cover off at the base of the shifter. Is this repairable? I’m thinking some kind of friction fit that’s worn out…
Help, please.

2

This will not help you at all, but maybe you can get a chuckle out of it.
I was backing my freshly painted, and newly swim transommed F36/38 (hence the 'newly transommed) out of her slip. Went to turn her down river, and the wheel just spun. Ran below and got some vice grips to turn the post, and found that over the winter, the key had come out, and the wheel was spinning free. Hairy moment with the new paint job.

3

It’s most likely repairable. Can you take a picture of it and post it here?

George

4

shifter.JPG
handle.JPG
OK, so here’s the engine control, and the handle pulled out. From what I can see, there’s a little ball that must be sprung somehow that’s supposed to hold the handle in. Anyone have any ideas how I can remove the outside cover, snug up the handle retainer, and make the whole mechanism a little less wobbly?

Thanks,
Tricia

5

I had a throttle like that on an old Tartan 30. The bottom end broke off in the hole. I just used it that way for a couple of years until I sold the boat.

Since you seem to have a different problem the retaining ball may just be stuck. Try filling the hole with penetrating oil and letting it stand for a while then stick a slightly smaller rod in there and use leverage to see if you can free up the ball then lubricate it.

6

Thanks Bill,

I gave it a good squirt yesterday, so will see if the ball has loosened up when I go back this afternoon.

7

Sorry I’ve been away. Bill is correct. There is a spring loaded ball that’s intended to keep the handle in place, making it removable. One more thing to check is that you are inserting it all the way in past the detente. It takes a little force to get it to click in. You should actually be able to look down into the hole and see the ball eclipsing a part of the circle.

Good luck.

George