J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Engine Controls

I need some advice. While pulling out the neutral control button on my engine control, the entire shaft that goes into the unit snapped. It looks like it is a bronze shaft that screws into a threaded male shaft. It doesn't appear that the unit can be repaired. I remember reading about engine controls on the "old" Forum but I can't find anything on the new Forum.

My boatyard can replace the entire unit with a Morse MV-2 unit. Has anyone had this unit installed? They said that if the MV-2 unit is installed, it may need new cables. I'm looking for some recommendations. In the meantime, I'm still able to shift the unit by opening the starboard locker and reaching down to disengaged the neutral lever.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

Bob Rude
Goodreader@cox.net

That happened to me some years ago. I was able to remove the brass linkage and thread in a stainless steel bolt, with a plastic knob on the end. Works fine and was much cheaper than a new shifter.

I had the knob break off on Mondial at least 8 yrs ago. Since then, it's always been one of those "round to it" jobs. I figure that it adds a layer of theft prevention to the boat. Not many people know how to disengage the gear shifter mechanism without a knob. ;-)

FYI:

I decided to replace my broken shift mechanism after figuring it was not good sailing practice to have my head in the starboard lazerette to disengage the neutral lever. I tried to do the replacement suggested by other Forum readers but the long, threaded bolt didn't work. I also tried to drill out the broken knob and retread it. No dice. So, in the end, I bit the bullet and installed a new unit. For those of you in the same situation, this info might help.

The replacement unit is a Morse Side Mount Sail Control (order # CH2100). It lists for between $150-180. The unit comes with a template requiring some sabre saw action to enlarge the opening in the lazerette. The biggest difficulty in the installation was getting the old unit off. It took about two hours of hammering, chiseling, and the use of a wheel puller. Once it was removed, the new installation was relatively quick. The new unit is a drop-in replacement and doesn't require new engine control cables. I highly recommend this replacement for those of you who are faced with the same problem I encountered. Good luck. I can furnish a digital photo if you want to see the new unit as it looks after installation.

Bob Rude
#352
"Mmmmm"

Bob,

Perhaps Dennis B. could post you digital pic on the J30 web site for all to see????