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Topic Title: Main and flybridge control issues
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Created On: 09/04/2007 02:28:21 PM

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09/04/2007 02:28:21 PM
TheJudge Admiral Posts: 282 Joined: 05/01/2006	I have just posted another problem with rpms but wanted to put this under a separate topic so as not to confuse the two. My 1984 Gibson 44 Standard has a factory installed flybridge. There are Morse Controls at each station and these operate in a master/slave relationship. When all cables are connected everything is stiff and unwieldy putting me in some dicey spots at close quarters. Now the Morse Controls are clean and well greased and with all cables disconnected move like butter. And if I disconnect only the fly cables from the main controls they still are very smooth. And if I disconnect the main cables but leave the main and fly controls connected by the fly cables then the fly controls are much better but not absolutely smooth. I have used OHB's cable oiler with Marvel Mystery Oil and it works great on the cables but still when I connect all back together all controls are stiff. My suspicion centers on the fly cables where they go under the cuddy stairs and have to make a 90 degree turn up the side wall to the flybridge. That seems awful tight to turn a cable but this is the way the factory did it. I will try to phone Gibson while I await your suggestions. ------------------------- The Judge Rules
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09/04/2007 05:53:16 PM
Dave Moderator Posts: 182 Joined: 10/18/2002	You've had this problem for some time Judge--replace those flybridge cables! It's much easier if you pull it through (slowly) with the new one attached. Good luck, keep us posted. ps. Be careful with the end of the cable on that 90 degree turn but it should not be a problem once it's through. Edited: 09/04/2007 at 07:25:56 PM by Dave
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09/04/2007 06:31:53 PM
MILLERTYME Admiral Posts: 253 Joined: 02/20/2006	Howdy Judge, when you replace the bridge cables check to see what the minimum radius for bends in them are. I had the same issue with the bridge cables on my last boat and found a set of teleflex cales that would allow a very tight radius, ( approx 12" ) and that solved the problem. West marine has them in there catalog as weel as there recommended radius. Good Luck ------------------------- UC FANS 1999, 52' Monticello - Miller Tyme Port of Aurora IN
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09/05/2007 09:49:34 AM
TheJudge Admiral Posts: 282 Joined: 05/01/2006	Dave is right that I have been too cheap to replace those cables. I am waiting now on Gibson to tell me the length on the original specs. And Millertyme has provided valuable info on the type of cable to look for. Thanks as always. ------------------------- The Judge Rules Edited: 10/29/2007 at 01:30:15 PM by TheJudge
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09/05/2007 06:27:41 PM
Dave Moderator Posts: 182 Joined: 10/18/2002	You can go with either 24' or 27', I've made 22' fit. As long as you're careful not to kink the cable as you're installing it, you won't need any special cable. I've used the expensive types as well as the inexpensive ones and actually found the cheap teleflex cable worked the best, under $30.00 at West Marine. If you don't get a call back from Gibson right away--they've been busy. They just shipped out their first boat today. Edited: 09/05/2007 at 06:32:13 PM by Dave
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09/26/2007 03:26:06 PM
TheJudge Admiral Posts: 282 Joined: 05/01/2006	A followup on this topic. This weekend I disconnected the flybridge cables for both throttle and gearshifts from the main helm and took her out to see what the difference was using just the main helm. Wow it was like a different boat. In fact I almost got into trouble immediately after backing out of the slip. I used my regular throttle hand to power around and with the totally reduced resistance I overpowered and almost hit the dock. Now the slightest touch gets a response. I can use my fingertips instead of having to bump with the heel of my hand. I am ordering new flybridge cables right away. ------------------------- The Judge Rules
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10/29/2007 01:41:15 PM
TheJudge Admiral Posts: 282 Joined: 05/01/2006	OK, finally I get around to replacing these cables. I called Gibson and they FAXED me that I needed two 24' and two 26' cables which I got at West Marine. Approximately $328. Used the Red Jaket top of the line which can take as small as a 4" bend. First, I was glad I called Gibson because I do not believe a shorter length on either side would have worked. My original plan was to leave the old cables in place but there clearly was not enough room to do that and make the turn up the wall or fit all those extra cables behind the wire race up the wall. I did slightly bend the end of one cable but it was no big deal as that one became a shift cable sine it requires no real fine adjustment as you are either in forward reverse or neutral. All seems much, much smoother now though I did not get a chance to take her out this weekend as it was gusting mightily on the Tennessee. So for now I will say problem solved. We are planning a little trip next weekend with guests onboard so I wanted everything to work smoothly. ------------------------- The Judge Rules
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