Upgrading Shifter Control on Volvo

[Hotboat]

Hi ! I am wondering has anyone upgraded their factory standard side mounted shifter control? If so, please let me know what you used. I am so used to Morse control on my previous boat with Merc. This shifter you have to squeeze and it seems awkward/stiff. Going to replace cable and hope that helps, but thinking about changing the shifter. Please let me know if you have done this.

Thank you! Bill

[Big Block Power]

Your cables are prob bad. My last white and blue boat was that way and this boat is like butter. There is also a adjuster in there but it may not help. It really isn't a bad shifter,I do like the newer style but it's allot to change.

[Sealord69]

You mean this

[slideruleracer]

Hi Hotboat,

I swapped out the old 'Volvo' control for a new one. They're actually just Seastar CH1700 units. Swapping controls was very easy other than I did have to enlarge the panel cutout slightly. When I manage to get around to it, I'll finish editing the video I made of the process and post it to YouTube.

[Bobo87]

I saw a mention of shifter cables. I believe there are two and I am need to replace mine. I had it done on the old 23 LS and WOW! What a difference maker. My question is has anyone ever done it themselves? I am contemplating doing it myself otherwise I will just get it done in the off-season.

[AsLan7]

You mean this

.
I have used both and greatly prefer the lower picture which shows the separate shifter and throttle setup. These are Merc Kiekhaefer Zero Effort units that were ironically fitted with the Volvo engine options back in the day. They were used on high performance boats as well. Much easier to use than the all-in-one shifter/combo unit you see paired with the Merc engines IMHO.