Reverse cable broke-will it hinder forward thrust?

[Steve S.]

Hello all,

I had to remove an impeller shaft to clear a jam, and when re-installing, snapped the reverse cable at the connection to the reverse gate. They are quoting 17-22 days for a new reverse cable to arrive.

My question is will the engine with the broken reverse cable/reverse gate impede forward thrust?

Hoping to still use the boat safely and not be out of commission for a big part of the summer!

My boat is a 2015 Yamaha 242 Limited S.

Thanks for your comments and feedback.

Steve

 

[fatboyroy]

I wouldn't operate it without reverse cable even if its can be operated with forward control only, how are you going to dock? Also dont the reverse cable set the thing in neutral too when it drops the bucket?

 

[1WetBoat]

You would have to tie it up out of the way. However, not only would you lose reverse, but also neutral as mentioned already. Basically as soon as you start your engines your boat will move forward with nothing to stop it. Too risky to do something like that just to go out boating. How will you stop your forward momentum when docking, approaching other boats etc..?

 

[Beachbummer]

You have two engines. I bet you can zip tie the gate out of the way and use the other engine to CAREFULLY dock and do other low speed maneuvers. then power engine when ready to go forward for some time. Do NOT go on neutral with engine running likely boat will start spinning with one engine in neutral and another in forward. I would not lose a weekend for this, but I would be sure to gain the right control of the boat with a single engine for reverse.


ALSO, you can create threads in snapped cable with a die, with something like this:

EFFICERE 40-Piece Premium Tap and Die Set - SAE Inch Size 1/2, 7/16, 3/8, 5/16, 1/4, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, Coarse and Fine Teeth | Essential Threading Tool Kit with Complete Handles, Accessories, and Case - - Amazon.com

EFFICERE 40-Piece Premium Tap and Die Set - SAE Inch Size 1/2, 7/16, 3/8, 5/16, 1/4, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, Coarse and Fine Teeth | Essential Threading Tool Kit with Complete Handles, Accessories, and Case - - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

get the correct size of thread to add to the cable, create some threads, add a coupler and a cut screw to get back on the road


-

I saved a weekend on a seadoo sportster 1800 that way some years ago, but the snap was on the FNR side. Same principle.

Don't give up! Best of Luck!

 

[Neutron]

I order 2 reverse cables because i have a cable getting stiff. I did get it freed up for use but want to replace it anyway.
they are coming from boat.net and i keep getting emails that the availability is longer and longer.
I searched the part number on ebay and got one in 3 days. Paid more but glad its here.
I will have the other 2 as backup

 

[suke]

If these are anything like some of the other Yamaha boats they're generic. You likely can get a replacement overnighted from amazon. You don't need OEM, and in most cases the aftermarkets are better cables.

Just need to figure out the proper length:

Amazon.com: Dometic SeaStar Xtreme Control Cable, CCX63319, 19ft. : Sports & Outdoors

Buy Dometic SeaStar Xtreme Control Cable, CCX63319, 19ft.: Control Cables - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Hell you could probably find one of these at any boat shop right now. They generally keep these things by the hundreds in stock.

 

[tdonoughue]

Did exactly the same thing, exactly the same way.

Tried the connector thing--worked for about 3 minutes and popped off.

I would not run it without the cable. All of what everyone said is correct (you can tie up the gate, use the other engine, etc.). Problem is that if there is any urgent situation, you are going to not remember that and you will work the throttles by habit to avoid the danger. Except when you put one of them full reverse, it will be going full forward. Not good. Pretty dangerous in my book. I would not run that way unless I had to get back to the dock or just move it to the trailer to fix it.

Fortunately, replacing the cable (once you get a hold of one) is not too bad. Takes some time, but not all that difficult all-in-all.

Edited to add: https://jetboaters.net/threads/reverse-cable-replacement.19187/

 

[Cambo]

@Beachbummer nailed it you have two motors tie that gate up or just remove it . Take advantage that you have two motors the 190 version boats have one motor and operate fine. Just make sure to shut down the one motor when coming in to dock or near any other obstacles when going slow.

 

[Julian]

Should be places online that have them in stock as neutron found one. Don't pay dealer prices!!!!

 

[Steve S.]

All....thanks for your comments and advice. Greatly appreciated.

Was able to find a replacement cable on Ebay, so should have it in time to replace for this weekend! I have seen the replacement pics and comments posted on this site, which will be super helpful. It appears my boating summer has been saved!

FYI....when I had the original obstruction on the impeller, I was forced to head back to the dock running on one motor. Not ideal, but docking wasn't too bad.

 

[1WetBoat]

This brought up a thought about our steering/reverse cables. Would it be prudent to buy spares and put them away if you are planning on keeping your boat a long time? Especially if you are a saltwater only user. Or does the aftermarket availability of the cables make it irrelevant to buying ahead of time?

Never really looked into it but see similar threads pop up every once in a while for the older boats.

 

[Julian]

This brought up a thought about our steering/reverse cables. Would it be prudent to buy spares and put them away if you are planning on keeping your boat a long time? Especially if you are a saltwater only user. Or does the aftermarket availability of the cables make it irrelevant to buying ahead of time?

Never really looked into it but see similar threads pop up every once in a while for the older boats.

It certainly can't hurt to have spares on hand if you can afford to have them....especially if you plan to keep the boat a while....the reverse cables are the first to go.

 

[dan144k]

I had my reverse cable break also years ago. I used a noodle to hold it up and out of the way. Worked great had no problems. Was repaired under warranty.

but when docking just turn off that engine

Side Story
At one point I had a screw fell out and broke the nozzle off, and I just removed the cables holding it.
Kept using the boat, just only had steering and reverse on one engine, but also could throttle steer if needed with having 2 engines.