300 Sundancer Engine Controls question

[charlieft]

Hello All,

We finally got our new-to-us 2003 300DA in the water last weekend and went for a cruise.
The throttles are very stiff and uneven. The port control is stiff, but almost acceptable. The starboard lever is very tight and gives no feedback whatsoever. It's impossible to tell when the lever is going to start having an effect on the engine. The levers also do not match position when the engines are at the same RPM. They're not even close ... makes it tough to make adjustments once you're up to speed.
The boat has been sitting for a while. Is this common for these controls or might they just be stiff from lack of use? Is there a way to lube the controls?
We love the boat, but the throttle levers are junk!

Thanks,
Charlie

 

[Aerobaticflyer]

I can only offer you my experience which is similar to yours. My controls are not stiff but finding neutral is next to impossible. It's so bad when I took delivery of the boat (new) the Captain and a mechanic couldn't get the boat started. Turns out the engines weren't in neutral! Makes for some interesting challenges in docking at times but I have gotten used to them. When other experienced boaters try and dock my boat.....well , I get this.....:smt021

Might want to consider switching to Morse controls if adjustment don't solve your issues. If I was keeping my 300 (it's for sale in the classifieds here) I'd be changing mine out.

Good luck!

 

[Stray Cat]

You may need new cables. Mine give resistance however they move with relative ease. Disconnect the cables where they connect at the engine and the outdrive....you can try lubricating the exposed cable with motor oil and work them to see if they loosen up some.