THROTTLE AND SHIFT CABLES

Cable throttle and shift controls still dominate the boating market for outboard, inboard and sterndrive engines. Cables from brands such as Dometic Marine (previously SeaStar) and Uflex provide smooth, reliable service for years, even decades, but they might eventually wear out, corrode or otherwise lose optimal functionality. Here's what to look for when deciding on replacement throttle and shift cables for your boat.-Jim Hendricks

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WHEN TO REPLACE 

"The control lever should move smoothly and freely," says David Wolfe, product and support manager for Dometic Marine, whose cables dominate the US boating market. "Typically, if the movement is stiff, sticky or causes clunking when shifting, it's time to replace the cable." Also, if the lever does not repeat a shift command (such as forward, neutral or reverse) at the same position or angle every time, it often means the cable is wearing out and requires replacement, Wolfe advises.

Rather than replace just the one suspect cable, boaters are advised to replace both the throttle and shift cables at the same time. One faltering cable serves as a signal that the other might not be too far behind.

REGULAR OR PREMIUM

There are two grades of engine control cables: standard and premium versions.

Dometic calls its premium series Xtreme, while Uflex calls its the Mach series.

Uflex also offers standard cables, but Dometic is gradually phasing out its standard version, which uses a solid metal core.

However, you will still find some under the SeaStar brand in retail distribution.

The premium versions are more expensive. In Dometic's case, the Xtreme cables cost about 15 to 20 percent more than its standard cables, but they feature splined cores. The ridges of the splined core glide back and forth in a lubricated HDPE liner that allows for smoother control than standard cables and without sacrificing precision in shifting and throttle control, Wolfe says.

PERFORMANCE BEND