new shifter controls
 

It really looks like the winter blues have started to set in , the sun starts to set at 4:30 its hard to adjust. I know many of you are planning winter projects. Now that the boat is clean an winterized, I am considering putting new shifters in. I found some at the eddie marine site,they were graffig shifters about $350 an up.I only have a single bbc . do I need new cables? Any help would be great. Just think six months to go!!:D

Don't start counting days yet... it only makes it go slower:(
But I certainly know what you mean by the sun setting at 430pm
I'm in south Jersey and we're not much different. Just checked.
Ironically enough todays sunset was 454:D.
Mines almost done , just have to buff right side of hull( everything else is done) , repack wheel bearings and shrinkwrap.

Oh yeah, I don't THINK you need new cables;)

It depends on what cables you have. You may need to get new ends or you could need new cables. It just depends on what you have in there now.

Jon

When I Up-Graded to Gaffrig, I bought the new cables. They are made by an Italian company named "UltraFlex". It was worth the extra $$. You also need Mercruiser adaptors for your application. Hope this helps.

When and why do you decide to upgrade? Have considered for the cosmetic aspect but my originals work great How old is your 242 mine is only 12 years old.
jrocket

jrocket, my 242ls is an 87 the is hull is mint never been beached and the interior is in excellent condition , this past june put a new 454 in runs great. I have not really had any problems ,but it is only the single shifter just thought it might look nice.to have two sticks. MY GOD WHEN IS SPRING COMING!!!:D

Sorry, I thought they all had a seperate shifters the 91 has both sticks.

Jay

This is for an 1984 242 with twins.
Most all older Formulas, come merc cables that are NOT compatable with dual lever controls.
You will most likely need to change to a MORSE type cable with an adaptor end. But well worth the time and trouble.
GOOD LUCK

I just replaced the quicksilver controls in my twin engine 272 SR1 with a Gaffrig 4-lever control. This conversion required shift cables with threaded ends(Morse 33C's). The length of cable needed should be stamped on the end of your current shift cable, probably in inches. I needed a 16',17',18' and 19' cable to do the job. Also don't forget to ask for shift cable adapters for the shift plate and throttle linkage. The best price I found on the controls and cables were at Offshore Performance Specialties in Ft. Myers, FL. 239-489-0884. I also needed to buy 2 on-off-on rocker switches to put forward of the Gaffrigs' for drive trim. The finshed product has a flush fit and high performance look that looks much better than the big hump of a Quicksilver control box. Good luck with this easy conversion that will bring value to your Formula.

unchained-
I plan on doing the same this winter to the 242LS. Did you decide not to go with trim-in-throttle? I plan on having a trim switch in the port throttle, as well as individual rockers for stbd, port, and both (diodes required for wiring).
Post a picture for all of us if you can!
Jim

Jim,
I was already out $685 for the Gaffrigs, which came with the neutral safety switch, and another $140 for the shift cables. Doller Marine wanted $720 plus shipping for the same controls and $180 for shift cables. For in-handle trim the price was another $100. And if I remember right, black shifters ran $100 over the white color which is standard. Black was my only logical choice to go with because of the black dash. So as you can see this project can easily break the $1000 mark. I forgot if the extra $100 was for 2 trim buttons or one button that would trim both drives simultaneously. If it were 1 button, that would do no good since both Alpha drives have right hand props and are not counter rotating. For $30 I bought 2 Hardin Marine toggle switches, with toggle boots, from CP Performance. I placed them on either side of the trim tab rockers, just forward of the sticks. I'll get a picture this weekend and try to figure out how to post it.

Hey guys
I have a 242 Twin screw alpha also vintage 1984.
I installed Merc "K" dual lever controls, cheaper than the others if you can make a deal. They have the netural safty switches installed. [ yellow wire/red stripe]
For the trim switches you can use three [3] momentary rocker switchs 2 that are single pole double throw [ one for each drive]
power conects to the center, trim pump up/down to the outside poles. To trim both drives at once use a Double throw double momentary rocker switch [ has 6 conections on the underside.]
just jump off the port and starboard trim switches. Power to centers, up/ down to the top and bottom.
Sound funky, but works great with no problems for 3 years.
If you have mech. trim indicators, you can jump out the trim limit switches on the drives and save a mile of wire and BS. just mark the indicators when the drives are out 6" +/- 1/2 inch as merc states [ measured from the back edge of the piston to the center of the piviot stud.
Good luck

Raven , where did you pick up the merc k shifter ,I only need single engine. any web site? thanks

Dual lever
 

I got mine from
Davesons Metro power in far rockaway long island.
They are carried by most well stocked Merc dealers.
They work great, have netural safty switches . The cables I used are Morse 33 c, with merc adaptors on the engine side. Came with a templet for the cut out good instructions, they are Back lighted. just a nice addition.
Good luck
be safe
have fun