I got a quote to replace my shifter cables which are a little stiff. My usual guy who is reasonable on most things, quoted $700 for the cables. Does that sound right?

i am assuming most of the qoute is labor, as the parts only cost $40-$100 per kit. do it yourself and save $500.

I replaced mine 4-5 years ago. Can't remember but thought they were about $75 each.....fishing the cables through the boat wasn't bad but I imagine some hulls could be a PITA.

Took me 3-4 hours and I had never done it before either.

your problem is most likely the detent ball/spring and not the cables..

If it's the gear cables they have to remove the drive to replace, which will cost a bunch in labor. I had one replaced last year and that sounds about right.

is there a thread here that shows pics of this replacement job?

or if you have pics, please post. Thanks!

How many cables are we talking about? Is it a twin and are you replacing both cables (one from the shifter to the shift quadrant and one from the quadrant to the drive) on each engine?
Eddie

How would I diagnose that?

Yes it is a twin. He said it is probably the intermediate cables and that's what the quote is for.

sounds about right if its all four cables. The intermediates can be a pain and do consume some time.