I have an '85 34' Scarab with the original single-lever, dual-function controls. I am interested in changing to the separate-function 4-lever controls. The bright red cables installed could be the original cables; I have no history on the boat.

Mounting and placement are the easy part. What should I look for in cable compatibility? Is there a brand or brands that will drop in without needing new cables? Brand recommendations would also be helpful. What are the pitfalls with purchasing used?

Thanks,
Mike
http://postimg.org/image/u6vi5wkyf/

you will need new cables pretty much no matter what you brand you use. All the offshore controls use 33c cables.

I'm pretty sure when you get it apart,,the cables may only need adapters to mount to the new style shifters.get it apart and upload some pics will be a big help.

that is a morse unit, should use std 33 cables, so changing won't be a deal at all, did a new boat in 88, morse actually made a set that looked like livorsi, merc etc, almost a drop in swap...

I should be able to get to it tomorrow and post some pics. Thanks for the help.

Mike

for the love of me(its been since 2001) i don't remember changing the cable on my boat when I went to gaffrig levers.

I did the swap a couple years ago on my Scarab. Cables are not necessary just different cable ends. I did need to cut out the opening for the new shifters.

Halfway down the page in the following link.
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/r...rogress-2.html

You will need 4 of Merc part number 845281 to make your cables work. They typically go for around $40 a piece.

Finally got the new Kiekhaefer throttles installed. As you pointed out the old unit was a Morse and therefore no cable change was required. I got lucky and the throttle set I got had a set of four cable ends with it.

All I had to do was enlarge the mounting hole, attach the cable ends and cables, and adjust the rigging a small amount for all four cables. Very straightforward job. Thanks for the advice.

Mike

The cables were the same on mine as well. Went from the Morse to the "K"