[Rhodes22-list] outboard shifter lever extension

[Graham Stewart]

I expect that different motors might require different shifter extension
styles. I made one using PVC plastic conduit. The inside diameter of the
conduit fit perfectly over the shifter on the motor. I put a piece about 8"
over the shifter and then attached it to a 24" piece with a hinge I made
using dowel driven into the two parts and then joined with a half lap join
with a bolt through the center. 

This arrangement has one feature that is both a pro and a con depending on
your viewpoint. Because the shifter simply drops over the motors shift lever
it does not need to be attached. This makes it easy to remove by simply
lifting it up. The fact that it sits over the lever means that it can rotate
and that becomes important in my case as otherwise when I make a sharp turn
the shifter will hit the stern rail thereby restricting maneuverability.
Being able to remove the unit is handy when I raise the motor and in other
situations where the extension can get in your way. Because it is a tube it
floats if you cap the handle end. The con is that it can come off by
shifting forward too vigorously. That happened only once and now I know to
be less enthusiastic about shifting. 

I love being able to bring my boat into dock without the indignity of having
to hang over the stern rail and peer between my legs to see where I am
going. I am just too old for that.

It works perfectly for my purposes and cost nothing.

I don't have a picture on hand but would be happy to take one if anyone
would like to see it.


Graham Stewart
Agile, Rodes 22, 1976
Kingston Ontario

-----Original Message-----
From: Rhodes22-list [mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of
Jesse Shumaker
Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2020 5:21 PM
To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] outboard shifter lever extension

Fortunately, I have a slip this year so it is a lot easier to get on the
water.  I've found that maneuvering into a slip requires more precision than
coming up to the T-dock which was I was used to last year.  On the T-dock
you could often find a place to come up into the wind.  As I mentioned in a
prior post, my wife is also learning how to skipper as well.  Reaching back
down to shift between forward / neutral / reverse required turning a round
to locate and reach the gear shift lever on the outboard.  Some brief
searching on "da list" showed that others have found this a challenge. 
Adding cockpit controls for the outboard is not cheap, so my work around was
to add an extension to the shift lever.  I used a 1/2" x 1" piece cut to
length.  I can't recall the exact length but if any one else wants to do
this they should probably measure on their boat anyway based on their
outboard to make sure the lever stays under stern rail when raising the
motor.  I attached it with a couple of stainless steel hose clamps.  I
painted the lever and added some white electric tape as a handle.  A simple,
cheap (and less than elegant) but functional solution.  

I wouldn't be surprised if others have already done this, but I'm just
sharing in case others might find this helpful.  Now I don't have to turn
around and bend down to operate the shifter lever. 

<http://rhodes-22.1065344.n5.nabble.com/file/t907/SLE01.jpg> 
<http://rhodes-22.1065344.n5.nabble.com/file/t907/SLE02.jpg> 



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