Throttle Linkage Slippage

Last time out on Surprise we were slogging upwind against 20+ knots true wind speed under reefed main and iron genoa. I noticed that the throttle kept creeping back to low RPMs. This problem was identified during my pre-purchase survey last spring, but hadn't really been a problem until now, when it seemed much worse than usual. So now I need to track down how, exactly, you are supposed to adjust this. Is there is fact an adjustment, or is this something you do ad hoc via a cable clamp? If the former, where is it? If the latter, where's the best place to apply a cable clamp? Thanks in advance for any tips. Surprise is a 1999 model with a European Yanmar, if that matters.

By the way, this upwind battle was the culmination of a four day cruise with great wind every day. First time that's happened since we bought the boat, and it performed great. First time we hit 7.5 knots on the GPS under sail, all doubts I'd once had about sailing performance went away. I was also impressed at how well balanced the boat was going upwind under reefed main alone.

Now if I can just talk the Admiral into a heavy air jib for those conditions. The 150 is just too big, and doesn't set well when we roll her up enough for those conditions.

Scott -

Assuming that your compass pedestal is made by Edson, the adjustment is inside the binnacle, underneath the compass. To tighten it, remove the stainless compass cover by unscrewing the two screws on the top. This will also free the compass light and screen. Note: You may be able to get to the tension adjustment without removing the compass, but I doubt it. Remove the four stainless hex-head bolts holding the compass on the binnacle and carefully remove it. Don't drop it. Look into the binnacle on the right side and you will see where the throttle lever shaft passes through the wall of the binnalce. Move the throttle lever back and forth to check the throttle tension. From what you describe, it will be fairly loose, which is what you don't want. There is a stainless hex-head machine screw sitting on top of the throttle lever shaft which applies tension to the throttle lever shaft as it passes throught the binnacle wall. Take a ratchet wrench and turn the machine screw clockwise a bit.

This will apply more tension to the throttle lever shaft. Move the throtle lever back and forth and re-adjust the machine screw until the tension is to your liking. Replace the compass, compass light and screen, and compass cover. Remember that the hex-head machine screws are stainless steel and the binnacle is aluminum and if you over tighten them the aluminium threads will strip and you will get to buy another compass pedestal ($247). Do yourself a favor and put some Lock-Tite on the threads before you reinstall them. This will solve your problem.

Do not try to solve this problem by doing anything to the cable attachment at the transmission! That is another problem which involves inadequate throw of the throttle and gear shift levers.