New member

YooperJim · **Joined:** Wed Jun 29, 2016 10:23 pm **Posts:** 10

Hi everyone.

I just recently picked up my first boat, a 1993 245. Currently in the garage for a little personalization and a good cleaning. Hope to get in the slip early next week.

I've noticed that my throttle shifter is a little loose. It worked fine the other day. There didn't seem to be any slop, just loose. I'm thinking about replacing it all together. Any suggestions/recommendations?

Also, the steering wheel has seen better days. Has anyone changed their steering wheel and can give me a couple hints?

Other than that, thanks for sharing the info. I've been reading posts for a couple days. Figured I'd say hi.

Jdpber · **Posted:** Thu Jun 30, 2016 9:51 am

WELCOME

LVChris · **Posted:** Thu Jun 30, 2016 12:40 pm

Welcome to the Vista family! IF you do decide to replace the shifter, I did mine..

http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=14006&hilit=stuck&start=15

Got it on Amazon 2 days for less than $300

Good Luck! and lets see some pics!

rpengr · **Posted:** Thu Jun 30, 2016 1:01 pm

Welcome to the forum. That's a lot of boat for a first timer. Congrats.

Jdpber · **Posted:** Thu Jun 30, 2016 1:41 pm

How big is your garage?

rpengr · **Posted:** Thu Jun 30, 2016 2:13 pm

Interesting that in 1993 a 245 is a Vista, but 1996 and after a 245 is a Sundowner.
I learn something new everyday.

YooperJim · **Joined:** Wed Jun 29, 2016 10:23 pm **Posts:** 10

Thanks all.

I discovered that the panel which the throttle shifter is screwed to is mostly broken, which makes perfect sense given the range of motion without completely falling off. I'm just going to have to replace that panel. I was thinking about cutting a few pieces of oak and replacing the vinyl padded plywood all around. It would look silly to just do it in one spot, and I think a little wood trimming would class the joint up a bit.

I'm trying to stay budget minded.

I will certainly share some pics as I make progress.

And jdpber, big enough :wink:

deafwish · **Posted:** Fri Jul 01, 2016 3:58 am

We need pics, mate! :wink:

RotaryRacer · **Posted:** Fri Jul 01, 2016 7:52 am

Where in the UP are you from/at Jim?

Jettaman754 · **Posted:** Fri Jul 01, 2016 8:38 am

I replaced my steering wheel over the winter. It was a pretty simple job but I made the mistake of assuming my supplier knew how my steering wheel connected to the column. I would suggest removing the steering wheel to see how it connects first (mine was a spline) and then find one you like to replace it. Call the customer service department of where you are buying the steering wheel from to make sure it is the proper connection type (some look like they are but once the hub is removed you get tricked!). I purchased mine from boatownersworld.com.

Regretfully I do not have a before picture but the leather on my old one was peeling away and looked awful. I was able to reuse the old hub to make it look more OEM. Here is the new one:

Steering wheel by john drescher, on Flickr

LouC · **Posted:** Fri Jul 01, 2016 10:22 am

Some of them have a splined shaft like a prop shaft, some have a taper shaft with a Woodruff key. Mine had the latter and the way you get those off is to use some penetrating oil, let it sit, back the retaining nut most of the way off, and then get a block of wood and a hammer. Take the the block of wood and tap the nut, not hard you are just trying to break the grip of the taper shaft. If you have a helper, one can pull back on the wheel while you tap the block. The reason why you leave the nut on the shaft is so that the wheel does not pop off and smack you in the head lol. No that did not happen to me :lol:

With this style the Woodruff key will probably fall on the deck (half moon key) so look for it and when reinstalling use some thick marine grease to hold it in the groove in the shaft. Plus greasing it will make it easier if you ever have to take the wheel off again....

Splined shaft it might be easiest to use a wheel puller.

Jdpber · **Posted:** Fri Jul 01, 2016 12:32 pm

I just Replaced min this week and it has a tapered keyway. The new hub came with 15* of adjustment via 3 keyway slots so the wheel can be perfectly centered

Jsyphil · **Posted:** Mon Jul 04, 2016 7:49 am

Welcome along

YooperJim · **Joined:** Wed Jun 29, 2016 10:23 pm **Posts:** 10

Thanks again. I have been taking my boat apart and doing stuff the past couple days. Good news is, no signs of water damage inside the walls. Couple pieces of padded trim were completely rotted. No worry, I am replacing it anyway. I've been taking pics, so I will share some later.

I appreciate the advice and have been following it.

RotaryRacer, I'm in Menominee. I sure hope to get out fishing "reel" soon.

www.iFourWinns.com

New member

Who is online