Hydro Gate Sport Shift Handle Repair

[s_kelley2000]

The bolt that holds the hydro gate sport shift handle in place to the pivot point has backed off and fallen off down into the void. Now my handle is no longer attached to the fulcrum to shift back and forth. The cable is still attached to the handle and totally intact and functioning. I just need to reattach the lever to the pivot point. The problem is I don't have enough room to get a nut and bolt attached by going through the sport shift slot or through the cupholder:



Does anybody know how to access this area, I assume it would be the same method for any work on the throttle as well such as transmission cable. This is for a 2012 230 but I imagine it is similar with other models of this era. I am guessing there are some chirstmas tree plugs holding things in place but I didn't want to apply too much pressure and break things if that is not correct. I was thinking that I can probably get a stainless locking pin like this in there with the access I currently have:



On a side note while investigating this, I finally found the dial to calibrate the analog speedo. The digital speedo/speed control was correct but the analog gauge was reading about 10 MPH fast since I got the boat. The owners manual said it's usually under the dash but I could not find it. Here it was, hidden under the cup holder in case anybody else needs this:



Now if I can just figure out how to get the lake water temp gauge to read correctly I will have everything sorted: https://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/f...mp-not-reading

[ScooterMcgavin]

To access the throttle area and hydro gate shifter I believe you have to remove the top padding that your arm rest on. It is attached with strong Velcro

[s_kelley2000]

I looked at it again and I am not sure removing that top black piece would give me any more access as there is fiberglass all around the slot for the hydro gate handle. I think I probably have to take off the plastic panel that is around the throttle to gain access which I think means also removing the vinyl trim piece which seems like a lot of work. I managed to rig it up with a caribeaner last wknd and got it shifting smooth again. I think I will make a more permanent fix by using a stainless locking pin like this and avoid the hassle of taking all those trim pieces off to get a nut and bolt on it.