If you’re rebuilding or reassembling the twin throttle and shifter control on a 1999 Sea-Doo Speedster, one thing that can be confusing is the friction adjustment for the centre lever.
When I was putting mine back together, I could clearly see how one side’s throttle lever friction was adjusted, but the centre lever friction adjustment was not obvious at first.
After opening up the control assembly and tracing the mechanism, I found that the centre Phillips-head screw appears to be the adjustment point for the centre lever friction.
What I found
With the control assembly exposed, I inserted a screwdriver into the centre Phillips screw located in the middle of the lever mechanism. From the position and behaviour of the assembly, this screw appears to apply friction to the centre control lever.
In other words:
- Centre Phillips screw = centre lever friction adjustment
This is useful when the middle lever feels too loose, won’t hold position properly, or feels inconsistent compared to the other levers.
Why this matters
On the Sea-Doo Speedster twin control, correct lever friction is important because you want:
- smooth movement
- enough resistance so the lever stays where you place it
- no excessive looseness
- no binding or stiffness
If the centre lever is too loose, it can feel sloppy and imprecise. If it is too tight, shifting becomes awkward and forced.
How to adjust it
Before adjusting, make sure the boat is off and the control is safe to work on.
- Remove the access panel or expose the throttle / shifter control assembly.
- Locate the centre Phillips screw in the middle of the mechanism.
- Turn the screw in small increments.
- Test the lever movement after each adjustment.
- Stop when the centre lever has a firm, smooth resistance without feeling tight or sticky.
A little adjustment can make a big difference, so it is best not to overdo it.
My tip
If you are rebuilding the whole control, take photos as you go. These lever assemblies can be a bit confusing once pulled apart, and having reference photos makes reassembly much easier.
It is also worth cleaning corrosion and grime from the exposed mechanism while you have it apart, as buildup can affect how the control feels.
Final takeaway
If you are wondering how to adjust the centre lever friction on a 1999 Sea-Doo Speedster twin throttle/shifter assembly, the answer appears to be:
Use the centre Phillips screw in the control mechanism.
That was the missing piece for me during reassembly, and hopefully it saves someone else the same head-scratching.
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