Hi all,

First time posting here and just joined. This forum is a treasure trove of information so cool.

I am considering replacing my transmission at my Next haul out In Port Townsend this April. I have read a bunch of information on this site which is super helpful. I too, have this dreaded chatter in the drivetrain. It was present when I bought our boat two years ago, and it's always been on the back of my   mind. I haven't really had any problems getting in and out of gear aside from once in a while, not being in forward because the lever hits the binnacle. I have found that a quick and firm push of the lever into forward gets it into Gear 99% of the time. I could probably do a little bit of adjustment on the cable or shifter arm But have not yet. My transmission oil is clear (red) as can be. Unfortunately, from what I have read on here, replacing the damper plate doesn't seem to really address the noise? I am a little torn between just living with it, or dropping the money to resolve it for piece of mind. We do a lot of cruising around the San Juan islands and north and plan on the inside passage in the next year or two and the thought of losing my transmission in some of those currents is a little scary. My engine has around 1900 hrs on it And I assume the transmission is original as it looks like it is.  

It seems like there isn't really an advantage to going with the ZF 12 over the ZF 15 since dimensionally. They are about the same.  

I see the ZF 15 listed on Catalina direct for about $2600. The damper plates seem to be fairly pricey at six or $700 for the aftermarket.

Has anyone recently priced shopped around For better pricing or is Catalina direct the way to do it?

anyone have suggestions on where to order if I plan on doing the transmission, damper plate, and a max prop?

cheers and TIA