Mine didn't jump the spool. Instead, I hit some rough water where the combined affect of the bounce and motor torque threw the engine to one side, overcoming the tension springs. The springs then reacted and pulled the engine back to the other side. This seesaw effect continued until I cut the throttle and slowed down. Yes, it was scary. Thanks for the info.
I've found a number of Teleflex used units online and in a salvage store here in Ft. Pierce, Fla. I can't tell the relative size of the unit in the online posts and they rarely provide the model number. The units in the salvage store all look like they come from big saltwater rigs and most don't have the tapered thread 3/4 inch shaft for a typical small boat steering wheel. But, my biggest question at this point is what model number/numbers would be best suited for my G3 centerdeck. I would appreciate some recommendations from those "in the know." Thanks, again.
Doug