Sticky, jerky, stiff, throttle

1979 Ski Nautique. Runs like a bat out of hell. We rented a house on the lake this week and it has been running non stop for 7 days. Now I find that the throttle is a little "sticky" as I am pulling back to idle.

I read all the posts. Just learned that some boat throttles have to be held onto the whole time. I don't like that. Mine stays where I put it, and that means if I am pulling my wife at 28, it stays at 28 no matter how long she skis. But that is not the problem.

Is there something I need to lubricate to make the throttle smoother, or do I have to replace the cable? I am a "hobbyist" so I may need some elementary explanations.

Background info: It started knocking last year at idle speed and I found that the throttle cable was touching the shaft coupler thingy, and the bolts on either side where thumping it. The outside wrapping of the cable is a little chewed up but not showing through to the cable.

I can't add much to what Pete said. Pete's saved my butt many times- both with my tique and my wooden boat. The only thing I can add is to make sure you pull a cord through with your old one as you pull it out. You can then use it to pull the new cable through (under) the floor boards to the motor. I did mine 2 summers ago and it took an hour. It would have taken me forever if I had to thread the new cable under to the motor. By-the-way, I'm pretty much a motor rookie -constantly trying, and working through my mistakes, while simultaneously hoping any mistakes are not very expensive!