Gear Not Engaging

[screamingseagull]

Hi,
Sorry for newbie question. May i ask for some tips/advise.
I recently bought a second hand boat with a 4.3L mercruiser engine and alpha 1 outdrive. When i am cruising, then try to slow down to the point the revolution go below 1000 rpm, i cannot re-engage the drive gear anymore. If i tried to re-engage i will hear the clank sound, indicating gear is engage again, but will not accelerate.
I need to restart the engine to get moving again. Is this normal? Any tips would be very much appreciated.

Thank you,
ScreamingSeagull

 

[alldodge]

A new to you boat should always start with maintenance before you go to the water for the first time.
Have you changed the gear lube?
Replaced the impeller?

Your issue is most likely the lower shift cable and it needs to be replaced, but could also be there is a problem with the drive and maybe gear lube, or lack there of

 

[screamingseagull]

A new to you boat should always start with maintenance before you go to the water for the first time.
Have you changed the gear lube?
Replaced the impeller?

Your issue is most likely the lower shift cable and it needs to be replaced, but could also be there is a problem with the drive and maybe gear lube, or lack there of

Thank you so much for quick reply. I will check the lower shift cable, hopefully that is the only thing i need to replace.
Oil are all in good shape.