reverse works only on shore??

[workaholic]

When i connect the garden hose to the outboard on shore the motor goes into reverse everytime, no problem. But when i put the boat in the water it wont go.....

Any ideas on what to look for and how much to adjust that complicated linkage assembly??

Thanks.
P.S. The motor is a 1981 V-200.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: reverse works only on shore??

Are you the original owner of the boat?

Chances are that shift cable is stretched and has been readjusted to keep it in forward gear so much that you have about lost Reverse.

With the motor OFF, disconnect the shift cable at the motor. Shift the motor into Forward gear manually, shift the control into Forward, compare the cable alignment.

You may have to bump the prop when shifting to allow the engagement dogs to line up and fully seat into gear.

Now do the same for Reverse, manually shift the motor, then the Control, compare the alignment, do they match up?

Any unevenness on either gear then it is time to replace that shift cable.