Helping a new boat owner- dies when put into reverse

[mbram]

My good friend bought a boat. He has never owned, driven and rarely been in a boat. I went with him on his maiden voyage Sunday. I get him and his boat in the water. 98 185 Searay with a 4.3 Mercruiser. Runs and starts great. Put into reverse and dies- does it every single time- all day. If I take it out of gear and put in reverse, it runs; but I don't know if that diagnoses anything. I know the shift interrupt activates to get out of gear- what is killing it to get into gear? If anyone has some diagnostic tips, I would appreciate it.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Is the shift interruptor switch moving when this happens? Have someone look at it when it happens..

 

[Bt Doctur]

Was anything done to the boat prior to launch, anything?

 

[Fastatv]

My good friend bought a boat. He has never owned, driven and rarely been in a boat. I went with him on his maiden voyage Sunday. I get him and his boat in the water. 98 185 Searay with a 4.3 Mercruiser. Runs and starts great. Put into reverse and dies- does it every single time- all day. If I take it out of gear and put in reverse, it runs; but I don't know if that diagnoses anything. I know the shift interrupt activates to get out of gear- what is killing it to get into gear? If anyone has some diagnostic tips, I would appreciate it.

Check the adjustment on the shifting cables. The measurements for his year model/serial number can be found here on the forum in the Adults Only Area, or the Sticky Area.

 

[mbram]

I will check and see what the switch is doing. I will look a the cables and see where they are sitting.