How do you use old manual reverse lock lever?

[taliesin1935]

Ok, I've got a new to me and good running 1967 sea Ray SRV 180 I/O with the Mercruiser 160. It all runs great on the hose, shifts well, etc. It has the lever on the side of the stern drive that you flip manually by leaning over the stern. Going to splash in a week or so.

What is the normal routine for using it the lever? Every time you use reverse a period of time?

I guess I wonder what is the typical routine for backing and utilization of the function.

Thanks!