Johnson 130 issue with reverse

[the_dude]

I just bought a boat with a Johnson 130. The reverse gear does not have much power. It has enough to back the boat up, but not much more. Thoughts on what could be wrong, or is this normal?

 

[racerone]

Normal.

 

[the_dude]

had a sail boat decide to turn hard in front of me. had to turn the boat instead of using reverse to brake. Any way to give reverse a little more juice?

 

[racerone]

Reverse is NOT a brake on an outboard motor.-----On most motors the control box limits power in reverse.----Coupled with the fact that the water around the prop will be full of exhaust bubbles you just can not expect much thrust in reverse.

 

[flyingscott]

Using reverse as a brake is a good way to wreck the lower unit.

 

[GA_Boater]

Just an observation - You should be giving sailboats more room. They can't turn on a dime and tend to dart around due to the wind. You can maneuver far better than a blow boat.

 

[racerone]

And I believe in most areas a sailboat ( while sailing ) has the " right of way " and powerboats must keep clear.

 

[the_dude]

yeah I know they have the right of way and all that stuff, but she literally turned AT me. She apologized profusely after, I was just glad I had enough time to turn and not hit her. I was maybe 30 feet back going below 5 mph in the harbor, and then 2 seconds later she's trying to tbone me...stuff happens fast.