Shifter went bad

[biggerseagar]

The boat is a 01 Maxum 3000 with twin 5.0L carbs with bravo II's.

While backing in to my slip last friday my port side shifter went loose and is stuck in reverse it seems . I shut down the port engine and got in the slip with just the starboard side running, tied it up and tried to figure out what happen.

I have a neutral but when I shift forward it is a very sloppy resistance, it goes backward. It feels like nothing is attached when I did this.

I have an appointment this tuesday with Marina's mechanic.

I had all this done last year. New bellows, trim senders, bearings, and shift cables.So I hope something just came loose and can be fixed in water without having to get a lift out because they have to mess with the outdrive.

So what to you think happen?

Thanks
Roger

[mmwjr]

Did you replace the upper cables? Try disconnecting the cable at the shift bracket and see if it feels ok. May be an issue with the shift mechanism in the upper part of the drive. Try disconnecting the lower cable and see if you can shift into forward, neutral and reverse by pushing and pulling the cord wire.

[biggerseagar]

Thanks Mike!

[jrsick]

Roger, it sounds like you could have cable problem and Mike's advice on checking the shift mechanism is good idea.
The lower shift cable pushes to get the drive into forward. You would get the symptoms you describe if the lower shift cable became loose at either end.
Another check you could try: put the shifter in forward, then go to the shift bracket and measure the distance between the lower shift cable barrel and mounting stud. Measure from the center of the barrel to the center of the stud. This distance should be 6 inches.