First time I've ever had this issue on any of my boats. Shifting several times back and forth and it eventually finds neutral. Happened several times out last trip. Any tips? Thanks...

Please delete my post it's offending the Grammar Nazis.

Disconnect the cables at the motor and shift by hand. If it works that way you know you have control problems.

Thanks for the info. Using the controls while sitting in the driveway off muffs, it apparently shifts fine: in neutral, the prop spins freely both directions; in forward, the prop is locked with about an inch of play; in reverse, the prop is also locked with about an inch of play. I exercised the shifter at least a dozen times without any issue with the same results. Note that I have the same question posted on BBC and one of the posters also suggested I disconnect the linkage and manually shift thru F-N-R - not sure why if shifter appears to be behaving. He recomended that I take it to the lake (under load?) and observe the shift linkage - just not really sure what I'm looking for.

I have very little motor repair experience but have a SELOC manual.

Thanks again...

You looking for cable sheath movement that would indicate a bad cable or cable mount.

this

On the lake, every time shifting out of reverse to neutral, the motor stayed in reverse. Had to shift it to forward then neutral to restore neutral. Didn�t observe the linkage because I was unfortunately alone. Once shen I shifted it from reverse to neutral, it killed the motor - not sure if this is a clue or unrelated behavior. I�ll inspect it on the trip...

Soubds like something is loose or you need a new shift cable. Easy and cheap fix.