Stuck in neutral

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JayCbee

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Hi. New to the motor boat world. Just had a weird one. Recon 50bhp mariner bought first week out using it. Been ok however when trying to get onto berth seemed to seize in neutral. Got moored up and now trying and all ok gears freely moving. There is some seaweed where our berth is. I I caught seaweed in the props would that cause the issue. We drifted into the seaweed before dropped the anchor and help came. So there was then a little seaweed on the prop when I checked. Just approached slow in drive then popped into neutral as nearly there then no gears stuck. Any ideas. Have a three month warranty so will call them if nothing stupid done by me.
 
I dont fully grasp what you are saying. If after clearing prop of seaweed gear change was ok then yes it was most likely the seaweed. I have had instances where if the prop was under load i.e. no backlash on the gears, then it would not change gear easily or at all.

Next time you go out try and tag along with someone just in case it is a gearbox issue.
 
Although the engine has been rebuilt what about gear shift cables etc. It may be at idea to disconnect the shift cable at the engine and try by hand to shift gears in to eliminate a linkage issue.
 
Hi thanks for reply. Basically our pontoon Strip does have sea weed along the back of it. Conwy marina. So all ok. Approaching berth giving rocks and seaweed a reasonable berth. Gates still open so coming down from high tide at 11 this was around 1. Depth sounder telling me I had about 3.5 meters beneath. Put in neutral as about to berth and move to reverse but not able to enter the gear. Stuck in neutral. Nothing no forward or backwards just can’t shift the throttle control. Towed to berth. Checked outboard a little bit of seaweed tho not sure if caused when couldn’t move as drifted a little before we dropped the anchor. Once back in berth after clearing the small amount of seaweed and all ok. Gears now working ok. Hope that’s a little clearer. Thanks
 
OK. If the seaweed didn't jam the prop I'd be looking next at the throttle linkage above as described. If that all checks out get it looked at under warranty. Or at the very least notify the rebuilder so you can claim against it if the 3 month lapses
 
Just a quick question. Your idle revs werent a bit high were they? That can make gear selection difficult too.
 
Any clunking clicking sounds as trying to put it in gear?

Did the throttle gear selector move at all or was it jammed solid / went to gear position but gears didnt engage?
 
Jammed solid. Just been down to the boat again to try without starting and the gears are moving smoothly again. Just need the confidence restored as new to this and if that had happened out and about would have been a nightmare. I have a radio etc and good anchor just a little worrying.
 
I can imagine. As I said try and tag with someone on the next trip and if someone is unavailable do not take out of gear unless you are in a position where you can safely do so to test. Do you have a small auxiliary engine? If not for a boat your size they are a welcome addition for times like these.

Warm the engine up at berth before setting out and leave running once at temp for a while. Try shift gears while tethered to your pontoon before setting out
 
The engine would stall if you had enough weed wrapped around the prop to stop it.. would not affect gear selection.
What can happen is the vulcanised hub can become detached from the outer aluminium prop. It works at low revs but when you put load on it just revs up as hub spins inside prop . does not sound like this is the issue though.
How old are the remote cables? they could be corroding internally and making them stiff?
Could it be bad adjustment of the remote cables and not quite going into gear when the lever is moved?
Is there a mechanical internal fault with the throttle/gear shift lever?
 
Just reread the thread and realise bruceK has aready stated what i have... not sure how i missed that :oops:
 
I dont agree with all the boats having two engines unless there is some special two engine boat club.?
Look at all the outboard powered ribs, and there are many around here. Can't recall ever seeing single outboard rib with auxiliary. There is often not enough space to mount one.
Same goes for most of the single outboard powered boats.
The majority that do have a bracket to mount an aux outboard usually have very old looking main engines.
I can't speak for how it is around Conwy. Maybe it is different ?
 
Thanks all I’ll report back. Just out of interest. How many hps should an aux have. Mainly Conwy river but we do local little sea trips if calm sea. I don’t want to spend loads but don’t want to undercook it. Speed not an issue you know just limp to safety. 16foot microplus 501 Explorer. Hence not much in the sea Unless conditions ok mainly sticking to river.
 
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