Getting tranmission into drive

vtomgardner

vtomgardner

New Member
Oct 10, 2019
26
Boat Info
2001 240 Sundeck
Engines
350 Mercruiser TBI, Alpha I Gen II
Hi All, It's just getting boating season here, and when I took my new-to-me boat out the other day I noticed it seemed to have difficulty getting into forward gear after backing out of my slot. It seemed to make some grinding noise/chatter/vibration while changing gears, which seemed normal, but it felt like it took 3 seconds to get into forward gear. In fact, I had to move up the throttle to the point that when it kicked in, we all fell back a bit. Once in drive, all was fine.

I'm new to Sea Rays (and modern boats in general -- last one was a '57 inboard), so I don't know what the transmission is like. But, should I let it sit in neutral for a few seconds after reverse? How do I know if I need to get it looked at? Thanks
 
This is definitely not normal and no, you should not have to "wait" several seconds in neutral before shifting. This would make for a rather unpleasant boat to dock. Even unsafe, potentially.

Did you sea-trial the boat prior to purchase? Is this is a new problem? Grinding and delay in shifting sounds ominous but I'm definitely not a transmission expert. I'd get it checked by a pro sooner rather than later...
 
If it’s the boat in you profile, it doesn’t have a transmission. You’ve got an Alpha 1 Gen 2 outdrive (1 propeller) or a Bravo 3 outdrive (2 propellers)

First clarify which outdrive you have then more precise solutions will follow.
 
Espos4 said:
If it’s the boat in you profile, it doesn’t have a transmission. You’ve got an Alpha 1 Gen 2 outdrive (1 propeller) or a Bravo 3 outdrive (2 propellers)

First clarify which outdrive you have then more precise solutions will follow.
Click to expand...

That's good to know! It's the boat in my profile, so I suppose it would be a clutch or gear? To answer your question, it's one propeller.
 
If it's one propeller it is an Alpha I Gen II. These drives don't have a cone clutch like the Bravo's. Basically when shifting into FWD or REV, the gears just mesh together, it is not what I wold call a smooth shift, it makes a definite "clunk". If you try to slowly push the lever into FWD vs a decisive shift the gears will not always engage and they will "chatter". Subsequently when shifting from FWD or REV to Neutral, the ignition is automatically and quickly "cut" for a second to allow the dog style gears to disengage - you will hear the engine stumble for a second. These drives are very sensitive to proper shift cable adjustment - an improperly adjusted shift cable can cause shifting problems and cause the engine to actually stall when shifting into Neutral.

Bottom line you could either be timid about shifting with your new boat - you need to be decisive - or your shift cable needs adjustment or possibly replacement. On a 2001 boat, the shift cable would certainly have needed to be replaced at least once.

By the way, solid boat, proven dependable engine and outdrive package. Just might need some routine maintenance and adjustments.
 
BillK2632 said:
If it's one propeller it is an Alpha I Gen II. These drives don't have a cone clutch like the Bravo's. Basically when shifting into FWD or REV, the gears just mesh together, it is not what I wold call a smooth shift, it makes a definite "clunk". If you try to slowly push the lever into FWD vs a decisive shift the gears will not always engage and they will "chatter". Subsequently when shifting from FWD or REV to Neutral, the ignition is automatically and quickly "cut" for a second to allow the dog style gears to disengage - you will hear the engine stumble for a second. These drives are very sensitive to proper shift cable adjustment - an improperly adjusted shift cable can cause shifting problems and cause the engine to actually stall when shifting into Neutral.

Bottom line you could either be timid about shifting with your new boat - you need to be decisive - or your shift cable needs adjustment or possibly replacement. On a 2001 boat, the shift cable would certainly have needed to be replaced at least once.

By the way, solid boat, proven dependable engine and outdrive package. Just might need some routine maintenance and adjustments.
Click to expand...

BillK2632, actually you brought up a good point, I AM probably a bit too timid on the shift. Since it's new to me, I'm probably being a bit too gentle on it. That said, the shift cable was never mentioned when going over the history of the boat so it could very well need an adjustment or be replaced.

When going from reverse to drive, should I move it to neutral for a second and then proceed to drive? Or just move it straight to drive?
 
scoflaw said:
I had a B2 on a 2000 245 Weekender.
OP should figure out exactly what drive he has.
Click to expand...

Yeah, need to verify that, pretty sure it's an Alpha, but need to know for sure. The Bravo's have a cone clutch and shift totally different from an Alpha.
 
scoflaw said:
Well a B1 and a B2 has 1 prop, and it sounds like a cone clutch going bad.
Click to expand...
Alpha 1G2 and B3 were the only factory options for 2001 according to the parts manual. It’s possible some other Bravo model was installed sometime in the last 19 years.
 
It could also be the throttle cable is sticky/binding. That would make it hard to find the sweet spot of engaging drive without goosing the throttle too much.
 
Gentlemen, thank you all for your time and suggestions. From what I can tell, I'll need to get on my paddleboard to get behind the boat to see what type of outboard I've got (It's on a lift in the water). Then I'll take it from there.
 
scoflaw said:
I had a B2 on a 2000 245 Weekender.
OP should figure out exactly what drive he has.
Click to expand...
Was your motor a big block? Very unusual to see a Bravo 1 or 2 with a small block unless it was a 6.2 or a 383 Stroker and his boat was not offered with either of those engine options.
 
NorCal Boater said:
Was your motor a big block? Very unusual to see a Bravo 1 or 2 with a small block unless it was a 6.2 or a 383 Stroker and his boat was not offered with either of those engine options.
Click to expand...

I have a Mercruiser 350. That's a small block, right?
 
NorCal Boater said:
Was your motor a big block? Very unusual to see a Bravo 1 or 2 with a small block unless it was a 6.2 or a 383 Stroker and his boat was not offered with either of those engine options.
Click to expand...
It was a 5.0 with a B2.

OP post up your engine number and I'll tell you what drive you have.
 
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