Transmission Linkage Problem ! - 165hp, 4cyl, 1987 Seville Cuddy

[Dr D]

Was out riding the other night.....slowed down, paused, and put the boat in neutral, then reverse. The engine got "stuck" in reverse...would not go back into neutral or forward. Shut the engine off, & got it back into neutral, but again would not go into gear....had to get towed off the water.
The cable linkage on the port side of the engine, (both cables), look like they came away from whatever was anchoring them to the engine itself.....can anyone help me understand what's happened ?
....thanks

 

[Dr D]

Linkage had come disconnected from its anchor bolt hole on the block......mechanic replaced the bolt, & reset the other cable too. Shifter works like a dream, and is much easier to operate.