Finding neutral with Merc Fourstroke

[pote]

I've been trying to research a problem with my Merc 115 Fourstroke. It's a real pain to find neutral on my rig and I often miss neutral and end up in R or F, especially when pulling up to the ramp and always when the wind is honking the most - doh. I found a few articles about the exact same condition on a boston whaler forum and the hull truth, but I never saw a clear conclusion for correcting it. link here if you want to read it --> http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-for ... -strk.html

Wondering if anyone here has recovered from this condition.

[MH Hawker]

I would think the cables are out of adjustment or wore out and have to much slack.

[smoker62]

Nope, mines a 2012 and from day one it is not a positive feel for neutral. It takes some getting used to but it gets better with time. You get better not the shifter. Worse feel I have ever had in many boats. Merc dropped the ball on this version but it works , just have to use the " FORCE".

[Mrtoler]

Do you have the smart craft digital controles

[pote]

I don't have the fancy controls. It's be worth it if there was just a F/N/R light. I've got a big sundeck over the engine and I can't see the motor or prop wash and cant hear it when it's idling. Wish I could afford to repower with a yammy.

[rancherlee]

I know what you mean, my Main motor OMC/BRP control box has a VERY solid click for FNR but the Yamaha 701 control box for my 9.9HT kicker has very week click that's hard to feel which sucks. I've already have thought I've popped it into neutral to help land a fish and the boats kept going.

[jshumphries]

Just a thought, how stiff is the movement from Neutral to Forward or Reverse? There is a throttle tensioning screw that you could tweak a couple of turns to see if that makes it better or worse. There is a post about the Merc 150s that I posted pictures on to access the tension but it's most likely tucked in your console.

[Waterlogged]

On my 2008 115 4stk I can definately tell when I am in N. I can feel when it comes out of F or R, and the lever has to move over 2 in. to between F to R. Never had a problem with it, but not sure how it all works, so, sorry I can't help with your situation. Just wanted to let you know it can work right.

Glenn

[brumbyvet]

Mine is a 90 four stroke but I probably have the same shifter as you. After much cussing and fussing I've finally got mine to work as it should. First, make sure the cables under the boat are as straight as possible with no sharp turns. Mine was totally out of shape from the dealer and this makes a huge difference. Second, adjust on the two adjustment screws inside the shifter housing. You should be able to make your neutral indent as stiff or as easy as you desire. After much trial and error, you should have a better working shifter.
It's too bad the rigger can't do this when they prep the boat because they have made many unhappy Mercury owners.