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So I finally bought a boat and I went to put it in the water the first time and when I put it in reverse the motor came up out of the water. After searching google I think the reverse lock is out. I'm fairly mechanical but I don't know anything about boat motors, is this an easy fix or do I need to take it to a pro? It's a 1971 mercury 500 50 hp outboard. Any info would be appreciated.
First, raise the motor and put on support. Look for the lock mechanism, should be one or 2 pieces of metal with hooks made in. It should hook on a cross shaft assuming you don't have power tilt and trim. If that is the case it should have a spring that pulls and holds it in place until you trip a release to let it tilt up. If you have trim and tilt it shouldn't come up by hand at all. Just check the latch mechanism in the yard and you should be able to see what the problem is.
some like mercuray auto locks in reverse . some have a manual lock . i never lock my evinrude and a tahatsue . you can do a lot of damage if it is locked