Here's one that seems to have even the mechanics stumped. Paid to have fixed, but the problem persists.

So I have Lathem shifters and controls (assuming like most Cigs of this age i.e. 2002).
When both shifters are in reverse and I go to put them in neutral the starboard engine remains in gear until it is slightly "bumped forward" and then returned to neutral. Normal. I don't think so. I was charged for repair and service mgr. said it was fixed, but it was not. Called Lathem (who have been extremely helpful in past) but their Technician said it sounds like more a Mercruiser (drive issue). Could it be a shift fork as the Serv. Mgr. indicated? This is more of an annoyance, however, and I would like it diagnosed and fixed. Seems to be typical "little things" when you buy a used boat.
Any ideas?
Thanks.
S-

Sounds like an upper shift cable adjustment. The cable could also be stretched and might need replaced.
ts not an issue with the Latham controls. I have Latham controls and no way they could cause what you describe.

This could potentially be a stretched cable issue as well.

They also used Marine Machine shifters and throttle controls in 02.

I have Marine Machine and the cables needed a little adjustment from my port side not wanting to shift in or out of gear kind of how you mention. After I adjusted the cable, issue went away.

Do you have the Mercury Bravo Shift Adjustment tool?


New Mercury Mercruiser Quicksilver Oem Part # 91-17263 Tool | eBay

bravo-shift-adjust.pdf