When shifting into forward it takes about 4-5 seconds to engage. It goes in real smooth, just takes a long time. Shifting into reverse is instant. This just started but seems to be getting worse. There is no slip or other noises once in gear and everything seems fine. Have been told it could be several different things, can someone narrow this down? Boat is a 1998 with 216 hrs, no holeshots or launches in 2 yrs I've owned it.

I'd check the lower shift cable. It may be binding when going into forward and moving slow under the pressure from the upper shift cable.

It could be linkage adjustment. Take the cable from the helm shifter off the bracket in the engine compartment and try shifting it there. IF it goes in fine then look at the adjustment that will center the cable going to the drive. The cable to the drive needs to have equal movement into each gear.
If shifting by the bracket doesnt help, it maybe internal. Drain the fluid some and pull the back cap and look at the detent ball and spring.

Do a search on the subject. We recently went over this same thing and the guys were able to find the problems..

hope this helps
Dick

I did do a search and couldn't find anything, must not be looking in the right place? Anyway someone I talked to did suggest the detent spring, then another guy said " no thats not it." I did recently change exhaust to stainless marine with shift bracket and I'm hoping it's just a cable adjustment. Strange thing is, it didn't do it right away?? Thats why I was told its something serious inside drive. Thanks for help guys!

Try this one..

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...light=shifting

It may be unrelated, but shortly after one of my drives did that, the upper vertical shaft broke in 2.