I had my boat out for its first good run of the year over the weekend and found I have a problem. When I shift into forward there is a two or three second delay before the prop turns. When I shift into reverse there is no delay at all. The thing runs great and makes no funny sounds at all just the delay.

The begining of the end!! I'm no drive expert, but I had the same problem when shifting into reverse. Had it looked at and found gears severly pitted and I think the delay going into gear is caused by worn clutches??

Have it looked at now!!

Sounds like the cable needs to be adjusted. It may not have enough travel in the cable and is trying to engage and then catches. The mounting stud for the cable in the engine compartment many have moved and need to be adjusted. Try shifting with the helm cable disconnected and see how it reacts.

OOOPPPS, I may have jumped the gun!!! Could be a cable adjustment. Sorry!

I would try an adjustment also.
I have also seen that type of behavoir from a worn shift cable. Good luck.

Mike, don't worry about it. It gives a moment for one more sip of beer.

I think merc updated the shift bracket in the drive, I changed mine a couple years back.

Yea I hear ya Mark and you know me well but when you are trying to maneuver a boat to tie up or dock in the wind that extra three seconds can make things very interesting.

Check the cable between the transom assembly and the drive. When the cladding is about to give in it becomes difficult to get it into forward gear.