Your right, that is for alpha's only. the bravos are a little different
Jr.

1. Unhook the shift cable from the engine to the outdrive
Can you shift into f, n, and r?
2. My next step would be thourally checking out the condition of the shift cable.
3. I would then pull the back cap and also checking the gearlube
Jr.

It is most likely the thrust washer/bearing in your outdrive...not a hard fix but the outdrive must be removed and taken apart...about an hour for a mechanic to fix..$40 worth of parts...check this diagram out..number 25 is your problem..

http://media.stemtostern.com/default...R\17721\11.GIF

If you pull that rear cover off also check the shift yoke (part #9) seen that break once and do the same thing as you describe....most times it stuck in one gear though....

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show_...%28STANDARD%29

Happened to me once. The thrust washer broke in half then doubled up over itself. The change in thickness prevented the clutch from engaging. Mr Gadgets fixed it for me in a half hour (after a long drive but it was worth it).

Thanks for all the information gonna tackle it myself being its a month wait at all the shops around here.

I had the same problem, shift cable ($70) was the culprit.

My friend pulled it down today bajapred u hit the nail on the head number 25 was broke in half . thanks to all who gave input .

Man, sometimes a plan really comes together!...glad you got her goin! now go have some fun!

been watching this thread.
I have hard shifting, (almost impossible now, feels like somethings gonna break to get it done) on the starboard side. Identically as difficult a shift forward or reverse. No noises or vibes. Gotten much worse in the last couple weeks. 220 hour boat...
new problem this season, 17 hours.

money here is on the ball/detent mechanism?