I have a 21' VIP Victory bowrider w/ a quicksilver control and alpha outdrive with a 350 mag mpi. (small boat for this forum, I know) I have been having problems with the shift control for about a summer. It seems to be very fussy. When I pull into the dock or beach, I have to shift into nuetral, and even go backwards towards reverse a little, just so that it will get into neutral. Usually when i shift into neutral, it stays in forward and crawls forward, unless I bump it into reverse. A couple of times I went to do this and it actually went forward faster, and the more I pulled the lever back, the faster it went forward. Basically, the boat stayed in forward gear, but the throttle worked like it was supposed to! Very scary when docking. Do I need adjustments, new cables, or a whole new shifter and cables. I am going to have a professional put it in, but I wanted your advise. What control unit should I put in this boat if that is the case? It is a side mount shifter. Thanks for any and all replies. Justin

Sound like you need adjustments and maybe new cables. I'd be surprised if it was the shifter. I'm sure the mechanic will take a look at your shift interrupt switch also.

Adjustments should do it.

Turn Around Youre Facing The Wrong Way!!!

shift spool could be a possibility, try removing the cables from the bracket on the engine to isolate the system this should give you a real good idea of where you need to go. could be an adjustment could be that a component needs replaced. for the record the commander 3000 model control, which is what i am sure you have, were all junk. i am not saying that i think thats the problem, i am just saying the control is junk.

good call O/D man,

out drive man is correct sounds like a bad shift spool I would be very surprised if it was a cable

do as he suggests disconnect cables and try shifting at the mtr that will remove the shifter from the equation.... from there get someone who knows what to look for


and very true commander 3000 is junk merc had several bulletins on them and never got it right.......

but I dont think thats where your problem is

Thanks you guys. Just in case it is the shifter, what would you recomend for a new shifter for this application?

just get the opposite rotation prop

Thanks ratman! gotta love these forums.

teleflex makes a nice sifter for cruisers that almost a direct bolt in, or you could always go with a gaffrig or livorsy