Do Bravo drives need or use shift cutout switches?

no

the drive has no need for a switch but in the mercury engine circuit there is a neutral safty switch . the drve must be in neutral for engine to start

thanks

I just cracked one of my Shift Cutout Switches (Alphas). 3 questions:

1) Is the purpose of this switch so you don't start the engine in gear?

2) What is the logic? Closed circuit disables ignition? ...or open circuit disable ignition?

3) If open disables, hardwiring will defeat that check? (Not that I want to, but I want to be able to run while waiting for the part).

Thanks.

the purpose of the cutout switch is so you can pull the drive out of gear, it kills the engine for a split second..if their not hooked up the drive will stay in gear even tho the control is in neutral.

thats if this is the switch on the shift cable assenbly...all you have to do is shut the engine off before you try to take it out of gear,once out you will have to restart and select your other gear...it will be a pain to dock with out this switch..

Got it - thanks. That helps.

Reading this thread, do I sense a difference of opinion.

1) Switch that is connected to the starter circuit.
2) Switch that is connected to the ignition circuit.

Which is the correct? Or both? Wiring is right up my alley and designing/building a wire harness to perform would be easy.

My buddy needed it on his alpha 454 combo. My bravo 454 didnt need it. Must be how the gears are cut????

The Bravo drive uses Cone Clutches to shift. The Alpha is pretty much like an outboard - just jamming the gears together. That's why you need a shift / ignition interrupter when you shift. It allows the gears to mesh safely.