Hi,
I've got a 20' bowrider with a 3.0l mercruiser inboard and an Alpha 1
outdrive. Whenever I shift from neutral to forward/reverse, I can hear and
feel a fairly loud clunk sound. Is this normal (it's my first boat) or
should the shifting be smooth? If not, any suggestions on what might cause
this to happen?
Thanks.

"B. Alexander" wrote in message
...
Hi,
I've got a 20' bowrider with a 3.0l mercruiser inboard and an Alpha 1
outdrive. Whenever I shift from neutral to forward/reverse, I can hear and
feel a fairly loud clunk sound. Is this normal (it's my first boat) or
should the shifting be smooth? If not, any suggestions on what might cause
this to happen?
Thanks.



A "clunk" is normal. A "grind" and "crunch" is not.

Eisboch

I have a 3.7l merc inboard and it goes clunk when I put it into forward as
well. I think its normal.

"B. Alexander" wrote in message
...
Hi,
I've got a 20' bowrider with a 3.0l mercruiser inboard and an Alpha 1
outdrive. Whenever I shift from neutral to forward/reverse, I can hear and
feel a fairly loud clunk sound. Is this normal (it's my first boat) or
should the shifting be smooth? If not, any suggestions on what might cause
this to happen?
Thanks.

It's quite normal. One thing you certainly DON'T want to do is shift
slowly... you'll grind up the gears (over time) that way...

-j


"B. Alexander" wrote in message
...
Hi,
I've got a 20' bowrider with a 3.0l mercruiser inboard and an Alpha 1
outdrive. Whenever I shift from neutral to forward/reverse, I can hear and
feel a fairly loud clunk sound. Is this normal (it's my first boat) or
should the shifting be smooth? If not, any suggestions on what might cause
this to happen?
Thanks.

"B. Alexander" wrote in message

Hi,
I've got a 20' bowrider with a 3.0l mercruiser inboard and an Alpha 1
outdrive. Whenever I shift from neutral to forward/reverse, I can hear and
feel a fairly loud clunk sound.

The shop manual describes this as normal. It should be a "round" clunk as
opposed to grinding or a sharp bang, but it can be pretty loud.

-c

It's a normal thing for Merc's but make sure engine idle is at spec and you
put it in gear quickly.

"B. Alexander" wrote in message
...
Hi,
I've got a 20' bowrider with a 3.0l mercruiser inboard and an Alpha 1
outdrive. Whenever I shift from neutral to forward/reverse, I can hear and
feel a fairly loud clunk sound. Is this normal (it's my first boat) or
should the shifting be smooth? If not, any suggestions on what might cause
this to happen?
Thanks.