Shifting

[Snboard976]

I have the standard W40 engine and I believe paragon transmission on my boat.  When I shift there is no detente between reverse and neutral.  In addition, the detente between forward and neutral is in the wrong place.  The engine engages in forward before the lever is pushed down passed the detente where the forward gear should engage. 

Is this a serious problem or an indication of big trouble to come?

How hard do you think it would be to fix this?

Thanks,

Chad

[RayNWanda]

 I'm not sure about the Paragon, we have a Velvet Drive. The detent in the Velvet Drive is in the transmission selector valve and cannot be felt at the helm. What I have had to do is just learn where the gearshift needs to be for each position. I also listen to the engine, you can hear the change when it goes in or comes out of gear.

[EdHouston]

I too have the Paragon transmission it was re-built just prior to me buying my boat last year, I hope your condition is normal as I have the same condition, as Ray said I have learned where neutral is and it seems to work out OK for me. I do feel a slight resistance when either position is engaged.

I am curious though my Edison system is up for forward and down for reverse, I hold her in reverse to keep her in otherwise she will jump out, reverse on my boat is better than nothing other than a break she will not back down worth a poop. (Another thread I fear)

Ed
Moonlight Mile

[Snboard976]

I am happy to hear that this poor design is normal .  Thanks for the responses.

[Higgins]

I believe the reason for lack of detente between reverse and neutral is to ensure someone is at the helm while in reverse.  If the helm is released/unattended with the vessel in reverse, the helm will freewheel to one side and slam into the hardstop stressing and possibly damaging, or breaking the rudder or its components.

[captsandy]

The Paragon transmission not shifting into reverse and having to be held there is a inducation that the reverse band has to be adjusted, tightened. There is a procedure to accomplish that in the manual'
     Sandy