Lost reverse

[krumskeeter]

2001 Yamaha VMAX: Went fishing yesterday, the boat ran great to the fishing spot and while I was maneuvering to drop anchor, I lost reverse. Next while I moved the controls back and forth looking for reverse I lost neutral. When I pulled the lever back the boat accelerated foward and when I pushed the lever the boat accelerated foward. I decided not to risk being towed in and when I pointed the boat home I lost everything - now the boat would idle forward only with no acceleration. If I turned the key off and back on, the boat would start in gear.

I loosened the drain plug on the lower unit not wanting to see metal flakes and the fluid was black with no particles.

What happened? This motor is rarely used with very low hours.

[Ken]

krumskeeter,
Check the control linkage at the motor - sounds like the shift/fuel linkage has loosened and slipped. Also, look at the shift rod that goes down to the lower unit - make sure it is moving when the remote control shifts. If all of this seems normal, then remote control (704?) has possibly failed.
Good luck,
Ken K