Buying a used boat, what does this mean? Motor starts but shifter cables stuck, no forward or reverse?

This is a used 1999 power boat with a 115HP outboard motor. I'm trying to get an idea how much repair work will be needed to fix the cables and what it will probably cost me.Buying a used boat, what does this mean? Motor starts but shifter cables stuck, no forward or reverse?
If you have not bought it already, ask the owner if you can have it taken to a marine mechanic of your choosing. You of course will have to pay to bring it there and back and pay for marine mechanic shop.



If the owner refuses to, walk away from the boat with no second thoughts. This would be a big red flag that he/she is hiding something if they refuse to have a marine mechanic inspection of the boat at your expense.



A simple requirement of taking a boat to be inspected can save you thousands of dollars and spare you from buying a very big lemon that has a money black hole in the middle.
You could be in for a big expense or just one part to replace. The power cables tend to get beaten up every season. More so if you are on the salt water I think any way because of the rust and corrosion factor. You need to see it get the info on it model make etc...

Price out what the cost is for a new cable by making a trip to the marine store. They can tell you more.

My dad is retired and loves puzzles so figuring out what wires are good in the power cables and running new ones from the console to the motor etc... is fun for him it may not be for you.Buying a used boat, what does this mean? Motor starts but shifter cables stuck, no forward or reverse?
You did not tell what outboard you have there.

Check out there is no other issue on the outboard not shifting before the actual buy.

Does it shift with the cable not attached?

Depending on how the cable is routed in the boat it is not hard to do. The cable is probably from teleflex and the length should be printed somewhere on the outer cable.

Google teleflex for prices and cources

Frank
take the cowl off and find the shift cables and spray them penetrating oil let sit for a few minutes and try to move them they will loosen up

when you get them to move put marine grease on the cables were they slideBuying a used boat, what does this mean? Motor starts but shifter cables stuck, no forward or reverse?
DO NOT BE FOOLISH! YOU have NOT bought this boat and already something wrong.



Think about it? Current owner did not even have it repaired, WHY?
That means that person has sold his or her problem to you for little or nothing.So on their part it wasn't a total loss-sometimes you may get a really good deal.