1989 Sea Ray

Question
We are about to purchase a 1989 Sea Ray with a 4.3 L Engine.  The seller is saying that the control box needs replaced as it will jump out of gear when in the water and the engine will turn off but, if you move the throttle then it will start right back up again.  Can you tell me if this is an expense piece to replace and will the part be hard to find for this year?

Answer
Hi Robert...thank you for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question, and I apologize for the delay in getting back to you but business comes first, right?

First of all, why would you want to buy a boat that is 19 yrs. old, and not know how many hours are on the engine and outdrive?

Secondly, I find it difficult to comprehend how and why a gear shift/throttle control could cause the outdrive to jump out of gear. In all likelihood, there's a problem in the lower gear housing that needs to be examined and repaired, which could be very costly depending upon the extent of damage.

Safe Boating
Ron