1984 cc model 2001 no reverse

Bill, this is a colorful(and funny) version of what the Boat Dr. told me...and of what I did; except that I sent it straight to Eric and bypassed the stupid tax.

Buffalo BFN = Happy Camper!

Where do you get those special plates for the transmission? Will the engine guy at the marina where the boat is stored likely know how to install them?

Thanks for the comments. Yes it is a safty issue not to have reverse. The fluid level was the first thing we checked but thanks for reminding me. Can the transmission be removed with out pulling the engine?

it really does become a safety issue..If it is a Borg Warner, chances are your reverse plates a snapped in half, it is a very common problem on these transmissions, also the springs get crushed from the plates spreading open and travel through the trans causing more damage.
you didnt specify the trans,
If it is a cheesy PCM, then the ring gear fell out of the drum or the snap ring on the reverse pack broke.
here is the thing with the borg warner, Im trying to do this without using salesmanship,
I know of special plates that know one elses uses for the reverse section that wont snap in half and alot of times guys will buy complete kits for thier transmissions or send them to thier local transmission shops or dealer and get the same bronze plates put back in thier transmisions and they snap again. These transmissions are used in a variety of boats, from to ski boats up to 40 foot cruisers and all the internal parts are the same from the factory... well a big cruiser rarely shifts into reverse but a ski boat spends alot of its life slamming into reverse and this is why you drill out the pistons and install different parts in these transmissions so they are customized for the ski boat. alot of guys wont replace the return springs and the last time i checked springs usually wear out, as mentioned many times they are easy to replace parts in, but logically you have to think why they failed and as with the springs, weak ones do effect the transmissions performance,
if it is a PCM be prepared to be generous with your wallet

Bill, mine recently suffered from the same problem...no reverse

the good news:

this site(we)is/are fortunate to have a resident trans expert and he may be writing you now...I'm sure he will soon; and it could be something simple

the bad:
mine required a full reman, but it's a new boat since!

Bought boat after first days use stoped shifting into reverse pulled pin at transmission and shifted there and still no reverse. We decided reverse was for people who can't plan ahead and used boat for week and 20 hours of sking.Now it's out of the water is this a common problem, simple or a rebuild ?