Ratchetting of Propeller Shaft

[GMCanuck]

Hey Folks - new member, first post.

Boat: 2004 Alumacraft Navigator 165 tiller
Motor: 2004 Mercury 50hp ELPTO oil-injected 2-stroke

Question: Should my prop shaft "ratchet" when gear selector is in Reverse?

I had my prop shaft out of the bottom end this weekend to check on the general condition of the gears, seals, etc. Found all to be in order, so put it all back together. Moved the shifter through the gears, hand-spinning the prop to make sure all felt normal.

Neutral - free-spinning
Forward - locked counter-clockwise, ratchet clockwise
Reverse - locked both directions

Seemed to recall the prop ratcheting in Reverse before as well, so took it apart again to see how the whole thing actually works, with the "dog clutch", etc. Figured there's no way the dog could ratchet in reverse, because the gears are pushed tight together when in Reverse (no spring-loading like in Forward).

So searched around (including on this site) and found hints that while other motors will ratchet in Reverse, Mercury's typically do not. Had this confirmed by a local boat shop yesterday, but just wanted to follow-up with this community as well. And if nothing else, provide this clarification to others that are curious.

So, does this sound normal to everyone?

Thanks in advance.
GMCanuck
Boat: 2004 Alumacraft Navigator 165 tiller
Motor: 2004 Mercury 50hp ELPTO oil-injected 2-stroke

 

[jimmbo]

Neutral - free-spinning
Forward - locked counter-clockwise, ratchet clockwise
Reverse - locked both directions


So, does this sound normal to everyone?

That was the norm for my inline 6s.

 

[flyingscott]

That is normal should only ratchet in forward.

 

[GMCanuck]

Great - thanks for the confirmations. Hopefully this helps the next person who is "nervous" about this and looking for an answer.

Let's go fishing...

 

[jimmbo]

I doubt, they will start their own thread. Happens all the time