Boat looks and sounds great, thanks for the ride along.
Not sure what's going on with the shifting but you'll get it figured out. For more ideas post up in your motors forum and see if you can find a Facebook group too, 80% garbage but 20% great info from knowledgeable guys and marine techs.
And a thanks to you and all others that took an interest in my project , I could not have done most of this without those who participate in the iboats forum and take part in helping others taking on these restores and repairs .