Shifter loosely dropping 1/2 way down when throttling up.

[Marktwain68]

I have a pre alpha 120 hp 3.0. Mercruiser I bought a boat with a cracked block and put a good used engine outdrive, and bell house on it. When I put it in gear the shifter just drops 1/2 way then it tightens up to give it gas. Which one of those cables do I adjust in the back to tighten this up? If these are what fixes this and which way do I turn it? This is my first boat. I've worked on it all summer and this is the last problem I have before I can take her to the water. If I can solve this today the kids and I may get to be on the water this weekend!!! Thanks so much tonya.

Yes I'm a female and yes I pulled the motor and did all the work myself.