1998 Johnson Evinrude "EC" 2 thru 8 Service Manual, P/N 520202, Page 247Get this manual
Outboard Shift System and Persons Safety The outboard Shift System starts here at the remote control lever
and ends here at the propeller
What's Most Important? When control lever is in "Forward," "Neutral" or "Reverse" position,
.J-_ What Could Happen? If
Shift linkage must match control lever position
Forward or Reverse propeller still powered (turning) unknown to operator, or motor will Start in Gear, boat will move suddenly
Reverse
boat will move Opposite to direction wanted by operator