no reverse

i have a 125 merc outboard. Last week my kids took it out and had trouble getting it in reverse…just sort of skips but won’t engage.
Anyone have any idea what is wrong?
Thanks

Could be a number of things. First thing to make sure is that the cable/linkages are all in sync so the shift lever is engaging all the way. Could be a bad/worn clutch dog, broken/worn teeth on the reverse gear. That’s just what comes to mind. Good luck!


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shift cable is the most common, but gears arent far behind

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