I purchased a 1971 Ozark bow rider type boat with a Mercury 850SX from my neighbor this fall. It had been sitting (uncovered) in his back yard for at least 6 years. The boat was originally his father-in-laws and when he passed, it stayed in the family. My neighbor told me the engine ran great when it was parked in the back 40. The very last time they took it to the lake, the motor started up but it would not go in reverse. When they got it back on the trailer, he parked it and didn't find the time to look into the issue. I'm not sure if I want to take the time and effort to get the boat up to a condition where it is lake-worthy. Can anyone provide any advice or guidance? I"m sure this is the original motor and it is not ceased up. I'm debating over rolling up my sleeves and getting to work on it or selling it and getting something that is more turn-key... thanks in advance for your time and thoughts...