Chrystler Newb Stuck in gear

[CheetahDave]

I recently picked up an older Cheetah with a Chrysler 360/300 Sterndrive. When putting it back on the trailer after it's maiden (since we bought it) voyage the engine lift hydraulics failed to lift the outdrive. Though it worked well during the hour or so buzzing around the lake. I shut off the motor while in gear and now can not restart?

I assume since the outdrive is in gear it won't start but simply moving the lever doesn't seem to select neutral any ideas? Also to trailer home I had to remove two hydraulic lines to lift the out drive what would I need to do to fill and purge air from the lines now?

Thanks in advance I know very little about boats and nothing about Chrysler outdrives.

 

[bobv]

Wiggle the control after the boat is in neutral spin the prop to check this. sometimes the neutral position is not exactly in the middle,slightly move the the lever without putting the boat in gear. Or you may have a bad neutral safety switch check wires to the switch.
Bob