Abstract: A ball and socket joint assembly for a water vehicle outdrive system pivots both the trim-lift and the rudder as well as provides a reverse thrust without the need of a shifting mechanism. The ball and socket joint assembly includes a control mechanism for generating a user input and directing the outdrive system to rotate freely in a select arcuate path so that the water vehicle can be propelled in a corresponding direction, a ball and socket joint section operably connected to the control mechanism for cooperating therewith to selectively position the outdrive system corresponding to the user input, and a support mechanism for assisting to maintain the ball and socket joint section at a substantially stable position during operating conditions. The support mechanism is selectively operable independently of the control mechanism so that a user may pivot the outdrive during non-operating conditions, for maintenance, repairs and the like.