Abstract: A forward/backward gear shifting mechanism for an outboard engine includes an operating cable passed through an outer pipe fixed to a bracket attached to an under cover and extended into an engine room, a shift rod for shifting a forward/backward gear, a driving arm for turning the shift rod, and a transmission mechanism linked to the operating cable to transmit operating force to the driving arm. The transmission mechanism includes an arm mechanism including an input arm, an output arm and a pivotal shaft and supported for turning about a fixed rotational axis by support members on the engine unit. The operating cable is linked to the input arm of the transmission mechanism by a slider, i.e., a linking member. A first connecting member connecting the input member and the slider is nearer to the bracket than a second connecting member connecting the operating cable and the slider.

Abstract: A forward/backward gear shifting mechanism for an outboard engine includes an operating cable C passed through an outer pipe 35 fixed to a bracket 28 attached to an under cover 8 and extended into an engine room, a shift rod 30 for shifting a forward/backward gear 15, a driving arm 72 for turning the shift rod 30, and a transmission mechanism 60 linked to the operating cable C to transmit operating force to the driving arm 72. The transmission mechanism 60 includes an arm mechanism including an input arm 61, an output arm 62 and a pivotal shaft 63 and supported for turning about a fixed rotational axis L4 by support members 69 and 70 on the engine unit 2. The operating cable C is linked to the input member 61 of the transmission mechanism 60 by a slider 40, i.e., a linking member. A connecting member 44 connecting the input member 61 and the slider 40 is nearer to the bracket 28 than a connecting member 43 connecting the operating cable C and the slider 40.