bzboats

Back around 1958 to 1960 Mercury Outboards had what they called direct reversing. Pull back on the remote control and the engine stopped when the handle was upright. Pull back further and it moved the distributor so when the key was activated the engine started and ran backwards. This had its challenges. With no neutral the movement of boat forward loaded the propeller making it harder for the starter to overcome the load. They also did not have a charging system so the battery was usually marginal. Thus the term "Mercury Direct Reversing Dock Smasher" BZ