Finding Neutral

[Cartouche]

Looking for help on a starting issue we have a 2002 Mainship 390 with a Yanmar 6LYA-STP I am having trouble finding Neutral, once found the boat starts fine, is there an adjustment on the cables that I need to do, or is there a Neutral Lockout switch that might be defective. We have always been able to get her started but I am worried it will let me down. Thanks
Ed & Joanne Kingston Onatrio

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Welcome aboard eh? There should be a detent position on your helm control. Neutral is usually, as far as I know, with the lever at right angles to the base of the control. So, straight up and down. Is there any way to bypass or short out the neutral lockout switch?
Have you taken the cover off the control to have a look-see?

[MurrayM]

Welcome aboard from the sunset edge

Have you checked/cleaned the connections between the starter and helm switch?

Also, try giving the shifter a few light jiggles back and forth before turning key.

Do you have the maintenance manual and parts catalogue for your engine?