Why does your mercury outboard go in reverse but not forward?

If your Mercury outboard motor goes in reverse but not forward, it could be due to a few potential issues. One common cause is a problem with the shift linkage, which may be misaligned or damaged, preventing it from engaging the forward gear properly. Another possibility is that the propeller or lower unit has sustained damage, affecting its ability to transmit power in the forward direction. Lastly, issues with the control mechanism, such as a faulty throttle or gear shifter, could also be At Fault.