Problem: When shifiting engine into forward gear from neutral in the water, the engine revs as I push the lever forward before going into gear so when it goes in gear it lurches. It doesn't happen in reverse and it doesn't happen with the boat out of the water. It isn't a cable adjustment problem and I had the remote control box replaced and that didn't solve the problem.

Hal

Check the shift switch for out of adjustment or defective idle stablizer or resistor as these all work hand in hand. The shift switch advances the timing when you shift so engine doesnt stall with a large pitch prop installed.