Bad Outdrive?

Question
Hi. I have a 1988 Raven Countach 2150 Cuddy with a V8 350hp Mecruiser Engine / Aplha One Outdrive.
I had it out today and it kept stalling and was hard to start. Figureing I had maybe got some bad gas ( it was running fine while under way) I stayed out on the water.
About 4 hours into my day I was crusing at about 3200 rpm and began hearing a thumping sound from underneath. I stopped and looked at the enginge and nothing seemed wrong. I started the boat and put it into gear but it took a about 10 seconds to engage when it did there was a loud "clunk" and the boat went forward for about a minute and then there was a grindeing noice and it wouldn't go at all. I then tried again to go foward, but when I shifted forward the boat went in reverse, and now only will go backwards... I had to be towed back to the marina. Any ideas of what this is/cause or how much to fix? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Corey...Thanks for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question. I'm not a mechanic but, it sounds like you may have a clutch/gear problem.

At this stage, best you consult a qualified and reliable marine mechanic to effect repairs, which I anticipate may cost in the neighbourhood of $2500, and depending on whether there is any damage to the upper drive shaft. I'd check out the availability of a used/rebuilt lower unit.

Safe Boating
Ron