[BarryB]

Actually, the marine mechanic can remove the lower unit without removing the engine or anything else. There is a clutch dog that slides on a bar. The clutch dog engages the forward or reverse gear with the pinion gear. Actually a very simple and old system. You do have to make sure the shift cable is properly adjusted, otherwise the clutch dog doesn't engage completely and it grinds down. Eventually causing it to "pop out of gear".

Glad Honda is standing by its product.