Loose Bucket on Jet Drive

[Moat]

2001 Sugar Sand Tango, Merc Sprt Jet 175. Yesterday on the water when I would put it in neutral the throttle would bounce back and forth a couple times in neutral. The throttle handle would actually move back and fourth 3 to 4 times.
When I pulled the boat out of the water I can manually shake the “bucket” (the thing that drops down in reverse) and make the throttle handle jiggle. Anyone know what’s going on?
On a separate note I would also like to tighten my steering.

 

[Bilmon]

2001 Sugar Sand Tango, Merc Sprt Jet 175. Yesterday on the water when I would put it in neutral the throttle would bounce back and forth a couple times in neutral. The throttle handle would actually move back and fourth 3 to 4 times.
When I pulled the boat out of the water I can manually shake the “bucket” (the thing that drops down in reverse) and make the throttle handle jiggle. Anyone know what’s going on?
On a separate note I would also like to tighten my steering.

there are flimsy nylon bushings on both sides of the bucket, if those get worn the bucket gets really sloppy

 

[Moat]

I don’t see any plastic. First photo.
I can’t attach a video to show the movement but it moves up and down in neutral at least 2 inches. Last two photos.

 

[Bilmon]

Ok, just walked over to my shop and looked at mine, I have the same amount of movement and as near as I can recall it has always been that way since the boat was new in 03. I did replace the bushings in 17 but they weren't causing it to move up and down much if any more than that, just general slop. Don't think your issue is with the bucket maybe something with the control itself? Never had it apart but there must be some kind of stop or detent that holds the shifter in neutral, when I move my bucket the shifter will try to move but doesn't come out of neutral

 

[Chuck Buck]

I measured my SportJet 175 at the center-bottom edge of the bucket (near where your thumb is pointing). Total vertical movement is 5/8 inches.

I think two inches is too much and agree with Bilmon; you have a control problem.