If you can remember to "crack the throttle" before starting, why not just check the transmission lever at the same time?My Hurth tranny info has a warning about letting the prop spin while the boat is moving under sail. Both reverse and forward are ok. When I start the engine, I just crack the throttle open a bit so if I forgot and left it in forward it will not be taking off at any clip and if I left it in reverse, the forward momentum of the boat dominates and the motor stalls. Now I do have a small engine, but this whole topic has not been an issue for me. Ask me in 5 years when I am 80.