Linkage Adjust
On my '76 C-30 the forward engagement is also hard. The reason is...I have the forward adjuster too tight. If yours is the same I'd recommend opening the access plate and backing off the adjuster nut one position. There is a specific order for making the adjustments reverse first then forward or the other way...I'd have to check, Its very simple though. If you don't already know how, look at moyermarine.com FAQ. It tells you how to do it. Other than that, there are many places along the way for the linkage to bind up. Check each one from the lever to the engine.