Donzi Criterion W/trs Revs up before shifting

[problemchild]

I am working on a 1979 Donzi Criterion with the TRS drive for a family friend. The boat has been in storage for several years and although the engine started up fine after an oil change, new gas, ect... the engine wants to rev to ridiculous RPM's before the drive shift lever moves far enough to even consider engaging. The slot adjustment on the transmission that adjust the throw is set to the maximum amount of travel, which leads me to believe that there may be some adjustment on the shifter? it looks like a chore to get it out to look at it bc there is no access port behind it like on my 76 18c so I thought I would ask for advice before I just dove in. The shifter is left handed with a short chrome handle with the wood knob and black base, I can send a pic if needed.
Thanks for any insight!
-Alex

[olredalert]

----Which transmission does the boat have? Merc or BW? And if Merc, is the electric shift still operational or has it been converted?......Bill S