No reverse and intake grate problem

[nigel.spa]

I have a challenger 2000 single 240 hp engine its a 2003 boat.Went out everything ok then tried to put in reverse was tight then could not get it in stopped about 1/2 inch from lever going all the way.stopped engine went under boat to see if i had anything caught but nothing the drive goes all the way into reverse but not the lever.While i was under the boat noticed intake grate had lifted up and touching shaft this cannot be right i thought it should be fixed so it would stop debris from going into impellor. please help thanks.