I have a 1996 Mercury 75 hp that makes a grinding noise when I try to put it in reverse. Seldom does it seem to grab the gear to back up. Is this something I can fix? I was thinking I'll take it to the local marine but they were closed when I called.

I wouldn't drive it again until you get it fixed. You could be damaging the teeth on the clutch and gears.  Might just need the shift cables adjusted. 

You must be at low idle rpm's to shift into reverse quickly. If the gear doesn't mesh the linkage is out of adjustment or the gears are damaged.

Tom

If memory serves, I believe the owner's manual for my 200 hp merc says to shift briskly into reverse.  Shifting too slowly will cause the mechanism to grind.  This is for a mercruiser stern drive.

 

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   To SHIFT INTO FORWARD, lift the Locking Mechanism with your fingers and then you push the handle forward with a firm positive motion until you "feel" the FORWARD DETENT. Do not shift too slow or the gears will grind.
    
2. Practice shifting into and out of forward gear making sure to lift the locking mechanism and to use a firm action.

Don't drive in reverse

 

 

 

The only time I really use reverse is when backing away from a dock or if my livewell pump has become airlocked.