Need help with a 1973 65hp Evinrude

[Camp6]

The motor has been running strong for about 9 years now. My buddies and i use the boat for our annual fishing trip. The boat sits in a garage of the rest of the year, except ofr an occasional trip. I always run the carbs dry before storing it, and winterize it the best I know how.
On the outing last year we used the boat for 2.5 days. We went to move locations, went about 50 yards and it cut out. It wouldn't restart. I changed plugs and tried the basics that I know. the trip is coming up again in the end of July, and I need to get her running again.
It is a 1973 65 hp Evinrude (model#65373R) I just cleaned and re-did the carbs and gas lines. the motor turns over strong, but wont fire the plugs(no spark). The rectifier has a bad wire, and have already ordered another. I just talked to a guy about the rectifier and he says that it won't affect the spark. I am not sure if the problem is in the stator, or in the power-pack as the guy suggested.
If anyone has any advise, please let me know...I'm getting desperate. Thanks

[Dhadley]

Unplug the red cannon plug on the wiring harness. Then check spark again. Don't try to start it, if it starts you'll have to flood it to shut it off. Just jump the solenoid and check for spark.

[tashasdaddy]

agree ^^^^^

[Camp6]

I tried as suggested. The only plug near the wiring harness i can find is a fuse, which will not allow the motor to turn over with the key. I have very little experience with boat motors which adds to my misfortune. I checked both fuses which appeared good, but replaced anyway.
there is a large plug which disconnects all power sources including key and battery. Is that the "Cannon Plug" you are referring to?

[Dhadley]

That's it. Unplug the boat harness from the motor harness and jump the starter solenoid. Let us know if you have spark now.

[tashasdaddy]

Jump Starting outboard
#1 you need a really sturdy mount. lots of torque there. you connect battery cables ground to block, postive to top post on solenoid. mount the muffs on water intake, connect hose. now with a remote starter switch, auto parts store, connect 1 wire of the switch to the top battery post on the solenoid, the other wire to the top small post, turn water on, squeeze switch, motor should turn over. CAUTION: there are only three ways to stop the motor, disconnect fuel line, choke the motor, or remove all plug wires. DO NOT rev the motor higher than 1500 rpms. it can cause a run away motor that cannot be stopped, other than disconnecting fuel source, but in the mean time, may throw a rod, etc.