[scottsbws]

I have a 97 sea rayder jet boat w/ merc175. To start engine you turn key to on and press rocker switch to turn over. There is also a safety switch attached to a lanyard. Does the engine have a safety switch that will not allow it to turn over if it isn't in the water or there is no water running thru from a hose. I'm not trying to start it...I'm just trying to give the starter a quick bump to see if it's operational. I don't want to run water thru it since it is winterized.

[Chris1956]

Scott, The starter will not spin if the motor is not in neutral.

[scottsbws]

It is in neutral. I also checked the back of the on/of rocker switch. There is power coming in and going out when pressed but no power makes it to the solenoid. I jumped the solenoid and it worked. I inherited this boat and I know it runs..but I think I'm missing a step somewhere.

[Silvertip]

Is the rocker switch something that was added? Normally you turn the key to START. Push in on the key while starting to richen the fuel mixture on a cold engine. I have no idea what the rocker switch has to do with anything.

[j_martin]

It sounds like simple problems have been complicated by jury rigged wiring to compensate. I'd rewire it to stock, replacing any failed components, like the ignition switch, and enjoy a reliable system.

As far as the present stuff goes, I've seen boats wired from factory with those durned clip on (insulation displacement) taps. In a marine environment, water, or worse yet salt water gets into the now unprotected metal, and with an electrical potential on it, it turns into a sacrificial anode and just disolves into an open circuit. I suspect the switch you talk about is wired in parallel with the start contacts of the ignition switch with just such wiring taps.

When you're rewiring, replace any such taps with soldered, and well insulated connections. Liquid electrical tape, and adhesive lined shrink tube go a long ways toward this end.

hope it helps
John