Trouble starting new boat

We just bought a 96 Wellcraft Excel 26se and got it home. When we looked at the boat it started right up. Now we can not get the engine to turn over. We have checkec the batteries and have power to all other areas of the boat. The volt meter is not working. There is a kill switch but it appears to be by passed...there are no wires to it and nothing appears to have come loose. Any suggestions?

Re: Trouble starting new boat

landk2124 said:

We just bought a 96 Wellcraft Excel 26se and got it home. When we looked at the boat it started right up. Now we can not get the engine to turn over. We have checkec the batteries and have power to all other areas of the boat. The volt meter is not working. There is a kill switch but it appears to be by passed...there are no wires to it and nothing appears to have come loose. Any suggestions?

Click to expand...

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... What motor,..?? What drive,..??

Have ya got a Test Light, or multimeter,..??

Re: Trouble starting new boat

Boats don't start, motors and/or engines do.

What are we working on here? Is it in neutral?

Re: Trouble starting new boat

You have two electrical systems on your boat. One is the engine related system and the other is for the boat itself (accessories). If the accessories work, the problem is in the engine side of the system. Since the voltmeter doesn't work, chances are the other instruments don't work either so power is not getting to the helm. Fix the kill switch. Then continue troubleshooting power distribution from the battery to the engine, through the breaker or fuse, to the helm, back to the starter solenoid and ignition. If it ran before, then you likely have some corroded connections. Start at the battery and clean the cable ends (and each cable has two ends so clean them both). Then make sure they are tight.

Re: Trouble starting new boat

Call the previous owner and ask him how to start it. It might be something very simple that you are overlooking.

Re: Trouble starting new boat

Welcome to iboats!:welcome:

Do you get anything when you turn the key?

Re: Trouble starting new boat

NYBo said:

Welcome to iboats!:welcome:

Do you get anything when you turn the key?

Click to expand...

We got it started...appears to be a faulty ign switch....thanks!