Dying Engine/Electrical issues ???

[oddcarout]

I have a 1997 Mercruiser 3.0XL. The last few times I have had it out, it has been dying on us. There are a few things going on:

• If any accessories are turned on, they run for about 30 seconds and then whole boat dies. (does not matter at what RPM or if it is in gear)
• After about 2 minutes of idle it dies
• Any accessory directly plugged into the batter does not affect it (I did temporary wiring)
• I have a multi meter on the battery, and it is reading 14.6 v when the engine is running
• when the boat dies, the starter has trouble and it takes a few tries to get it to engage. If I shut it off with the key, there are no problems restarting

Any ideas of what to check/test I would love some help. We can't go out because it is not reliable.

I really apricate everyone's input.

 

[alldodge]

Pull both Positive and Negative both ends. Clean both ends and reattach. If there is a battery switch remove and clean those also

 

[oddcarout]

I have cleaned both ends of the battery cables and all the connections at the starter solenoid, alt, etc.

I don't think I mentioned this before. They whole electrical system shuts down, and does not come back until I turn off the key.

 

[alldodge]

Might be the key switch. Have you checked with a voltmeter?