83nautiHelp

I had to do the exact same thing on my '77 Skier. I ended up taking the connection loose to the gear selector. Then you can , by hand move the selector forward and back. Check with the key, where the farthest part forward the engine turns over. If it doesn't start move it back just a touch and check it again. Once you have the correct setting, "scribe" a mark on the housing lining up with some portion of the lever arm. Now do the same thing going the other way. Once you have the two marks, you can then adjust the cable so that everytime you put it back to neutral, the arm lines up right in the middle of the scribed lines, and hopefully will start evey time.

a) Sounds like neutral safety switch on the tranny. Jumper it to test or jiggle the throttle (don't pull the neutal lock) and if it starts, thats it.
Disconnect the cable and center the gear lever on its detents, then adjust the barrel on the cable so the pin lines up best and tighten the locknut. If that fails, replace the switch.

Your alternator is likely still not charging. 14v is typical. Check with a trusted meter. Your vintage boat has an external regulator that could be fried or connected wrong.

b) If your not sinking due to melted exhaust hoses, its flowing water. The engine water joins the constant flow of water out the exhaust manifolds. Both manifolds should remain somewhat comfortable to touch.