Trouble starting - won’t turnover

First time boat owner – I purchased a 99 Nautique Sport late last season. Put the boat in the water for the first time this year. When I turned the key nothing would happen, not a sound (I could not hear anything with the kids), after about 6 to dozen turns of the key the boat would fire up quickly and run great. I did notice the same problem last year but it took maybe 2 to 4 turns of the key. It almost like the boat is not in neutral but it is. Any ideas? Maybe a starter??

Also in insight on where to get a non trailer cover. The boat stays in the water-under roof

I am guessing the neutral safety switch or the "kill" switch (i.e. lanyard safety switch or whatever the proper name is).

Next time it happens, try jiggling the throttle lever back and forth a bit. If that fixes the problem, then fine adjust the shift cable so that the tranny shift lever is in the proper position when the throttle lever is at idle/neutral position. Or, if already properly adjusted, then maybe the switch is faulty and needs to be replaced. You can put both wires on one post to temporarily take it out of the equation. But, only do it temporarily as it is a HUGE safety issue.

Check the "Kill" switch by bridging the two wires on the back of the switch. This permanently deactivates the lanyard switch, so replace it if it is your problem and you want it back. If the '99 does not have one, ignore this advice.

Discount Inboard Marine should have them.

Look here