Electrical

You'll want a starting battery. How's the starter solenoid? Typically mounted top rear of older engines, modern ones idk. Sounds like it's going bad. My experience with them is so bad I almost want to carry a spare.

I had to replace the switch and starter as the key stuck in the ignition and kept the starter running. By the time I disconnected the battery the starter was on fire. I'll check the solenoid. I am assuming that "starter battery" simply means a normal car battery. I believe I have a deep cycle. What are the concerns with a deep cycle?

You might not of had the key stuck. One of the side affects of using a deep cycle is that they weld the contacts in the solenoid keeping the starter turning

May be a starter relay before the solenoid.Had same issue myself last week changed solenoid on starter next day no problem.600-650 cca marine starting is usually plenty.

Never mind--- I didn't realize it was a 99. Earlier engines have a separate relay/solenoid mounted on the rear of the engine.

if there is a starter relay and not a remote solenoid then yes by all means replace that

Randy,

What you are describing sounds exactly what my engine was doing. I first replaced the starter but the same problem persisted. Sometimes just a click, sometimes it would start. I then replaced the starter solenoid which is pictured above and located on the back of my 1993 engine. My engine now cranks over with gusto on the first key turn every time. I was able to purchase the relay switch at a marina close to my home. Admittedly, it is a big store - but I'm just saying that on-line shopping is not your only option. I took in the old relay, they looked up the part number and gave me a new one right away.

And you don't need a deep cycle battery. Look at the specs in your owners manual. Going by memory, you need a regular group 65 battery (size) with 350 CCA's. I think I purchased a battery with something like 850 CCA's. DO NOT tell the person at the parts store you are buying it for a boat. They will try to give you a deep cycle battery all day long, but that is not what you need for a Ski Nautique. Somebody back me up on the group size and CCAs please.

Below is a pic of my starter. Isn't that the solenoid on the top?
This is why I'm puzzled. I have replaced this whole unit plus the ignition and still it takes a few turns on the key to get the starter turning. Not even a click, just dead than after I return the key to the off position and 'retry' the boat starts right up.

enjoyinglife wrote: Below is a pic of my starter. Isn't that the solenoid on the top? ....

Yup. Well, that's one of them.

enjoyinglife wrote: I am pretty sure the solenoid is on the starter but this is the relay I was thinking might be the culprit. I still have to confirm that the yellow wire from the starter connects to this relay. It's on the front of the motor. I am thinking about contacting tech support to get a wiring schematic. I will double check for a second solenoid as well.

This one is for either the fuel pumps or ECM, not the starter.

Randy - you are correct. That is a relay, not a solenoid. I still stand by the fact that I replaced that relay and I don't have the problems you are describing any longer. Your 99 might have a newer/different relay, but I bet that is the problem. That, and you have the wrong kind of battery.

Nice

Glad to hear that worked out.