


Starting Sequence ErrorsĮven the most seasoned boaters make mistakes now and then. If your boat has an ignition interrupt switch, make sure it is in the “on” position. If the safety lanyard has become disconnected for any reason, your boat engine may crank, but not fire, or it may not turn over at all. Most modern boats come equipped with a safety lanyard or ignition interrupt switch that must remain connected while the boat is running. In the excitement of cruising across the water, it is easy to forget to disengage the safety features that prevent your boat from starting up. Consider this list of common reasons your boat engine won’t start to identify and correct the problem quickly. If any of these elements are missing due to broken or damaged parts, your engine may not turn over and will have trouble starting. Boat engines need ignition, fuel, air, compression and exhaust to start up and run smoothly. Common Causes and Solutions for a Boat Engine That Won’t StartĪlthough boat engines have become more complex as technology advances, most marine engines still operate based on the same simple principles. You’ll get back on the water more quickly by trying one of these solutions to common boat engine problems. While it may be tempting to keep cranking the ignition and hoping for the best, that will only drain the battery and make the problem worse. Fortunately, there might be an easy answer to why your boat engine won’t start and a straightforward fix for the issue. Nothing can ruin a boating trip more quickly than engine trouble. You turn the key in your boat’s ignition, but all you hear is the sloshing of waves against the shore. Your friends pile into the boat, and you prepare to head out, when the worst-case scenario happens - nothing. It’s a sunny summer day, you have your fishing rod in hand and you’re ready for an afternoon of fun and excitement on the water.
