Hey guys, i just brought my boat out today and for some reason the key wasnt wanting to go into the ignition.  After about 3 hours it finally went in, but would not turn over.  i could really use some help because i have a tournament on Sunday and need this fixed tomorrow!!  Please help me haha.

 

My first thought:   Is the kill switch not attached?  This may cause the key not to slide into the hole and would also cause the motor not to turn over.

 

Second:  And this is more of a comment,  why take the key out of the ignition, ever?  Mine stays in the ignition 24/7.  I keep a spare hidden on my boat and in my truck just in case.  Your key may be bent or something causing it to not slide into the hole properly.

 

Good Luck

I don't leave my key in the ignition, unless someone is staying with the boat.  If I'm by myself, I take the key out when I'm parking my truck after launching, or when I go to get it for loading.  When I'm on the road, the key is with me in the truck.

 

There are a lot of unsavory characters in the world.  Why take chances?

 

As for the problems inserting the key into the ignition, get some lubrication for the switch at an automotive or hardware store.  Chances are likely that the tumblers are corroded.  Doesn't take much to cause problems.  You can use WD40 or something similar in a pinch, or even the spray version of white lithium grease.  Insert and remove the key until everything moves freely.  If the key and switch do not operate smoothly after lubricating, replace them.

 

When you say the motor won't turn over, do you mean the starter doesn't spin the motor or it does, but the motor won't fire?

 

I'd suggest getting a set of the water muffs that clamp on the water intake, and hook up to a garden hose.  At least two weeks before you plan to use the boat, hook it up to the water source, and see if the motor starts.  That allows time to straighten out any problems that might occur.  At least you won't be scrambling trying to get things going at the last minute.

Don't try starting it like this.

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=541806692496290

Don't try starting it like this.

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=541806692496290

 

If you do, be sure to wear hearing protectors.

My apology to the op. I had just seen this & was going to post it when I came across this thread. I couldn't resist.