13 Reasons Your Boat Isn’t Starting

Are you having trouble starting your boat? Do you want to know how to troubleshoot the problem before you call a mechanic? The guide will help you figure out why your boat isn’t starting and what simple fixes can solve the problem.

Sometimes when you find a great boat for sale it could be too good to be true. Lots of times the boat might end up being priced accordingly due to one of the various things can go wrong due to with a boat. Sometimes the problem can be fixed easily without calling an expert. Here are some common reasons the isn’t starting and steps boaters can take to fix the issues.

 

1. Shift Lever Position

Many new boats have a safety mechanism that prevents the boat from starting if the gear shift isn’t in a neutral position. You may have left the boat in gear after turning it off the boat.

Check the shift lever position to make sure it is in neutral gear. You may have to wiggle the shift lever a few times before it can be moved. Your boat will start when it is in neutral gear.

 

2. Safety Lanyard

The boat may not start if the safety lanyard is connected. Similar to the kill switch in cars, the safety lanyard prevents the boat engine from starting during an emergency.

The lanyard consists of a cord that connects to the engine switch.

The purpose of the lanyard is to prevent the boat from starting in case the boat owner is thrown overboard. One end of the lanyard is attached to a jacket worn by the owner. The engine will stop as the cord is pulled if the boat owner accidentally falls into the water.  This allows the owner to avoid serious injuries and also get back on the boat.

You should check whether the safety lanyard is disengaged. If the cord has fallen off, the boat will start if you put it back.

 

3. Fuel Issue

A boat engine won’t start due to a fuel problem. Fuel is the blood of the engine. Without it, the boat won’t start.

Fuel can’t get to the engine if the air vent of the tank is closed when you start the engine. The air vent must be open for proper ventilation. It reduces the pressure inside the engine which allows it to operate properly. So, you should ensure that the vent of the gas tank is open when the engine starts.

Another reason for the engine not starting is an obstruction in the fuel line. A restriction in the fuel line will prevent fuel to reach the engine. You should check the fuel line to ensure that nothing is placed on it that could obstruct the fuel. Also, you should check to ensure that the fuel line isn’t stuck between the deck and the tank.

The boat also won’t start if it has run out of fuel. Check the fuel gauge to make sure there is enough fuel. Sometimes the fuel gauge doesn’t show accurate readings. So, you should fill the tank to see if the boat starts.

An air leak in the fuel line can also prevent the engine from starting. The outboard boat may struggle to reach maximum speed and may stop altogether if there is an air leak in the fuel line. The air leak issues may prevent the engine to start or cause a fluctuation in RPM.

Air leak usually happens due to wear and tear of the fuel line. A sharp puncture may create an air leak. The air leak may also happen due to rot or decay of the fuel line material. Replacing the damaged airline will resolve the issue.

 

4. Dirty or Damaged Spark Plugs

A boat engine won’t start if the spark plugs are dirty. You should check the spark plugs to ensure that they are in good condition. Consider having spare plugs on your boat to change them if required. Look at the boat’s owner manual to know the correct plugs for the boat.

You will need a spark plug socket and socket wrench to replace the spark plugs.

Before removing the spark plugs, you should make sure they are not hot to the touch. You must also change one spark plug at a time. This will ensure that you don’t connect the wrong wire to the plug. Spark plugs ignite in a specific order. Connecting the wires in the wrong order will damage the engine.

Remove the cover of the boat motor. Now, gently turn the spark plug boot in a counterclockwise direction and pull out the wire. Next, you should use a socket wrench to remove the spark plug. You will have to turn the socket in an anticlockwise direction to remove the plug.

Use a blower to remove dust and dirt from the spark plug area. Check the threads of the spark plug. If the plug is a little dirty, you can clean it using a rag and rubbing alcohol. You should replace the spark plug if it is damaged or cannot be cleaned.

Fix the new or cleaned plug in place and turn it clockwise two times. You must tighten the plug using the socket wrench. Avoid applying too much pressure when tightening the plug to avoid any damage.

You should then place back the spark plug wire. Consider applying dielectric grease to the rubber boot. This will allow an easy removal the next time around.

Repeat the above process for all the plugs. Put back the outboard motor cover and then start the engine.

 

5. Damaged Air Filter

A faulty air filter can also prevent the boat engine to start. The filter prevents dirt and dust from getting inside the engine. Over time, the filter can become clogged with dust that will prevent proper air flow inside. This will heat the engine which won’t start.

You should check the air filter to ensure it is in good condition. Use a blower to remove dust from the filter. You should clean the filter with water if the filter is clogged with dust and water.

 

6. Clogged Fuel Pump

Issues with the fuel pump will also prevent your boat to turn on. You should check the fuel filter and clean it if it has accumulated water or debris. Once you have cleaned the filter, you should make sure to vent the engine box before turning on the engine.

Water buildup can happen due to condensation when fuel is kept in the boat for a long time. To avoid damage to the filter due to condensation, you should consider using a fuel stabilizer if storing the boat for more than three months.

Also, fuel tanks can accumulate debris if the boat is not used for a long time. If you use the boat only a few days a year, you should consider buying a large after-market fuel tank for the boat. Debris will remain at the bottom of the fuel tank and not clog the fuel tank.

 

7. Obstruction in Water Intake

Boat engines don’t have radiators to keep them cool. Instead, the engines use water intake pipes to use flowing water to cool the engine.

Sometimes the water intake line can get clogged due to mud, weed, or plastic bags. You should check the supply line and clean the filter if required.

Water inflow can also be restricted due to a burst or loose clamp. You should replace the intake pipe if damaged so that water flows smoothly to cool the engine. Regular servicing of the water supply line is essential to prevent damage.

Moreover, you should inspect the impeller of the boat for signs of damage. The impeller cannot pump water if damaged. You should get a mechanic to service or replace the impeller if required. Regular maintenance of the impeller, exhaust rises, and other parts are essential to ensure that the water flows without any obstruction.

 

8. Loose Ignition Switch Connection

A loose ignition switch can also prevent a boat from starting. You should play with the ignition switch a little to find out if the engine turns on. If you can start the engine, the ignition switch may not be working properly due to corrosion.

Sometimes the ignition switch circuit prevents the engine to start. You should call a mechanic to check the switch and perform the required repairs.

 

9. Corroded Battery Terminals

Battery terminals that are corroded can prevent the engine from powering up. The terminals should be cleaned whenever rust starts to develop. You must also apply grease to the terminals to prevent the buildup of rust.

Consider cleaning the rusted terminals using a small brush. It is important to not ignore the buildup as it may cause the battery to explode.

 

10. Damaged Automatic Idle Speed Valve

The automatic idle speed (AIS) valve controls the boat’s idle speed by regulating the intake of air. The control valve when damaged will shut down the engine. The valve that is clogged with dirt or debris will also prevent the boat from starting.

You should consider cleaning the AIS valve if it’s dirty. Replacing the valve is recommended if it has been damaged beyond repairs.

A workaround to damaged AIS is to start up the boat with the throttle slightly advanced and then bring the gear close to idle without going idle. It requires turning at about 700 RPM and then shifts the gear to idle and then quickly pushing it forward without any delay. If you do it fast enough, you can get the engine to move forward without stopping.

Just avoid shifting to neutral otherwise the engine will stop. It is important to apply this method to get the boat moving only if you are stuck at sea. Shifting quickly puts strain on the engine and you should avoid doing it for long. The method should only be used to get back to shore.

 

11. Clogged Propeller

A clogged propeller can also prevent the engine from starting. You should check the back of the engine to make sure that the propeller is clear of seaweed, fishing line, or other debris.

Any blockage will cause the propeller to stop moving. This will prevent the boat engine from starting. You should check the condition of the propeller before you turn on the boat every time.

Remove any debris from the propeller that prevents it from spinning freely. Keeping the propeller free from debris will ensure the optimum performance of the boat engine and avoid costly damages.

 

12. Low Battery Voltage

Check the battery voltage level using a volt meter. A normal battery will have about 12.6 volts when fully charged. If your boat’s battery is not holding a charge, you should replace the battery.

Find out if your boat has a battery switch. Switching off the battery when the engine has started will help it to hold a charge for longer periods.

The battery cables may also be the culprit. Damaged cables will prevent the engine from getting power from the battery. You should tighten any loose connections and replace damaged wires.

 

13. Damaged Primer

Boats with electrical fuel systems have a primer that warms the engine before starting. The primer bulb may get damaged due to which the engine won’t budget. You should remove one end of the tube that connects the carburetor to the primer and place a bucket to catch fuel.

Turn on the ignition switch to see if the fuel is flowing properly. The primer may be the culprit if the fuel does not flow properly.

 

Conclusion

Following the tips mentioned in this blog post will allow you to resolve the problem without having to call a boat technician. You should try troubleshooting the problem before calling the expert. Sometimes the problem can be resolved by taking simple steps.

Make sure that you always have enough fuel for the outboard engine. Consider having extra fuel on board to use in emergencies such as getting lost in the sea due to fog or storms. You should also have the necessary tools with you to diagnose and fix minor engine issues if the boat won’t budge when in the middle of the sea.

If after checking and testing everything above you still need boat service reach out to our team to assist in setting up a service appointment to get your boat in and back out on the water.