had the boat out on the lake all week. at night would hook up the battery charger while in the slip. the other day was out in the boat most of the day going beach to beach and marina to marina. boat started every time no problem. took the boat bback to the dock and went and got the trailer and had a buddy take it to the ramp while I drive the boat over. when I went to start it the port motor wouldnt start. I just made a single click but the starter wouldnt turn over.

I motored over on one motor got it loaded and had to put it up to go back home.

I know when I get back I need to check the charge of the batteries and conections. what else should I check?

and since theres no stores that keep that kinda of stuff instock what should I pick up before I head out of the city? "should I just go buy another starter"

I say take the starter off and have the auto parts store test it for you

I would ensure your batteries are serviceable first. If you are getting a click, the solenoid is engaging at least. If that doesn't work, give the starter a tap or two. Usually when a starter goes in my experience it is the solenoid (no click) or the teeth are stripped (grinding or whirring noise).

+1. clicking noise sounds more like a low battery.

bad cell in the battery.

Just replaced my started. Selenoid clicked, but starter wouldn't engage. Changed the started and slave selenoid just to cover everything and works great.

Why are you needing to run your charger every night?

On my setup, low idle won't charge the batteries.

I don't really have to charge each night. But I tend to if I do alot of idle or playing the radio while motors are off. I'm only running two batteries.

...is very sound, but I will add this.

From working on all sorts of boats for years and years, it is an outstanding percentage of any electrical problems comes from ground/connection issues.

One of the most overlooked maintenance areas on any boat are the electrical connections. While, in fact, you might have a starter or solenoid failure I would bet you a beer at akaboatman's beer pier you will also discover somewhere along the path there is a corroded or loose connection, if not even a questionable wire.

While many electrical components will still operate, they are operating at something less than full efficiency... and that creates heat and that will hasten failure.

As a general statement, any electrical component not operating under full power creates more heat and heat is almost as hard on electrical items as water.

All might be fine and it is a battery issue, but remember that failing battery will cause a drop in power, causing heat, causing failure.

I learned long ago, when you think you have found the main symptom in electric problems, keep going to see if you can discover why.

This is not to say a starter (or any electrical part) won't go bad just because it has gone bad.

Not long ago helped a friend work on a CC w/twin 250 Yamahas. Under the console at night. when the starboard engine was starting, the buss bar almost glowed blue. Every nut needed to be snugged.

If you do not charge at idle, I would field test the charging system, but just as likely there is a connection which needs inspected!