Sometimes I turn the key and hear just a click, this might happen 4 or 5 times before the starter will turn over. sometimes I get in, turn the key and away we go. Any ideas? I was thinking of just tearing down the starter and giving it a good clean up and some new brushes.
Thanks for the help!

Sounds like a weak solenoid to me. Although brushes & that can't hurt.

Dont forget about the additional solenoid that is wired into Merc starter circuits. See part # 5

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show_...AND+COMPONENTS

this is a 1988 do i have 2 selonoids?

Yes, its called a slave solenoid.

starting problem 1994 cig top gun does it have a slave solinoid and where is it thanks for any info

check the cables, and grounds

Slave selonoid (#5) on mine went bad, changed it, now all is good.

Put a volt meter on the + terminal on the starter and check what voltage you see there. If it is significantly lower (1v) than battery voltage, you have a connection problem. Either one of the soleniods could be dropping voltage or a bad connection or a bad ground???
If it wont do it when you have the voltmeter along, always carry one and you will never have the problem again..