Hi,
I have a 1999 1952 bayliner capri cuddy with 3.0 mercruiser engine. I am having power issues and have tested it at several locations. My battery is fully charged and putting out the proper cranking amps. I was able to bypass the starter manually and it is working correctly. I traced the issue to somewhere in the ignition from what I thought. My ignition and dashboard would not light up nor would it turn the engine over. I purchased a new ignition switch and was able to get power to my dash but when I went to turn the ignition over I lost all power again. I have checked all of the fuses at the dash and there are no blown fuses. I am at a loss as to where to go from here with it. The last time I had it on the water my negative wires became really hot after a days use and I was unable to start the boat again. I let the wires cool and then I was able to start the boat again. My trim has power to it still even with the dashboard issues. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

i would replace the battery cable,s,when the boat was built they most likely did not use tinned wire and it is corroded.

The cables look clean no corrosion from what I see. Also that doesn't make sense as to why a new ignition switch would get power only to stop working when I tried to start it. Could it be a short in a wire or the starter fuse?

Is your remote start solenoid bypassed for some reason ? I've seen people do this (send yellow/red wire from ign switch right to starter) when the solenoid goes bad and then run into issues like yours edit in: other than grounds being hot.. Engine cranks, dash goes dark, engine doesn't start...until right as you let off key from crank position.engine fires right up and all seemingly okay.

edit in: other than grounds being hot.

You do know that hot wires means a lot of resistance right ?

It sounds like a fire in the making. which negative wires are hot? it sounds like your main ground could be bad and current is finding alternative route to ground. Try running a jumper cable from the engine block to battery negative and see if it cranks. if it does you need to examine and test all grounds for continuity especially the one from the dash. open the main engine harness plug and make sure all pins are in good condition. Then check each pin back to its function on the engine and dash for continuity. also look for any place the harness can move and look for chafing.

it is an open, not a short. a short melts and welds stuff. most likely the ground for the dash, either at the dash or at the engine end. and pull and sand clean every big battery terminal everywhere. batt switch, ground, at the batteries, etc.

Does your boat have the screaming warning horn that comes on when you turn the key to the on position before cranking. If so did it just suddenly stop working also?

Chris

I was able to fix the issue with my boat. It ended up being a dead red/purple wire that ran to the fuse box under the dash. I replaced the wire and was able to run my boat and winterize it. Thank you all for your help.