1975 searay with the 888 302 v8 motor

[turboxstang]

when i got the boat the prevois owner had lost the keys and went too the local automotive parts store and got a basic key switch and wired it in. problem is that all you have too do is bump the switch and kicks it over. i bought a accual boat switch for it (5 post switch) and when i was trying to wire it up i'm not sure what all the wires are supose to go. the one he put in had 3 lower post and 1 in the middle higher up (acc, ign, bat, and middle one had no marks). can anyone tell me what colors are for what going to the switch? i tried and i got it too crank over only but no start. i think i have the wires mixed up. any help would be great

 

[OldSkool]

I'm not sure about your wiring but this is how a normal key switch would be wired.
Battery is power to the key from the main fuse or breaker. Use a volt meter and install the hot or red battery wire to the battery terminal on the switch. Turn the key to the left to engage the acc. This is where you'll want to attach the wires that feed the radio and accessory lighting. Now turn the all the way to the right. This should be the momentary position for the engine starter. Check the terminals with the volt meter. The middle is usually the starter terminal. Touch each wire to this until you hear the engine turn over. If you haven't attached any wires to the ignition terminal then it will not start only turn over. Attach the starter wire.

Now you should have the remaining ignition terminal and the unmarked one left. The unmarked is generally used for option that you want powered down when the switch is off or turned to acc. Things like exterior lighting (docking lights) not on the ACC side.

The remaining ignition terminal is just that. On your boat you will attach the engine power wires. They will include the coil, alternator, and any other vital engine operating circuits.

Please understand that this is a general description of the switch function. Since your boat is only a year older than mine. I don’t think they are that much different.

If anyone would like to add to this or make correction, please do so.