88 Seville 20' Cuddy Electrical Probs

[sevillestar]

I have been having fun with my 88 20' cuddy for the last few weeks after cleaning the fuel tank and replacing the steering cable. Runs like a dream....until last weekend.

Somehow there must be a short at the dash panel. We had just stopped and were floating to go swimming. I went to fire her up and....NOTHING. The whole thing went dead. no power anywhere. When I cracked open the dash and fiddled with the ignition wire spade connector at the fuse, I got the dash to energize, but it went dead again when I turn the key to start.

Here's what I do know:
Battery is charged, clean and well connected
No Fuses are blown on the dash console
Wiring Harness is connected (never disconnected)
The boat was running fine 30 minutes prior, and for the entire day previous to this.

Anyone experience anything like this and do you have any suggestions. I feel as though I may have to re-wire the dash with new connectors as some do look a bit corroted and/or brittle.

thanks!

 

[hmonarch]

Please post more information about your boat like engine make and size.

If this is an OMC you might be having a problem with the main fuse located near the shift mechanism on the engine. You will see a large in-line fuse holder with a large fuse (50 amp, I believe). Replace it even if it looks OK and make sure the fuse holder contacts are clean.

 

[sevillestar]

Thanks for the reply.

The boat is a 20' Seville Cuddy with a Mercruiser 4.3L V6 262 CI I/O. I have also looked at the main fuse breaker and it is not popped.

 

[tobnpr]

Bad key switch?

 

[sevillestar]

thanks for the post. The key switch is brand new

 

[Lazy Daze]

thanks for the post. The key switch is brand new

But, that doesn't necessarily mean it's good. It's still a good idea to check out that - it's an easy thing to do. Just jumper around it.