[Handful in NC]

Somthing else to consider...

I've had several occasions when an Evinrude motor wouldn't start due to an ignition switch problem, each time a long way from good tools, good help, or a tow. After my first experience, a mechanic friend showed me how how to unplug the wiring harness to bypass the ignition switch (and the kill switch too I assume) and jump start the motor by bridging the starter solenoid. It's kind of scary to do because you get a big ass spark when you make contact, due to the high current flow. The running engine was stoppd by reconnecting the wiring harness. I'll get to my point shortly...

A side story - one of these events was on a new rental boat with a poorly located key switch. A buddy bumped the key getting ready for a dive and broke it off flush in the switch. We couldn't for the life of us figure out a way to turn the key without any tools and we were miles from any help. We did the above trick and got home fine.

Back to the problem... my limited understanding is that the ignition key switch stops the engine by grounding out the ignition system, which is why the engine will run without the harness connected. This switch was the problem for me several times. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to change out. If your boat has been submerged, you can bet water got into the switch. It might dry out and work fine, but eventually it will corrode and fail again. Best to replace it - or practice making big sparks at the starter solenoid!