Dead as a door nail

I just purchased a 1985 Supra Sun Sport. It has a Ford 351
Boat starts up runs and idles perfect. Once I get it out on the water everything seems perfect I shut the boat down to relax go to fire it back up and get nothing, no click, no turn over just dead. The gauges jump up when the key is turned. Battery in good shape, new starter and new coil.
Once the boat sits for a short while it will start back up.
In driveway it starts up all the time. However I have had a few time where I had to jiggle the ignition lock rod?
I should mention if not already figured out I know nothing about boats.
Thanks for any advice

Check the throttle cable and neutral safety switch adjustment, If you jiggle the shifter will it start? When you try to start the power comes from the ign switch to the neutral safety switch then to the S terminal of the starter solenoid.

Sounds like vapor lock.

But a quick search I found this.

https://forum.supraboats.com/showthr...or-Lock-Issues

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Vapor lock doesn't make the starter not spin?

I second that. Neutral safety switch.

Missed the not cranking part.


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I agree with neutral safety switch. Just had the same thought happen to me. I even replaced the starter before I found out about the neutral safety sensor. It's easy to check, just loop the two wires together and try and crank it. I took gator clips, backed the screws out a little, then tightened them back down on the gator clips and I made it through the weekend while the new sensor ships. Be careful, though the boat will start in gear and cut your legs off :0

I had this issue and it was neutral safety. If you look at transmission there is 2 yellow wires. I put them both on the same terminal and it jumped out the safety.


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Could be the starter solenoid. I had a similar issue. Replaced the solenoid on My PCM GT40 engine and fixed the problem.