2002 Utopia 2002 won't start after battery drain

[skater]

New Utopia owner here, with dumb noob questions. I accidentally drained my battery (and learned my lesson about that battery switch). Took the battery out and recharged. Reinstalled it. I now have power - horn works, blower runs, bilge pump runs. But, while sitting on the trailer out of the water, I turned the key just for a second to be sure engine would crank. Nothing. Zilch.

Deadman switch was covered. Gear in neutral.

So, the noob question - is there anything that is designed to keep the engine from cranking if not in water?

I suspect it is either (a) insufficiently charged or grounded battery, or (b) a problem with the ignition switch. This is suspect because the locknut has failed, and the entire switch just spun around. I'm guessing I pulled a wire loose, but it is very difficult to access the back of the console to see. I know about removing the upholstery to access the back of the console, but it is still very difficult. (How DO people get in there, anyway? Tiny little hands?)

So, before I take it to the mechanic, I just wanted to be sure I don't have to actually put the boat in the water to test it.

 

[jasguild]

I dont know what the problem is but I can say affirmatively that these boats can start when not in water. I have manual for the different mercury motors and they are designed to be flushed when not in water.

Are you sure you reconnected all terminals to the battery?

 

[Tomfrmnh]

I would go with A. Double check the terminals, especially ground. Not 100% sure but think the start interlocks only inhibit spark not actual cranking.

 

[skater]

Thanks, all. Not sure it isn't a battery-related issue, but I don't mind having someone with ,ore knowledge and better tools have a go at it. I just wanted to rule out operator error. Much appreciated!

 

[6MISFITZ]

We had two no starts last year while learning about our boat.

Once was the battery master switch not turned on (duh) and the second no start issue was in the Niagara River.
Must have had some slack in the shifter or line or both becasue even though it was in neutral - nothing from the starter.

Gently moved the shift lever forward and backwards and back to the neutral position, I turned the key again and it fired up.

Mike

 

[6MISFITZ]

To gain access to under the dash, the entire speedo / tachometer / fuel gauge panel does lift up too easily on my Utopia - that may be because the original owner did something to the mounting plates underneath. It looks like the panel will lift towards the steering wheel and then up with two stretchable rubber bands line up to keep it from flapping.

Also if you lift the upper seat back cushoin in the bow in front of the console, it will expose the fuse panel and back of the instrument panel and give you more room to work with.

Mike.

 

[skater]

Thanns, 6misfitz. I will try both of your suggestions.