96 seadoo challenger in need of relief

[Jackstandracing]

So today I bought my first boat. A 96 challenger for 3000 and its very clean. Did the basic checks before buying it and took for a test ride and she ran great. So I bought it brought home put in the water and it would only make a click sound when I press the starter button. The boat was just 3 hours earlier ... I'm freaking out think worse case scenerio

 

[Dr Honda]

Don't jump to any conclusions. It's an older boat, and you just got it... so you dont' have a good feel for it yet. It could be a loose wire... a bad solenoid... or it may need the starter rebuilt.

I would start with checking over all the cable connections. Clean them, and make sure they are tight. Then, if that doesn't help... jump the 2 terminals on the solenoid. If the starter spins, replace the solenoid. If it doesn't... then rebuild the starter.

This is all assuming the battery is good. have you checked that? Who knows... the guy you bought it from may have just taken it off the charger before you showed up.

 

[Jackstandracing]

so i took the boat to a small marine mechanic who specializes in seadoo. he told me my starter was locked up and that he basically disengaged it got it working good and she is ready. so i go pick it up and my boat dont start. he said i need a new battery and the im water ready so i pay him and go to get a battery. my battery test fine. motor turns over fine without plugs in it but wont barely turn over with plugs in it. then smoke from the starter. i take it my starter is fried? but im confused he said he had it running and its trying to turn over but is starter is smoking

 

[Dr Honda]

Smoke from the starter makes it real easy. You need a starter.

 

[Jackstandracing]

alright so i go buy a starter and i have to jump the solenoid to start boat but atleast its running, so i take it out for about 2 hours and she is running so nice... then it just shut off try to start it back up and im not getting any spark anu help onhow or what to test and check to elminate things and find new problem?