Outboard Electrical Issue

[RustyHook]

Hey guys, charged the batteries and threw them in the boat to start her up for the year. I connect the batteries, have power (used power tilt on the motor) then I go to start it and I hear one click and nothing. The power tilt doesn't work. Check the connectivity at the solenoid and have power. Same thing at starter. I disconnect my batteries and reconnect them to make sure I have good connections. I see the power tilt works again. Go to start it and then same thing. One click and then nothing. Same thing. Power at solenoid and starter. I again disconnect and reconnect batteries and I am good to go. I am not electrically inclined at all, but what am I missing here that is resetting once I disconnect the power?

We are talking about a 1998 Mercury Mariner 115 HP Outboard here.

[wb]

1. cable or connection. 97% most likely on the ground side.

2. one or both of the batteries, or main CB. 1%

3. solenoid 1%

4. engine seized. 1%

3&4 can be eliminated easily. jump the solenoid after ensuring the motor spins freely by hand.

g/l

[Still Running]

1. cable or connection. 97% most likely on the ground side.

  You have a connection but it can't handle the load.

[RustyHook]

Thanks guys...ended up being the battery.  I bought it last year so I just assumed it would be good I guess.

[Hotrod]

 

[Hunter 2]

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