Hit big wave and engine stalled

[TRON]

New to the forum and looking for help. So my sister hit a big wave the other day in our 1985 ski nautique 2001.
The engine will turn but won't start. Could it be Electrical even though the engine will turn? Any insight greatly appreciated

[Fgroce]

Need 3 things to start, spark, gas, and air. Check for spark at the plugs first, You can pump the throttle one with the flame arrester off and check check for fuel spraying down the intake. Be careful with the filter off the top of the carburetor, keep a fire extinguisher handy just in case.

[TRON]

Yes have good spark and fuel spray. I'm fairly mechanically inclined. The boat has been running like a top for over 5 years and all of sudden hit a big wave and bam engine stalled. It will turn over and over but no start. Could it be electrical even though the engine still turns? Timing is maybe out? Or valves?

[Fgroce]

When you say Hit a big wave, did she over rev the engine? Did it stop right then and have to tow back?

[TRON]

The second she hit the wave the engine stop running instantly. Yes it was towed back. Upon trying to crank the engine it will turn over and over but never gets to the point of starting or firing. Usually it would be electrical for something so instant. But the fact the engine turns over from key would incline it's not electrical.

[markj]

Lanyard? Fuel line disconnected?

[TRON]

I thought the engine would not even turn over if the lanyard was a problem. Is that correct? There's plenty of fuel being sprayed.

[SANonTellico]

If it's a kill switch (lanyard) problem, your engine would still crank but wouldn't start.
Based on your description, it sounds electrical to me as well and I would definitely start with the kill switch.

[TRON]

Well if that's the case than I'll look there. Wish I had an electrical diagram for where the kill switch wiring goes cause that was bypassed decades ago

[75Tique]

you can certainly have an electrical problem that would let it crank but not start. Just depends where the electrical problem is. Get out your volt meter and start tracing.