Starting problem - (Battery was installed backwards)

[markdief]

I'm the guy that accidentally hooked battery up backwards. I reset circuit breaker switch on engine. All switches seem to work just fine EXCEPT when I try to start boat with key everything cuts out. I can get myself back to the previous state only by unhooking battery and then rehooking it up. Any further suggestions / guesses would be appreciated.

[jward]

RE: Starting problem - (Battery was installed backwards)

does the battery have full charge on it.

[markdief]

Sure seems to. Blower runs real strong, etc.

[M3Fan]

What year is the boat? The newer boats with keypads, etc. really don't like it when you reverse the polarity like that.

[Hollywood]

It couldn't hurt to charge the battery and try again.

[markdief]

It's a 1990. I had recharged the battery (charger shows full charge). I'm actually going to buy a new battery this weekend just to take this out of the mix.
Didn't know if ignition switch itself is the issue at this point.

[jward]

Kill switch could be bad

[markdief]

it's working now

Not sure why it's working now but I'll take it. I came home from work, reattached battery and it started right up. I hadn't recharged battery again or anything like that. Thanks to everyone for help. I'm sure I'll do more dumb things but certainly not be careless hooking battery up again.

[i_am_am]

RE: it

you might want to check the alternator while running to make sure it's charging. they don't like reverse hookup either.