1998 Sport Nautique not starting after winter storage

[JimHughes]

My boat normally always starts up right away after winter storage, but now it's not. I live in Southern California so our winters are mind but we did have a lot more rain this winter than we normally do. The boat stayed dry but the weather was damp. This year I did not get around to putting in fuel stabilizer before storing it so could that be an issue? The gas tanks were about 2/3's full. The engine is cranking but not even a slight catch. On Saturday, I went and filled the tanks with premium fuel and plan to put in an octane booster in the gas tank. Will this help?
Can you please let me know what are the most frequent causes of a boat not starting after winter storage? I need to fix it SOON so we can enjoy Memorial Day on the lake.
Thanks for your help!

[mdvalant]

What motor do you have in your boat? That will most likely help the guys diagnose your problems.

[WakeSlayer]

Lanyard? You do not need to put ocatane booster in addition to premium fuel. Your manual probably says 89 or better.

[mdvalant]

Shouldn't be the lanyard if the boat is turning over no?

[Chexi]

On my 99 Air, if the lanyard were off, the boat would turn over and the engine would actually start for about 1 second and then die.

[Cibolasam]

Second vote for lanyard, I once got towed in because of this.. Pretty embarassing but glad that was all it was and we had a good laugh..

[mdvalant]

Really...well then that could be an easy fix! Hopefully that's all it is.

Weird that the boat even turns over with the kill switch active

[WakeSlayer]

The lanyard just cuts out the fuel pump. Motor still turns over.

[NAVYFLYER]

Check the two wires on the back of the lanyard switch, I had one come off and the engine would turn over fire and then die.

[DanielC]

Check the ignition system like this:
http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/sh...light=ignition

Then check the fuel pressure like this:
http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/sh...=Fuel+pressure

If the boat still does not start, report back.

[JimHughes]

Thanks for all the input. My engine is a PCM GT-40.

I'm hoping it's as simple as the lanyard. Otherwise, I'll work through the ignition system and fuel system.

Thanks for all your input. I'll let you know what happens. My goal is to fix it this weekend.

[wskiboy]

This might sound stupid , but check the hose from your fuel tank end , their is a little screen in there that can collect dust. It happenad to me this year after 14 years, this little piece of crud put me dead in the water

[JimHughes]

How do I get to the screen? Where is it? Is it on top of the tanks or before it goes into the fuel pump? Do I have to unscrew things?

Please let me know.

Thanks.

[WakeSlayer]

He is referring to the anti-siphon valve.
Start with the lanyard. When your lanyard works properly, you will hear the fuel pumps prime. If you don't hear the buzzing before you turn your key, that is a pretty good indicator.

[wskiboy]

the anti siphon valve is on the top of the tank,unscrew and clean it,you have to take out the seat and back panel,good luck.