Honda 50 Outboad Electrical Problem 1999?

Question

Last week-end I started my 50 HP Honda BF50A, ran it for about 5 minutes then stopped to jump in the lake. When I turned the ignition nothing happened at all. Even the Power trim would not operate. Had to be towed in.

This happened earlier in the season after I ran about a mile, but then it started after I let it sit for a couple of hours. After the first time i went out and bought 2 brand new deep cycle batteries.

The boat has been sitting in the slip in middle Tennessee for a couple of days now and still nothing. No ignition and no trim. The radio and horn works. I tried a screwdriver across the starter leads and got a big spark so I'm pretty sure I've got a good batteries.

Strange, to me anyway, it ran fine for about 2 months after I bought the new batteries but now here I am again. Any help would be geatly appreciated.

Thanks Jeff

Answer 1

Guys guys, wait, hold up.  First things first.  Deep cycles shouldn't be used to start a motor!!!  Get a regular marine battery in there.  A "starting type" in there., either maintenance free, or gel cell, standard serviceable, and or AGM battery.  Before looking for all kinds of problems with fuses, relays, switches, etc etc, always always start with a known good source.  (Battery-proper one also)  Then move on from there.

Answer 2

you dead shorted the starter leads?   now you probably got even more problems, like burned out alternator diodes.   never short out anything on a boat motor!

Answer 3

Could be high resistance (corrosion) on starter switch contacts or loose wire on starter switch.

Answer 4

sounds like a faulty ignition switch if i read the question right.