Okay so to start out, this is the first major trip I've taken my boat on. It's always been a quick run to Elsinore to hang out or wet run it. And I'd like to start by this is going to be long, and give of a vent... (I didn't not have all the great of a weekend, plus this is just the stuff that happen to the boat)
So the first day it ran fine, then as we were going back we idled for about 10-20 mins. No heat issues, but when I went to get on it. It was so bogged it just wouldn't go. (I had a good amount of weight, but it ran fine for 3+ hours) so we got towed in, and then when we got back I noticed my fuel hard line was a little bent and not sealed all the way. So it was leaking a good amount, but only when I was over half on the peddle (right where it was really bogging). Fixed that problem.
Second day we go out, starts fine. Run around for a few hours, starting and stopping. Randomly it wont start after I try a couple times I notice the blower isn't actually on (I always have it on a few minutes before I start the boat). So when I open the hatch and go to check everything out, I notice that I've melted the positive screw on the battery terminal. Get towed in. When at camp we check for the short, and can't find anything. Strip the wire and connect it to the post (which is how I should have had it connected in the first place, yeah I know that now) I also learned to disconnect the negative when working on the battery...
Fixed the problem.
Go out the next day, run around for an hour or so. Jump in the water cool off, hang out. Get back in the boat to go, and all I get when I turn the key is one slow crank and then nothing... Maybe it's hot open the hatch, turn on the blower, check the battery. All good. Wait, go to start it. One slow crank and then nothing. Get towed in. Start messing with the wiring and check everything I can with out taking it apart. Nothing. Go to crank it to check and someone else what it does (a few hours later) cranks over normal and fires... Wtf? I'm on the beach so I turn it off real fast. We all to go on the boat, 10 mins. Go to start it, one slow crank... Wtf? Baffled and it getting dark I give up.
Next morning me and my girl go down to check it out early. Sure as crap cranks over normal and fires right up! So we run around for awhile and then see has to pee, turn it off and get in. Hang out with the hatch up and blower on, just in case I mean it worked last time. Go to crank it, one slow crank and then nothing... Wtf?!? Get towed in.
Gives up and go out with everything else...
6+ hours later go to pull it out of the water, and for the hell of it get it a crank. Damn thing fires right up!

My question to you all, is what the hell is wrong with my boat?!?
Please help me.

I have a running list of stuff I need to buy, so far it is as follows:
New battery
New alternator
New circuit panel
New wiring harness

Now my possible fixes:
Starter?
Starter Solenoid?
Sensors?
Venting?
Filter?
Maybe I'm out of alignment or timing?


Sent while day dreaming...

More2LifeThanMPG,

There are a few things that I think you need to look in to.

The first thing I would bird dog is the grounds....This has bad ground written all over it.

I would not hesitate to replace the starter and keep a rebuilt spare with you. I keep two Super Starters in my motor home for just such occasions.

Not knowing many specifics about your dealio, I wont get too detailed.

There are some things I seem to do automatically these days, big battery, big cables with soldered welding cable ends (copper), gear reduction starter...

I use these, they're not cheap but they are effective.  http://www.jegs.com/i/Tilton/454/54-10001/10002/-1?parentProductId=745304

As for anything else, I am sure there will be others bringing up some good suggestions.

GT

Gt jets... Holy cow, that's a lot for a starter! Hahaha.

And yeah I have a 460 ford, and this is my first boat so needless to say I was/am a little under prepared...
But at least for my lack of knowledge on engines and everything, that I was going down the right path.

And my wiring is a joke, that's why I want an new harness. My alternator wire was down in 14 gage wire... Like really! Also the grounding situations isn't much better. But wiring kind of scares me. Haha


Sent while day dreaming...