Twin Yamaha 50s will not start

Ken O · Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2023 5:42 pm Post subject: Twin Yamaha 50s will not start

This is in regard to a park boat, not my boat, but I'm pretty sure twin Yamaha 50s are common in the C-Dory community.

Therefore, we have a boat with twin Yamaha 50s. It ran fine to and from annual service a few weeks ago, but today both motors crank but will not start. Both! Notes: separate gas tanks, two batteries in good condition. I checked 5 fuses in one motor and all were good. I notice that the control for both motors is one unit. This sounds electrical, but I am not familiar with Yamahas or twins. These are fairly new motors. Where do we look?

Thanks!

colbysmith · Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2023 9:14 pm Post subject:

Check the kill switch and it's circuit.

-Waypoint- · Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2023 11:03 pm Post subject:

Make sure the shifters are in neutral. Sounds obvious, but this will not allow the engines to start.

Ken O · Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2023 12:07 pm Post subject:

The kill switch was the culprit! There is a large flock of black vultures that roost on the boat overnight. Apparently they stole the lanyard and damaged the switch. Fixed now. Watch out for wildlife! Thanks for the help.