I have a 2019 Lund, and if I leave the boat alone for a week and then go to start it, I only get one click on each try for about 10 minutes and then it eventually starts. After running, it starts easier unless I leave it for a week again.

So it has a main power switch that I cut every time I'm off the boat, and seems to run perfectly otherwise.

Based on my car experience, I would say draining battery but it eventually turns over. It doesn't seem to be the alternator since it seems to recharge and start better with consistent use. I might also think starter or plugs, but the behavior is based on frequency of use... so, maybe fuel, but it's not just cranking with no explosion.

So, I'm lost. Any thoughts? Thanks

Possible starter solenoid

Sounds like bad connections/ bad cable

If it clicks but does not turnover, is probably disk in solenoid . If you jumper across large post on solenoid wit heavy cable should energize starter motor . Do follow all safety guidelines .

I would clean every connection from battery to starter and check the ground . Also if your main cutoff switch is going bad it can do as you described. I would start with cleaning all connections and then move to that switch before the more expensive route of the starter and solenoid.

Sounds like a starter problem. Probably has a burned spot on it. Every time it makes the click noise, it moves slightly till it gets past the burnt spot and then starts. Every time it clicks it makes the burnt spot worse.

Thank you all, I'm going to check/clean all connections under the hull and by the battery. If there's nothing obvious, then I guess it's off to the shop. I'm still pretty unfamiliar with starter and solenoids.

I appreciate the ideas. I'll follow up. (And I'll be careful)

I agree with solenoid comments above. It can also possibly be the battery cranking amps are way low. Autozone can load test the battery for you. I have had 800cca rated batteries only put out 500 full charged and they have warrantied them. And of course make sure battery cables are tight. Not just wing nut tightened by hand, but wrench tight.

Real nuts.

You know, I actually had a revelation about this last night right before I fell asleep. The boys forgot to turn off the switch one time a few months back, and we came back to a drained battery. It eventually started that day, and did ok for the rest of the day, but since then this has been happening. The research I've done this morning is saying maybe the battery just needs a full charge.

Might this explain that it starts better after running for a bit and the alternator dumping some energy back into the battery? And might this also explain why it takes a few clicks to finally get enough charge to the starter to turn it over?

Again, I'm no mechanic, but maybe this is legit. I'm debating getting a charger out and just letting it fill up.

But I'll check the nuts too.

No dice. Hooked up a charger and it was bright green. Afterwards, went to start and verified that the click is in the motor.. and if i just keep trying, it will eventually turnover and run like a champ. Took about 5 minutes today. Very likely solenoid or starter. Off to the shop we go. Boo. 4 month old boat. Sigh... should have just bought a used one.

Thanks again for the input.

Mine would not start and found out ground wire on the starter was loose from the battery.

Final update on this... I had a mechanic out today, and he checked everything between the battery and the motor. Turns out it was the starter solenoid. All work & parts covered under warranty, and the shop/dealer is being pretty cool about it.

Anyway, if this happens to you, it's probably that.

Thanks again for the advice!