02 X20 (Challenger) won't start....

[BuckeyeBoater]

I had my boat out yesterday and everything was running well. Throughout the day, I started and stopped the engine several times. Each time it fired immediately. The last time I shut it off (in the middle of the lake, of course), it would not restart. I am totally new to boats and engines. Any suggestions?

There is power to the engine. When I turn the key, it makes a "whirring" noise, but won't turn over. One of my passengers thinks it is the solenoid.

I will download the manuals today, but any advice on getting started for a noob would be nice. I do have it scheduled to go into the shop this week, but if it is a simple thing, I'll try it first. The boat makes one short beep when I turn the key.
Thanks!!!!

 

[Dr Honda]

If it's making a "Wherrrring" sound.... then it's not the solenoid. It's either the Bendix drive, or the ring gear on the flywheel is gone.

Most likely, it's the Bendix. Either it isn't not popping out because of corosion... or the one way bearing has gone bad in it.