Managed to gain a little more insight verbally, but still waiting to see this boat.
It is a 1999 Epic 21 300VTi (should have the hull ID tomorow).
Symptoms;
Cranks over but does not fire.
When key is turned to cranking position, the gauges peg full over. (thinking grounding issue?)
Owner seems to believe no spark noticed when he checked it.
I agree with the bad juju when using starting fluid! Point well taken... One of the questions I'm still trying to put an answer to still, Does the computer/ECM need specific marine type software scan tool or will automotive work? The owner has connected an automotive OBD II scanner and received an error message but it didn't indicate anything else or throw any codes.
Thanks for the responses.
Scott