Power - no power - power (repeat)

[LAepicfan]

New to the board but now new to Epic boats.  I am the original owner of an 1999 Epic 21.  I still love my boat! 

Long story short, I have not had the time to use it at all over the last 4 years.  The nearest lake is almost two hours away.  I am now getting it ready to use this summer and I am having some problems (for the very first time in 18 years).  Most issues are small and I can figure them out myself.

Here are some problems/issues I am having. 

1) I will be running the engine, turn it off to do something, come right back and ... no power at all.  The dash does not even light up .. no matter what I do.  After a few days I try it again (just for kick)s and it magically starts right up.  I have a new battery and I changed the fuse next to the battery switch (which was looking bad) and this did not change anything.  Any suggestions?

2) The 12V accessory port does not work.  Connection to wires are tight but can locate a fuse that might be blown.

3) While changing the packing, I pulled the packing nut assembly up the shaft (to see if the shaft was riding low) and noticed a few gouges in the shaft about where the packing is. I have never pulled the assembly up that far before.  So I don't know if they have always been there for not or was scored before I repacked the packing 5 years ago.  Should I be concerned?

4) The shaft strut bearings seem to still be in good working condition, but after this many years should they be replaced?   

Thank in advance for any and all feedback. 

[liljulzs]

Did you ever figure out your power issue? I installed a new impeller, went to test it and boom... NO POWER. We bought our 1999 Epic 22 last year and it's been great. Well maintained. I'm in Nevada away from home until I resolve. Any tips are appreciated.

[Sammamish Skier]

I would trace the ignition circuits behind the dash. My guess would be that you have either a bad ignition switch or a bad breaker for the ignition. Both are really easy to replace.

[LAepicfan]

Capt Rick was nice enough to send me this quick email.

"When you turn the key on the gauges should energize if that doesn't happen then the lanyard is either disconnected or needs to be replaced the microswitch you could bypass it and use a clip to put the both connectors together and if it ever happens again that you know it's to replace the lanyard switch.

Also could have a defective keyswitch

Under maintenance there are instructions on how to repack and  to set it on yes it's normal for it to pit where it's wearing possibly to tight

Cutlass bearing if there's play the new replace it if there is no play leave it alone

Thanks
Rick"

I have decided to replace both the lanyard switch and the key switch (both are old and I am in the most to update).  I have not done this yet but will report back when I do with the results.