Signs of a starter going bad?

[freeheel4life]

This is correct. Also designed to resist moisture and contaminants from bilge. SAE J1171 is the standard if you want to check it out. Alternators, fuel pumps, trim pumps, and other electrical in the bilge is supposed to meet the standard as well.

Most part house starters don't. We have a good starter/alternator specialty shop in town that does stock marine grade.

[brentc]

Just wanted to follow up on my issue and say thanks... I finally got back down to the boat today and replaced the starter. It was a surprisingly quick and easy process and, best of all, she fired right up. Good thing with family rolling in next weekend! Thanks freeheel4life for part # confirmation and to the rest of the TO community for all of the information given and that which is yet to come... cheers!