We've all thought about it, the dreaded moment.

You've been out in the boat all day, and you've stopped at one last fishing spot, or to watch the sunset. Everyone's loaded up, hit the key and ............
nothing.

The knot ties itself in your stomach as you begin to think of how to explain to your wife the reasons that you decided not to buy the towboat coverage.

Not a fun scene.
Before you throw up your hands and start calling for the cavalry, here are a few tips for you to try.
(With discretion being the better part of valor, if you or your vessel are in real peril, call for help FIRST. Some things can't be replaced.)

1) CHECK THE KILL LANYARD! (don't laugh, I've done it!)
2) Look at the gauges.... When the key is on the gauges should give you an indication of battery power.
3) Test the trim if the trim motor has enough power to raise the outboard or stern drive, it should have enough to engage the starter.
4) If you have power, check that the shift handle is in the neutral position, and move it slightly fore and aft while holding the key in the start position. (this tests the shift interlock switch).
5) Test the battery connections (must be clean and tight)
6) Check the battery switch ( if you have one)
7) Got Gas? Obvious, but often a problem. Vapor Lock is a real problem especially with inboard boats in spring with winter mix fuels still in the tank. The only way to cure it is to open the hatch and let the engine cool completely. On an outboard, give the primer bulb a squeeze.

When you have checked these things you will have discovered:
A) the battery is dead or
B) the problem is beyond the scope of a simple on water repair.

Time to make that call.