starting problem

[CaptCrabby]

Hi
I have a 1987 70 hp
I was starting it when the engine stopped cranking and my gas gauge needle pegged when in the on position. Does this sound like an ignition switch or something on the motor? The motor will not crank with the switch. I ran jumpers to the starter and it cranked fine.
Thanks for the help

[boats.net]

May have blown a fuse on engine, bad battery cable connections at battery or on engine, check all ground wire connections.