Sea Ray 182 bowrider: new battery & solenoid... still won't start (or click!)

[neuro]

So I've got a 2003 Sea Ray 182 bowrider less than 300 hours on the Mercruiser engine. Last season I occasionally got "no click" when turning the ignition key, but eventually it would click, start, turn over and run just fine. I put a new battery in it last year. So first thing I did this season was juice up the battery for a couple hours and put in a new solenoid. Battery reads over 12 volts now when partially turning the ignition key. Next, I turned the ignition key, and yes it turned over quickly but didn't immediately start. (first crank of the new season usually takes a couple of times). But when I turned off the ignition and then back on again, nothing. No click, no turnover. I took my handy screwdriver and bypassed the solenoid and it started up just fine, so looks like starter and battery are doing their part. Ideas please? Next diagnostic steps?

 

[Lazy Daze]

Check ignition switch for loose wires. Bypass at the ignition switch to double check for a failing switch.

 

[Last Dollar]

I had a bad ignition switch that caused this exact problem and finally after having the starter rebuilt and a new battery I determined the switch was bad.