Rotate the engine by hand and inspect the teeth on the flywheel. Also, any issues with water intrusion?

Make sure the battery switch is off.

 

Absolutely!
If you put a new starter in and try to start a seized motor either the same thing will happen to the new starter or it will get so hot all the way back to the switch that it will melt the battery switch.
You may get very lucky. I have seen a gear get damaged because it didn’t retract after spinning the motor, but that’s not really common.
You’d still have to make sure the flywheel didn’t get damaged.
Unfortunately it’s much more common that it comes apart trying to spin a seized motor.
Either way, you still have to spin that motor by hand to make sure it is free and all the teeth on the flywheel are good before you put a new starter in.

 

Thanks, no issues with water intrusion.

 

View attachment 70188
I think it’s seen better days. My first time replacing a starter. Any words of wisdom and prayers are much appreciated.

I watched YouTube. Lots of great info.

 

That sure isn't normal wear, somethings not right. Wrong ring gear, wrong starter, shimmed incorrectly ?

 

The boat has inboards so there are no shims like on an IO. But when you see a bendix drive like that it normally indicates an engine that is seized due to water intrusion or internal corrosion. I would replace the starter after making sure the engine will rotate freely by hand. If you replace the starter with a seized engine you run the risk of causing further internal engine damage such as bent connecting rods or cracked pistons.

 

starters dont just break apart like that, bendix and the nose cone. Pull all the spark plugs and examine them . Using a bar, screwdriver, etc. attempt to turn the ring gear by hand, if it moves then install the starter and spin the motor with the starter. Have someone watch the plug holes for any moisture escaping.
If a liquid does come out, find the cause or you risk additional damage

 

Thanks everyone for the advice. The replacement starter arrived this afternoon. Fortunately, after following your advice, I installed the new starter and it worked great. The First Mate is ecstatic that she will be able to spend a 4 day weekend on the water!

 

That’s fantastic! Glad the motor and flywheel were in good shape.
Always great when the fix is simple.