Speaking of Starters....

[shemandr]

I'm looking at a boat with an inboard engine that I've learned has had at least 3 starters in less than two years. What up? Why do starters fail in a short amount of time? Confession: This isn't a sailboat.

 

[Michael Davis]

"Might" not be the starter. In my case it turned out to be the continuity between the starter and the engine block. Running a ground wire to one of the bolts holding the starter solved my problem.

 

[DayDreamer41]

I guess it would take an analysis on what failed on the starters, Bearings? Armature? Bendix? Brushes? Commutator? or Solenoid.

 

[capta]

Sounds like a wiring problem from what little you've told us. A starter is just an electric motor, albeit one that has a lot of power. If it isn't getting enough current it will fail fairly quickly.
You should have a MARINE electrician inspect the system before you purchase the boat.