---

Great. Glad you found the problem and got it fixed.

The time to get to know your wiring is before it might be a life and death situation on the water.
So, now is the time.

Find out where all those small wires go and what they are connected to.
You will be glad you did at some point down the road.

The large red and black we know comes from the battery and goes directly to the motor. The motor harness then runs to the console and the key switch.
This is all part of the motor harness and starting function.

All the small wires are part of some kind of accessory like lights, bilge pump, radio, etc.
Normally, one small red wire and one small black wire run to the console fuse/buss panel for all your accessories. The small red wire, like the one in your photos with the yellow fuse holder, is fused or contains a circuit breaker for the entire accessory electrical system.

Good Luck and enjoy your Whaler and Welcome to WhalerCentral.