it starts the boat SOMETIMES, sometimes it just spins and does not engage the gear.,this is not a shim issue this is the GEAR does not spin up, if you keep flipping the key itwill eventually spin up.would have sent it back but installing messes the "pretty up" Im sure I will toss it next springOk should have tossed in the Autumn. this is JUNK, it jams all the time and sometimes the gearwill not engange it just spins.PAY the MONEY get a GOOD STARTER or learn to use the trolling motor comiSee full review