Trouble in Paradise

[Blue_Runner]

Howdy folks. I've been away for a while. I've been busy tearing up my boat ;D

I have 2 problems now::

1) My o/b decided it didn't want to start by the key anymore. BUT, it really liked it when I took the positive and jumped over the solenoid directly to the starter, and started right up. Another symptom of this problem is that the tilt/trim isn't getting juice either. I think it could be one of 3 things. Bad solenoid (but would this cause the tilt/trim to not work?), bad control key switch, or bad engine wiring harness?? Any ideas? My first thought is to replace the $30 solenoid.

2) As I've said before, my transom was replaced by the p/o about 2 years ago. I don't know who he got to do it, but apparently they cut the "skin" off the outside (back) of the boat to do the work, then glassed the skin back on after installing new wood. The problem is, there is a small gap (maybe 1/2" at most) between the outer skin and the new wood. The weight of the motor flexed the outer skin at the bottom of the engine mount to the point that I now have a 4" crack along the "cut line" where the skin was originally cut. Now, my question for you is this: Marinetex or West System? Or pull motor and have a professional look at it????

Thank you,
BR