I posted this on the boating forum but got no responses.  So I am posting on here.
 
I have a 20 HP mercury 2 stroke with electric start.  It started fine last time on the water.  But took it out again and the starter would not kick in.  Is there any way to test to check if the starter is any good?  Note:  the motor starts with the pull cord.  It seems to have power going into the starter.

Have you checked over the whole starter circuit? Mer might have a large inline fuse, but check to see if your getting power to the key, the solenoid, the main battery cable... did you check anything with a multimeter?  

We are just using the pull cord for now.  Starts first pull.  Would have to take it to a mechanic and it seems the starter is expensive.

I would do a continuity test on the starter and work your way back or forward from there.