1998 175 ocean pro starter problem

[blueranger]

the starter seems to be engaging when the engine is place in neural. the problem is intermittent, I launch the boat,no problem, ride out to my fish hole, place the boat in neural and the starter engages while the engines still running place the engine back in gear and starter disengages (stops spinning), place the engine in neural and it engages again. What do you think, electrical short, bad neural switch, bad igniton switch,bad relay??? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You

[boats.net]

Have a short between neutral switch wires and starter circuit.