No ignition or dash power on 2000 tropical

[mattreed]

I own a 2000 National Tropical 37' ford v-10. about 2 weeks ago the engine would not start or even turn over, no dash lights, no levelers, nothing. I checked all batteries and all were charged. I turned the ignition on and off probably 20 times, nothing, except the generator would start with the dash switch. Then about 3 hours later I tried it again and all the dash lights came on, the engine started and everything was perfect. I have started and shut it off maybe 5 times since. Then yesterday the same thing, I turned the key on and the dash light came on then went off again, every thing is dead again. Except the generator will still start, I have all cabin and a/c functions except it seems no power to the ignition. HELP?

[Rook]

Here is a possibility. If your gear shifter is a lever on the wheel column, then there is a switch called a "neutral safety switch", usually located down toward the bottem end of the steering column underneath the dash. It's function is to "prevent" starting, except when in Park or Neutral. Ignition power goes through this switch. Defective switch contacts will prevent starting or any function that is fed from the ignition. Rook

[mattreed]

Thanks much for your help Rook, I'll check it out first!