I'll start with one question. You said "The circuit breakers (on the dash) are good, verified by checking the continuity". Did you verify there was 12v at the breakers?
It's happened to me many times. I topped off the tank too much and when the weather got hot the gas expanded and the vent burped gas. Not I stop filling the tank as soon as the nozzle clicks, problem gone.
You need 50 parts gas to 1 part 2 stroke oil. You can buy the oil at walmart to west marine. Look up TC-W3 oil. You'll need to check/clean/replace any gas filters, water pump, lower gear case oil, plugs and old gas. That's just a start.
Good job, that's what I did, other than the electrical tape. Tape won't do much good other than trap water inside. I use liquid tape over the heat shrink.