Got a 1990 Bayliner Capri that's in great shape, don't take it out that often, but took it last week and road around the lake when I went to start it up about an hour later it would not start. Replaced battery and it started and the same thing happened after driving around the lake. Checked the the starter and saw a little smoke coming from it. My first thought is to replace the starter any other first step suggestions?

Smilialar to one of my current problems. On mine, turn key nothing, no solonoids, no crank. troubleshot down to neutral switch in trim control panel (the shifter/throttle handle) Try moving shifter in and out of neutral next time and see if it starts after you return to neutral. I have a 1999 Mercruiser 5.0L. I don't have any smoke from my starter like you. good luck.

If there is smoke coming from the starter it's done but there is a cause.
Starters usually die from 1 of 2 things on a "Cruiser. either water dripping on it or (usually) low battery voltage from either
Bad battery connections
Weak or inadequate battery
Bad battery cables