Yes interesting. I believe most often at least, the lanyard kill switch interrupts ( opens or shorts, depending... ) the ignition circuit only. On the other hand, a bad neutral-safety-start switch circuit ( open, even in N) could prevent cranking. Jumping those 2 leads would allow start in that case.)
That's great you got it squared away.
Isn't it a little chilly for boating over there in IL? Brrr.