Alarm like noise when key is in "ON" position

Hello,

I have a 17" Bass Tracker with a Mercury Force 40. The boat is new to me and I'm using it for the first time after replacing the deck and carpet. When I turn the key to the "ON" position it starts to make a loud high pitch tone like an alarm. I took the boat out yesterday and the motor turns over fine and the boat runs, but it continues to make that loud tone the whole time it's running. The sound is coming from the box containing the ignition switch and throttle. Any suggestions on what could be causing this? Thanks in advance for your help.

Something has triggered the warning system...it could be as simple as a pinched wire or a bad sensor or a fault in one of the systems monitored (like no oil in the reservior). best bet is to get the owners manual for that engine. a shop manual may help, too - local library. Another alternative is to visit (not call) your local dealer as as for a list of specific faults that will sound the alarm.