Clarion Marine Deck in 1997 Nautique Supersport

Can someone tell me why in the world my stock clarion cassette deck won't work?? It is horribly aggravating. Okay, the problem is that when I power the player up, only the backlight comes on, that is it. Then while I'm driving, sometimes it will randomly turn on and work for a while. Then ill shut the boat off, and turn it back on, it wont work again. I've checked for loose wires and there don't seem to be any at all. Help please!

because its a cassette player from 1997

I'd just be happy I got over a decade out of a stock deck and use this as an excuse to ditch the cassette.

Thanks for backing me up, I tried to explain that to my dad, but he just didn't understand that hes lucky to have it last 10 years without a problem. I think a new Sony CD unit will be in my future.