2001 Optimax (noise when starting)

Towards the end of this season, I noticed that when I turned the key to on and waited for a pre-check beep, there was a rather pronounced ticking noise. The boat always started, but I’m afraid that this may be a sign of something going bad.

I thought I had read somewhere that there is a initial pump that helps send fuel for starting?

Shooting from the hip it makes me think the electric oil pump is trying to build pressure to the oiling system.
Have it checked to see if its losing prime or failing for whatever reason.

Have you taken the cover off and tried to listen for where it is coming from?