Re: my fist boat and how to start the engine
To start any Merc outboard requires you pump up the primer bulb, choke or prime the motor, set the idle higher and crank it. Older Mercs have the chokeplates and a seperate choke button, along with the cold start lever, which should be up.
Newer Mercs have a primer solenoid operated when you push in the ignition key, and you can advance the throttle w/o engaging forward.
What type of motor(6 inline, 4 inline...) and what is the year?