First startup of the season......

[Fiat4Fun]

So, we finally get the 1986 boat with 260HP Mercruiser out of the indoor storage ( It was winterized). it has been plugged in, both batteries are fully charged.
Put the boat in the water and try to start it. It turns over but does not sound like it wants to start. Of course, people are starting to try to launch behind us...... but they were cool

Didn't want to burn out the starter so turned it over a few times, then let the starter motor cool for couple of minutes. So this goes on for like ever ( 15-20 minutes) and the thing won't start. Not unusual for the first time out for it to take a bit to get fuel into the carb, and start, but this time seem longer. Took off the spark arrester and look in to see if there was gas in the carb. Checked spark, all good.....
Won't start, finally it starts to sound like it wants to fire, and it did, and we let it warm up, and off we go ;-)
So my questions are:
1. Should I use starter fluid to get it started the first time out?
2. Can you kill the starter motor cranking it over too much?
3. I could of started it at home, on muffs, but hate to do that, I like the boat to be in the water...... but it would of been easier than tying up the dock for ever ( ok, maybe 30minutes)

Never had this issue before, and was thinking that it was going to be a short boat trip. The boat started fine all day on the water, first click, started right up.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Enjoy
Bob

 

[Scott Danforth]

1. - No
2. - yes
3. yes

now service your points (part of spring launch with a boat with points)

 

[Alumarine]

Sometimes it takes longer than usual to get fuel to the carb after storage which is why not starting it at the launch first thing in the season is a good thing. Also starting it at home first time of the year lets you check for leaks etc.

You could pour a couple of ounces of gas down the carb as well. Leave the doghouse open and faces away from the carb.

 

[JASinIL2006]

We live an hour away from the rivers on which we boat, so I always start the boat at home on muffs and let it run until the engine temp gauge starts increasing. In part, I do this to make sure everything is working (e.g., battery isn't dead), but also because it means the boat will usually start immediately upon launching. Like prepping the boat before I get on the ramp, I consider this an etiquette thing as much as anything.

 

[Fiat4Fun]

Thanks for the replies.
I think I will start it on muffs next year. The boat has the Thunderbolt ignition system, so I don't have points. I was getting spark at the coil. Someone at the dock mentioned starting fluid, but I never have used it before on a boat.........

 

[Bondo]

but I never have used it before on a boat.........

Ayuh,...... Good,....... Don't,.......

Fresh gasoline down the carb's throat is how it's done,.....