Newbee owner with issues

[DE_Boating]

I am a brand new boat owner. I bought a used '02 Grady-White Escape with a Honda 130 4 stroke. My first time out I got about a mile from the ramp and it sputttered and died. It never refired. I used up all the life in the batteries trying to restart it. Luckily, the tide was going back in and I was able to drift most of the way back to the ramp. Did I do something or forget something? I was really embarrased paddling back to the ramp.
I made sure before leaving the dock that there was a stream of water coming out the side. I also made sure that the batteries were turned off while not in use between day of purchase and 1st day out.

 

[edmo]

Re: Newbee owner with issues

So as not to leave you hanging, I'll give you my .02. I am a cadet as well, whatever that is, but if it's you're first outboard motor experience don't expect a lot of specific advice.

I would check my owner's manual to see where all the easy fixes might be. I'd check to make sure I hadn't done one of the dumb things we all have done like accidently activated the kill switch, ran out of fuel, etc. My sputter and suddenly die experience suggests fuel issue, die without sputter electrical.

If you don't find the obvious from looking at the manual, probably time to head to the shop. Good luck.