[julrich_32]

The first start each time after unloading off the trailer, it starts perfectly. Five minutes on the water before any serious boating, the boat doesn't want to start. The only way to get it started is to put it on full throttle and crank the engine for 5 - 10 seconds. It will finally catch enough to start. Once it starts, it runs great. You have to do it this way for the rest of the day to get it started. I'm worried it will eventually not start or burn up the starter.

Once I got it home after the weekend, I put the earmuffs back on it. I started it the first time and let it get up to normal operating temperature. Shut it down and waited a couple minutes before starting again. It started right up!! I did this a couple times and it started perfectly everytime. This makes no sense!!!!

I've change the fuel / water separating filter and in-line fuel filter. Not to mention a novice cleaning of the carburetor.

I'm hoping somebody will have a suggestion.
Thanks for your help.....

[usmckao]

If you think about it, you're not doing anything different by starting out of water. It doesn't make since to not start in water but does start out of water. Although you're not putting it under load out of water, and you aren't suppose to. May need to rebuild carbs, double check timming, possible tune up?, fluid levels. May be mechanical fuel pump issue.

[DFZ272]

The only thing that may be different is the boat may sit lower in the rear in the water than on the trailer. From what you describe it sounds like a possible flooding issue. What is you normal start routine? Are your engine temps the same when on the muffs and in the water? Has the fuel pressure been checked. What carb do you have? My last boat had the same problem until I rebuilt the carb.
Happy Boating
Dan