Starting your boat...

[littlefisher]

What techniques do you guys/gals all use to start your bass boat.  We have a newer Ranger with a 150 Mercury XR6.  Do you choke it until it turns, then start giving it gas?  Or do you just give it gas from the getgo even while you are choking it?  I know some people like to try to turn it over out of the water, but I would never ever do that with a marine engine.  

[The Next KVD]

I wouldn't know, if you had a Yamaha all u would have to do is turn the key and go ;D

[fishfordollars]

Turn the key and go

[Nick B]

My motor is a 91 Merc 40hp, I choke it until it starts, then let it warm up

[skunked_again]

plug the fuel line in, squeeze the bulb 2 times, choke, start.

[Brian_Reeves]

First I do shoulder, chest, and upper back stretches.

Second I lock my oars into my oar locks.

Lean into it and start rowing.

My engine works fine

[Glenn]

I have a Yamaha HPDI 225 on the Ranger.  Do NOT give it gas at first (this will cause problems).  Just push the button and it will start.  Let it run for a few mins (Yamaha recommends 3 minutes), and you'll notice the idle will smooth out and RPMs will reduce - all on it's own.  This is all automatically computer controlled.  (Giving it gas before you start it can throw off the computer)  

If you have any problem starting it, squeeze the bulb until it's firm.  We were having starting problems and noticed the bulb wouldn't get firm.  Replaced the bulb and the problem was fixed.

[CPT Scrap]

87 mariner 175 on my stratos.....i check the fuel ball, then choke for 10 seconds, then turn key and she usually starts right up.  then let'er idle for a while and then shes good to go.

[bassdocktor]

I've got a 05' Trition with the same engine. Here's what works for after learning from others with the same engine.

Squeeze the primer bulb until it is kinda hard. Basically bake sure you have fuel moving to the engine.

Use the fast idle/ throtle advance thing. What ever it is called.

Once you put the key in push it in to use the choke. Then just turn the key while you have it pushed in. Starts mine up just fine.

 

If it dies out right after it start I'll give it a little gas with the hot foot.

Actually use that fast throtle/advance thing really helped out a buddy of mine with a 98 XR6.

[littlefisher]

The PWT Championship is in my hometown this weekend so the Mercury rep is here.  Me and my dad went and talked to him and he helped us out greatly.

For anyone that is wondering.  He said not to give it gas.  He said to first prime the bulb, then turn the key to on, not actually turning the motor over, and hold in the choke for ten seconds.  After that turn it and it should start after a few seconds and stay running.  I think he said it's ok to give it a little bit of throttle if it's really cold and wont stay running no matter what, but said that should be a last resort.

[Kevin Davis]

I have an older 135merc black max, with mine i prime it with the bulb once or twice then move the start assist up to 3/4 push in on the key and hold for 10 seconds then turn it over. Starts on the first try the majority of the time. from what i understand it really doesnt have a choke, but when you prime with the bulb it fills a cup like thing that as you push in on the key it dumps the gas into the top of the carb, that is why you wait the ten seconds for it to empty all the way before turning it over.

any way good luck with the new boat.

[B-Ass-Mad]

Yamaha Starting Sequence

1. Put in the drain plug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-[

2.Connect fuel line to outboard.

3. Squeeze the fuel line bulb twice.

4. Hold up the choke switch and turn the key.

5. She usually catches on the second chug, at which point i let go of the choke switch.

6. I let her idle away for three or four minutes while my buddy parks the truck and trailer.

7. Haul ***!

[Sam]

AND BE SURE THE "KILL SWITCH" IS OFF.

I also suggest starting the motor for a few seconds (hooked to a hose) at home before you leave to make sure she is running properly.

And check your trolling motor, too.

Be sure to double check the "kill switch" as it is embarassing at the launch site when you can't get the motor started and everyone is looking at you like you are a big dummy.  ;D