Most of them have a marinized version of the same mechanical fuel pump
that was on the auto version of the engine. What engine do you have?
Water is a common problem for boat fuel systems and usually results in
corrosion. Corrosion in the fuel pump keeps the little flapper valves
from closing completely and prevents the pump from working. The main
difference between marine and auto mechanical fuel pumps is that the
back side of the pump diaphram is not vented to the air on a boat
version. You could also have a stuck float valve in the carb. Boats
often have an extra larger fuel filter that doubles as a water
separator. It would be a spin on filter that looks like an oil filter.
Check it too. Do you know how old the gas is in the boat? If it's
been sitting for a long time before you got it you probably need to
drain the fuel tank. Sounds like you might have ignition. You can
pour a tablespoon or so of gas straight down the carb throat to see if
that causes it to fire up for a few seconds. Open the throttle a
little so it will get some air. Don't hold you head over the carb in
case it backfires.

Rand_man50 via BoatKB.com wrote:
OK, I got the previous problem figured out, but now it cranks forever and
wont start. When I spray starter fluid in the carb, it acts like its gonna
start. I cant see any gas being sprayed into the carb when its cranking or
when I pump the throttle, so I figure it's probably the fuel pump or a
clogged fuel line. I think the fuel pump is on the outside of the tank so
it's not hard to get to. How do I check to see if its good?

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