Gotta pull the throttle lever (perpendicular to the direction you move to
throttle forward or backward) while in the neutral position in order to
engage the starter.. Moving the throttle back to center does engage neutral,
but for safety you must pull out on the throttle lever to enable the
starter. It's a safety thing.

For what it's worth, I wish I'd gotten an experienced boater to go out with
us the first time we launched our boat. It would have saved a LOT of hassle
and uncertainty, mistakes, etc. (Fiberglass is a bitch to repair There
are so many things to remember when boating that a new boater will surely
forget some of them. Trailer hookups, equipment checks, towing, backing,
launching, starting, safety checks, spare parts and tools, waterway rules,
emergency procedures, docking, loading, etc., etc. Be safe- take along an
experienced boater your first time out.



"Melandre" wrote in message
...
I recently purchased a used boat and plan to put it in the water for
the first time tomorrow morning. The boat has an inboard 120hp OMC
Cobra 2.3L, 4 stroke.

When I bought the boat, the seller told me the proper way to get it
started. However, I am not sure I quite remember everything.

i think he said that I must first PULL the shifter inward (toward me)
and then pump the motor by moving the shifter forward once or twice.

Then I think I am supposed to bring the shifter back to the neutral
position (not sure if I do this with the shifter still inward or back
to its regular "anchored" position) and turn the key. Then slowly push
the shifter forward to engage the driveshaft forward. Does that make
any sense?

What is the purpose of "pulling" the shifter in toward me first?
Aren't we supposed to simply move the shifter forward, backward or
neutral ? Anyway, if someone could confirm that this procedure is
correct and explain why we need to do this "PULL IN" trick with the
shifter, that would be greatly appreciated!

Andre