It wouldn't be a bad idea to put a garden hose fitting on the motor and get
it running in the driveway for a few minutes before towing it all the way to
a lake and then finding out you can't start it. This way you get the feel
for getting it started and you prove the motor before you go through the
trouble of towing & lauching it.

Most important things to remember when launching:

Put the drain plug in.
Disconnect trailer lights before backing into the water. Remember to
reconnect after pulling out of the water and allowing water to drain from
the trailer.
Put the drain plug in
Don't disconnect the safety chain at the winch until the boat is backed into
the water. Likewise reconnect it BEFORE you pull the boat out again.
Put the drain plug in
Don't forget to bring the boat key with you.
Remember to raise the outdrive up before pulling the boat back out again.
Oh, and don't forget to put the drain plug in.
(I've never forgotten my drain plug but have seen what happens when it's
left out)

These are all small mistakes that many boaters have made, some with
potentially catastrophic consequences.

If you can't figure out the starting procedure, you will likely see other
experienced boaters around who would be more than happy to help you.
Good luck and may you enjoy your boat as much as I enjoy my Sea Ray.

--
Denis Roy
D. Roy Woodcraft
www.ideasinwood.com
"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

Thanks, yes, I did start it first in my driveway. Thank God I did
because I realized I had a totally dead battery. When to Wal-Mart and
bought the best one they had, went back home and then the boat started
like a charm.

The launching procedure went flawlessly as well. Glad nobody was
around to laugh at me while I was trying to back up the boat in the
water !!! I had to dock quite a few times (marina, my newly purchased
cottage, etc.) and I did not crash into any docks or other boats.
Phew! First day of boating is over: no accident and it was a lot of
fun! Today, we are going back to our cabin (which is boat access
only) but last night I left the boat at the marina nearby so today I
don't have to go through the launching routine again.

Thanks for your help! Andre

On Sat, 02 Oct 2004 00:20:19 GMT, "Denis Roy"
wrote:

It wouldn't be a bad idea to put a garden hose fitting on the motor and get
it running in the driveway for a few minutes before towing it all the way to
a lake and then finding out you can't start it. This way you get the feel
for getting it started and you prove the motor before you go through the
trouble of towing & lauching it.

Most important things to remember when launching:

Put the drain plug in.
Disconnect trailer lights before backing into the water. Remember to
reconnect after pulling out of the water and allowing water to drain from
the trailer.
Put the drain plug in
Don't disconnect the safety chain at the winch until the boat is backed into
the water. Likewise reconnect it BEFORE you pull the boat out again.
Put the drain plug in
Don't forget to bring the boat key with you.
Remember to raise the outdrive up before pulling the boat back out again.
Oh, and don't forget to put the drain plug in.
(I've never forgotten my drain plug but have seen what happens when it's
left out)

These are all small mistakes that many boaters have made, some with
potentially catastrophic consequences.

If you can't figure out the starting procedure, you will likely see other
experienced boaters around who would be more than happy to help you.
Good luck and may you enjoy your boat as much as I enjoy my Sea Ray.