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