Keep the ventilation cap closed when the boat is not in use. When you open the cap, take an extra second to double check you have enough fuel and to check for debris in the fuel tank. If your tank is self-ventilating, you can skip this step.
Lowering the motor ensures everyone on board’s safety in the event that the motor starts unexpectedly. Tilting the motor down also allows fuel to get to the carburetors more easily.
The motor won’t start without the kill switch since it completes the electrical circuit needed to run. Kill switches protect you and others in the water by stopping the boat when someone falls out due to waves, hitting an object, or mishandling the boat. [4] X Research source On electric start motors, the kill switch is the key you place in the ignition.
You’ll know the motor is flooded if it won’t start and you smell gas. If this happens, first wait at least 5 minutes for some fuel to flow back into the tank and try starting the motor again. If it still won’t start, shift to neutral, hold the throttle open, and crank the engine. This is called a clear-flood start. [6] X Research source
Look for a switch labeled “open” and “close” if there’s a choke lever. Otherwise, the choke is a small button on the front of the motor. Some electric start motors have a choke switch like manual ignition motors. On others, activate the automatic choke by pushing the key deeper into the ignition. If the engine is still warm, you may not need the choke to get started unless the engine won’t start after a few pulls of the starter cord.
If you have an automatic choke on an electric start motor, release the key into its normal position to turn off the choke. [11] X Research source Once the choke is off and the motor’s running, you’re ready to cruise!
If your boat has a steering wheel, direct the boat just like a car. If it has a tiller, remember that pushing it left will move you to the right and vice versa. Once you’re cruising, adjust the trim to raise or lower the bow of the boat as desired.
There’s no way to brake, but the boat will slow very rapidly once you shift to neutral or cut the engine.
Try not to switch directly between forward to backward gears, as this might cause mechanical damage to your boat.
