1st time boat owner.

[JGilbert]

Hello everyone.

First time boat owner here. I have 2005 mx 1800 and it seems to start a little hard. I noticed a tone when I turn the key to on. Do I way for the tone to turn off before I start the boat or just crank it up? Also wondering if i have to leave the key on on for a few secs before starting.

Thanks for the help

[mmwjr]

Welcome aboard

additional information would be helpful such as what engine and if its a carb or fuel injected.

The buzzer sounds at start up because there is no oil pressure until the engine is running, its a self test to let you know the monitor is working. Leaving the key in the run position will not provide any help. How are you starting it now? Two pump to prime the engine if its a carb. Does the issue happen whether the engine is cold or hot or just one?

[jrsick]

Check your battery to ensure there is minimum of 12.4V, 12.7 is even better.
Take a look at the inside of your distributor cap and rotor. Contact points should be clean.
Pull a couple of plugs and see if electrodes are clean and dry. Be sure to vacuum the spark plug tunnel before removing the plug so rust doesn't get into your cylinders.

[shrew]

Is the engine fuel injected or carbureted?

IF this is carbureted, what is your starting sequence? Typicaly Merc Carb engines need to have the throttle pumped in neutral 2-3 times. I used to have to slightly advance my throttle in neutral, then once it started, pull it back to center.

[JGilbert]

The motor is a 3 liter merc cruiser. When I turn the key to run it just keeps turning over then eventually starts.

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by JGilbert

The motor is a 3 liter merc cruiser. When I turn the key to run it just keeps turning over then eventually starts.

Which carb does it have old style with a choke or TKS?

If old style you first need to give 2-3 pumps of the throttle before turning the key.

[gamoooos]

may sound very elementary, but since you're new (and so am I), I'll make a very basic comment. Make sure you click the neutral button, then shift the forward and back about 5-7 times. Then move the shifter forward before you turn the key. This should help start it.

[The Pirate]

Also, make sure plugs are correctly gapped. Mine was hard starting when i first got it. Plugs were way off in gap. Starts very easy now.