Starting issue a couple times

[Barry H.]

Maiden voyage this past weekend and had an issue 2 times. Went to start it and it would start and as soon as I let go of the key it shut off. Did this a couple times then after a couple try’s it started and ran fine. Any ideas?
2004 chaparral with a Merc 5.0 with a carburetor

 

[Iggy]

I would start simple. Have you changed your fuel filters? Having a 2004 boat, ask your self when was the last time plugs, cap, rotor and wires were changed?