http://www.boatingmag.com/gallery/photo ... NjgzODA1S0
Empty gas tank.
Fix: Calibrating Your Fuel Gauge
Gas tank air vent not open.
Fix: Inspect the Boat Before Attempting to Start http://www.boatingmag.com/boat-inspection-checklist
Fuel lines kinked or severely pinched.
Fix: Choose the Right Hoses for Your Boat
Water or dirt in fuel system.
Fix: Installing a Fuel/Water Separator
Clogged fuel filter or screens.
Fix: Select the Proper Fuel Filter
Motor not being choked to start.
Fix: Check the Choke
Engine not primed - pump primer system.
Fix: Important Fuel System Checks
Carburetor adjustments too lean (not allowing enough fuel to start engine).
Fix: Servicing a Carburetor
Timing and synchronizing out of adjustment.
Fix: Check the Ignition System
Manual choke linkage bent - auto choke out of adjustment.
Fix: Check the Choke
Spark plugs improperly gapped, dirty or broken.
Fix: Properly Installing Spark Plugs
Fuel tank primer inoperative (pressurized system).
Fix: Fuel System Service Tips http://www.boatingmag.com/blogs/diy/fue ... rvice-tips
Ignition points improperly gapped, burned or dirty.
Fix: Check the Ignition System http://www.boatingmag.com/maintenance/t ... r?page=0,8
Loose, broken wire or frayed insulation in electrical system.
Fix: Electrical Repairs Checklist http://www.boatingmag.com/how-to/troubl ... -checklist
Reed valves not seating or stuck shut.
Fix: Inspect the Boat Before Attempting to Start http://www.boatingmag.com/boat-inspection-checklist
Weak coil or condenser.
Fix: Check the Ignition System http://www.boatingmag.com/maintenance/t ... r?page=0,8
Cracked distributor cap or rotor or shorted rotor.
Fix: Check the Ignition System http://www.boatingmag.com/maintenance/t ... r?page=0,8
Loose fuel connector.
Fix: Check the Fuel Lines http://www.boatingmag.com/boat-doctor-0
Poor engine or ignition ground.
Fix: Check the Ignition System http://www.boatingmag.com/maintenance/t ... r?page=0,8
Faulty ignition or safety switch.
Fix: Check the Ignition System I think this one should be further up the list with out of gas as it is VERY common. Just last year (I think it was) I had a wire come loose on my ignition switch and my boat would not start. Got lucky and Marine assist pulled me away from the shore where I could anchor and then we found the issue
Slow cranking speed.
Fix: Determine What Engine Problems are Really Serious http://www.boatingmag.com/maintenance/t ... d-my-motor
Low voltage to ignition, when cranking.
Fix: Check the Ignition System
Low compression.
Fix: Check Compression http://www.boatingmag.com/maintenance/t ... tic-checks
Safety lanyard/kill switch disconnected. This should be up there with the ignition switch etc.
Fix: Install & Check the Kill Switch
Dead battery.
Fix: Choose the Proper Marine Battery http://www.boatingmag.com/gear/marine%2 ... ne-battery