If maintained they are reliable. Mine starts very easy. Same for my dads boat. They are 2 stroke engines. You need to mix 1 quart of 2 stroke oil for every 12 gallons of gas. Put oil in first then add gas. You should change the water pump and gear oil when you get a chance. If you don't know how to do that the get it done at a mercury dealer
Also wanted to say that when you shift a boat you snap it into gear. Forward is about 1/3 of the forward travel from strait up and down. Do not ease it into gear or you will ruin things is the gears.
