1990's Mercury 70hp 2 stroke trouble starting cold

Hi, I have recently bought my first boat, a fletcher 14ft gto with a mercury 70hp 2 stroke engine (1990's i think).
It is kept in the water and the last few times i have tried to start it i have flattened the battery. The boat has a push key choke and a hand pump on the fuel tank which i was told to pump until hard. I think i have been flooding it as i can see fuel in the water.
The engine was serviced in May and once started runs well and starts again no problem.
Also the boats speedo and rev counter does not work, i have seen some replacements available but wondered if its a straight forward job, just swapping the gauges or more involved?
Thanks for listening and if anyone has any advice or tips that would be great.

Re: 1990's Mercury 70hp 2 stroke trouble starting cold

When starting turn the key on and push it in. Hold it in while counting slowly to 8 (you may have to adjust this count up or down for your motor) then start normally. Keep bumping it if necessary until the motor runs smoothly. For the tach problem test your rectifier. Here are the instructions.
1. Disconnect the battery leads.
2. Disconnect all wires on the rectifier.
3. Connect the red test lead to ground and the black lead alternately to terminals A and C.
The meter should show continuity.
4. Connect the black lead to gound and the red lead alternately to terminals A and C.
The meter should not show continuity.
5. Connect the black lead to terminal B and the red lead alternately to terminals A and C.
The meter should show continuity.
6. Connect the red lead to terminal B and the black lead alternately to terminals A and C.
The meter should not show continuity.
7. Replace the rectifier if you do not get correct readings.