Help First time boat owner!

hi i just bought a 1977 anchor boat with a 65hp mercury outboard.The first time I took it out today it started good but when i tried to bring the idle down so it wasnt high idle(again first time operating a boat so might not sound like i know what im talkin about) the motor would die. when i looked at the engine it looks like i have a fuel leak somewhere but cant find it. I replaced the primer bulb before going out because it had a split in it because before I bought this boat it had sat for i think probably a acouple years. does anyone have any idea of what could be wrong? i dont have time to take it to the only boat shop in town but i really want to get out and have some fun.(i work same hours as boat shop) PLEASE HELP! Thanks I was sooo excited to go ripping around with wife and son and didnt get more than 40 ft out and had to come back

Re: Help First time boat owner!

If it has sat for a couple of years chances are the carbs need to be cleaned.

The way the gas is now days most of the fuel lines are most likely trashed.

Start with the basics do a compretion and spark test on all cly.
Being that its an older merc the wiring is shot if it hasn't been replaced.
The fuel lines may look ok pull them off and give a look on the inside.