Boat wont start

Question
I have a '72 SeaRay Runabout i/o v8 mercury 888 engine.  Ran fine the first two times it was started and then last time we took it to the lake it started fine and when it was put in neutral it died and hasn't started since.  Replaced battery, spark plugs, coil, starter, fuel filter.  Checked plug gaps, plug wires, distributor cap, cleaned carb.  It sounds like it wants to turn over but won't start.  Any help you can give would be great, first time boater that is very frustrated.

Answer
Hi Aric...Thank you for selecting the undersigned to reply to your question, and bear in mind, I'm not a mechanic.

Sounds like you did a pretty thorough job trouble-shooting the symptom but, all that time and effort didn't solve the problem.

I recommend you consult a qualified and reliable marine mechanic, however, before doing so, make sure the fuel is not contaminated or lacking octane (stale fuel from winter storage); the fuel pump is operating properly; and that the fuel line is free of obstructions and securely fastened. When you cleaned the carb, I presume you checked the condition of the diaphram, and the jets were clean and properly adjusted. Also, did you do a compression test? Sometimes a problem emanates from single or multiple sources, which can be tricky to determine, so don't hesitate to rely on professional assistance. It may be money well spent.

Safe Boating
Ron