I have a 1991 Procraft with a 135 Mariner on it.  Everytime I'm on the water the first startup of the morning is a pain.  Usually takes 15-25 cranks I would guess.  However, the rest of the day 90% of the time it's one turn of the key and she's purring.

Should I be concerned? Or is there anything I can/should do to help those cold morning starts?

Is it carburated? Do you ever add seafoam or other additives to the gas? Does this only happen when it's cold outside?

Are you trimming it all the way down before cranking on it? I had a 1991 200 that was a pain on the first start if it wasnt trimmed down a little lower than level (it was a carburated motor)

Carbed Merc should be started level. Make sure the fuel bulb is primed. Hold the key(prime) in for 5 seconds. Give the throttle a little bit of gas in neutral while turning the ignition key, starting the motor.

I do this every time with my Merc 150 and she fires on the first or second attempt.

Carbed Merc should be started level. Make sure the fuel bulb is primed. Hold the key(prime) in for 5 seconds. Give the throttle a little bit of gas in neutral while turning the ignition key, starting the motor.

I do this every time with my Merc 150 and she fires on the first or second attempt.

X2

Thanks for the tips.  I didn't know that it should be level.  I'll try that out next time.