Gron2848 <1997 Regal Rush XL2 engine issue>

[Gron2848]

I am new to jet boating. I purchased a 1997 Regal Rush XL2 this Spring. I ran it a few times without problems. Now, I cannot start it if it is in the water. It will start on the lift but as soon as I drop it in the water to take off it kills the engine. Any Ideas?

 

[Gym]

Welcome to the forum @Gron2848. I'm not familiar with your boat but in general you would want to check things like safety lanyard and neutral switches. I would hold the key in the start position while slowly moving the shifter slightly forward and rearward of neutral. Hopefully it may just be a neutral switch out of adjustment. It may also be the safety lanyard clip being warn. Try holding the safety lanyard clip up higher while trying to start. I've had to put a couple wraps of electrical tape on a friends lanyard clip for the same reason. Let us know how you make out.

 

[mdchachi]

I'm not familiar with that boat but my SeaDoo has a Mercury engine and there may be some similarities.
There's a heavier load in the water vs. the trailer. It could be something as simple as the battery if it starts on the trailer but not in the water.
Is it not starting in the water? Or is it also idling but then stalling out as soon as you lower it into the water?
That could also be a symptom of low compression in the cylinders. Worth doing a compression test (which they say you should do before purchasing a used boat).

 

[Julian]

I modified your thread title to include the problem.