New member new boat issues with running

[Jim~]

I bought a jet boat. I do not know much about them and have never driven one. Anyways my problem at the moment is running. I can get it started but can't seem to keep it running enough to even get away from the dock. It just starts runs 2-8 seconds and dies especially if I try to take off. I suspect more small problems but From what I have read the accelerator pump maybe dirty or bad. This is a 350 Chevy with an Edelbrock carburetor I'm going to put one in today does this sound like I'm going in the rite direction ? Any other ideas ? It seems to have good spark. The squirt that comes out when I pump the throttle seems inconsistent but I have not enough experience to say wether it is a good squirt or not.

 

[Ed255fsh]

Fresh gas? Ethanol treatment?
Fuel filter ?

 

[Neutron]

There isn't much experience on this board with those boats but its a hotrod engine so its not rocket science. Sounds like a fuel problem to me but definitely check compression anyway. Timing could be way off but unlikely. A replacement carb or a rebuild on your carb would be a good start

 

[Seattle_Phaeton]

Sorry to hear your having trouble. Been along time since I had a carbureted jet boat..... Accelerator pump is a possibility but Ed255fsh suggestions may be better possibilities.

With what your describing it may not be an accelerator pump.

Does it idle until you give it more throttle?
Does the carb have a choke? What type is it? Did you set it before starting the boat?
Is it working properly?

Does it start or run any different on the trailer on a hose than in the water?

If the fuel system/carburetor is working correctly with good gas your boat should start and idle after engaging the choke properly. If it wont stay idling I would start looking at fuel issues as Ed255fsh suggested especially if the prior owner used fuel with ethanol.

I hope this helps.