Starts on land but not water

[CJRH]

Hi Folks… have a 120xr mercury sport jet drive engine northstar 1997. Boat will start on land but not on the water. Marina can’t figure out the issue and so have but it on hold until things slow down. Everything worked a month ago with no issues. Any suggestions?

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

Weird the only real difference between water and no water is the exhaust resistance in the water, it is a 2 stroke and they are different so be sure it is breathing in to the carbs and out the exhaust and be sure it has fuel pressure the fuel pumps work off the crank case push/pull on their diaphragm

 

[CJRH]

Awesome thanks for the advice!! Fingers crossed