Trouble Starting/Almost dies going into gear

[E10Critchy]

Have a 350 with an Alpha One. Boat has trouble starting. It will start eventually. I have to open the thottle all the way, it still has a hard time starting but will eventually. Also when I am in neutral, and put it into gear, the RPM's drop way down and sometimes it dies. I replaced the spark plugs. I also checked the spark plug wires which are in good shape. I pulled of the distributor cap and checked it and the rotor which look good as well. And over the winter I had the battery checked which was in good shape. So what could be the problem? Thanks for any help.

[502 JET]

Sounds like its time for a carb rebuild or problems with the choke or choke pull off.

[E10Critchy]

Cool thanks. Anybody have any other ideas or does this sound like the problem.

[67weimann]

Ditto on the carb. If you don't feel comfortable pulling the carb apart (there are a few small pieces), take it to a shop and they can rebuild it for you pretty reasonably priced... Probably gummed up the carb sitting over the winter.

[brad22]

Maybe neutral safety switch issue???
Good Luck