Motor trouble

[oilfield_tracker]

  Just purchased my 96 bass tracker with a 40 hp Mercury tracker motor on it.  Starts right up everytime I hit the river and runs great UNTIL I shut it off and float for a while then it just wont start.  Batteries are always charged up.  I did let it idle for a while, is that the problem? 

[Mike Cork]

When you go to restart it does the motor turn over? Or are your batteries dead?

[RushFan]

May want to get the battery bench tested for cranking amps.  I have a 2009 TXW175 with a 50HP Mercury.  After one year on the orginal battery I had the same problem.  Mine would start fine but during the day I would attempt to start it would crank all day but very difficult to start.  I changed out and went with the next size up, in terms of cold cranking amps.  Problem went away.  Oh yeah, check water level in battery!
Since you're dealing with a 96, check your fuel lines for deteriotion and if the prime bulb is ok.  Give it a squeeze or 2 before cranking (should be firm).  If your start problem goes away, then take a good look at fuel line(s).
Let us know what you find.

[Oldfart9999]

Also check if the motor is charging the battery, a simple volt meter hooked in will tell you. If the battery dips to say 11.5 volts but comes back up while the motor is running then it's fine. Most likely the battery tho, if so replace with the biggest you can fit in.
Rodney