The first bit of enthusiasm on my part came when the boat was launched and the engines fired. I just turned the key. There was no need to hit the neutral lock-out, pump the throttle, set the choke, pump some more, turn the key again, feather the throttle, stand by and adjust the throttle as the revs climbed or, worse still, repeat the procedure two or three times. Simply turn the key. That's the beauty of Electronic Fuel Injection with MerCruiser's Electronic Control Module.
Instant starts in virtually any conceivable condition.
And there was no stalling or need to re-start. Once the water temperature guage moved, it was away from the dock and off to the business of testing without so much as a hiccup from the engines. With a half tank of fuel and two up, the just over 10,000-pound 382 was eager to show its mettle. Coming on to plane was smooth and easy with very little to no noticeable bow lift. All very respectable numbers.