97 mercury 200 staring issue

[thawk21]

I have some issues starting the boat the last few times out. I push the key in for the choke and it doesn't want to start. Eventually I will press on the hot foot and then it stops completely from starting. But if I keep trying over and over it will eventually start. Takes around 5 minutes of messing with it to get it going.

Sorry if this wasn't described well, this is my first boat and first 2 stroke. Thanks for the help.

[JOE54]

as in spinning or as in fireing up ,turn key on push choke in hold for 5 sec spin mtr, for carb engines, EFI has no choke just spin it, pump bulb first