Engine Turnover Issues and Dies while Idle

1985 Ski Nautique 2001.
351 Commander Engine
Raleigh NC

I bought this boat 12 months ago and while it had cosmetic imperfections it was solid mechanically.

The only problem was the neutral lock doesn't always register as being engaged. Thanks to the forum I found a replacement throttle to resolve that issue.

However, this summer when I her dropped her in for the first time I ran into a different issue. She would crank but wouldn't turn over. I engaged the throttle a few times to throw some fuel to the carburetor and after that she started right up.

But if I let her drop into idle (or slightly above idle, and in idle reverse) the engine would die on me. So if I had to float I would cut the engine to avoid the problem, but then every time I tried to crank it took more and more time, and I had to pump the throttle every time.

This eventually killed my battery.

I am using an underpowered battery and just upgraded to a group 27 hoping to solve that particular issue. But I still cannot figure out why she dies at idle and why I have to pump the throttle every time to start.

Has anyone ever dealt with this problem or have any suggestions?

I added about a half tank of fresh gas. Also used a stabalizer before layup and and additive after layup. The fuel pump is original to the engine. That sounds like the issue then as my PSI gauge was showing 2 PSI. I will test the proper way and look into the Carb as well..

I'll make sure I won't use a deep cycle.

If it dies at idle, that's a sign you might have a vacuum leak. While it's running, spray some carb cleaner down each side of the intake. If it revs up you have a leak.