Welcome,
I had a 1985 16' Bass Tracker with a 4 cly 50hp Merc and loved it.
It was a cranky old gal and I learn that If I fired her up once before putting in that it would fire right up. Now of course they say that this is bad for the impeller but I never had a problem but it was also an electric start.
Also I'm not sure why but with my 89 200hp merc It starts better when I store it with the motor level but it could just be in my mind...
haha.