I just got the boat and i am into the breaking in stage but whenever I put it in the water it works for afew seconds and then the engine dies.

When I worked boats years ago. We had a brand new boat gettin water in it. Finally found that the bell housing had a porrous casting in it allowing water to seap in from the exhaust port.

Hi David:
Starboard? Sounds more like a boat than a car or truck.
What kind of engines are we playing with.
Fuel supply will probably be the problem so make sure all filters are clean and that there is no water present (in the fuel - outside under the boat is OK)
If this is a diesel engine, the fuel will be shut off with a solenoid. If something is shorting the ignition switch off position, the engine will think it is supposed to shut down, consequently, engine will die, then rev, then die, etc.
Reply as a comment to this post to discuss further.
Cheers

Water gets in your engine through the exhaust with the boat speed! Lift that engine when not in use!

change the esc its been wet and caused a electrical short. its almost cheaper to buy another zig zag or a totally different boat rather then repair that one.

There are two types of warning horns to alert the operator of an

active problem within the engine's operating system.

1. Continuous six second beep: Indicates a critical engine

condition. Depending on the condition, the Engine Guardian

System may engage and protect the engine by limiting its

power. You should return to port immediately and contact

your servicing dealer.

2. Intermittent short beeps for six seconds: Indicates a

noncritical engine condition. This condition does not require

immediate attention. You may continue using your boat,

however, depending on the nature of the problem, the

engine's power may be limited by the Engine Guardian

System (see Engine Guardian System following) to protect

the engine. You should contact your servicing dealer at your

earliest convenience.

FEATURES AND CONTROLS

eng 63

It is important to note that in either of the above scenarios, the

horn will only sound one time. If you key the engine off and

restart it, the horn will sound again, one time, if the fault is still

present. For visual display of the specific engine functions and

additional engine data, refer to SmartCraft Product information,

following.

The operator is able to correct a couple engine problems

indicated by the warning horn. These conditions are as follows:

• Cooling system (water pressure or engine temperature)

problem. The warning horn will sound Intermittent short

beeps for six seconds. Stop the engine and check the water

intake holes in the gearcase for obstruction.

• Low oil pressure problem. The warning horn will sound a

continuous six second beep. Stop the engine and check for

low engine oil level. Refer to Fuel and Oil - Checking and
Adding Engine Oil.

ENGINE GUARDIAN SYSTEM

The Engine Guardian System monitors the critical sensors on

the engine for any early indications of problems. Engine

Guardian is functional whenever your engine is operating, so you never have to be concerned about whether or not you are

protected. The system will respond to a problem by sounding the warning horn for six seconds and/or reducing engine power in order to provide engine protection.

If the Guardian System has been activated, reduce throttle

speed. The problem will need to be identified and corrected, if

possible. The system must be reset before the engine will

operate at higher speeds. Moving the throttle lever back to the

idle position will reset the system.

the rubber components of the fuel system from the tank, primer bulb hoses , fuel pump all deteriorate internally and the small rubber failings get to the carby and block all of the run circuits
experience says take it to a mercury service center and have the carby/s professionally overhauled as doing ti at home generally misses the important bits
never use e-mix fuels as the ethanol attracts water and the combination rots metal bits and hoses

only assume your female friend can drive. stage your boat at ramp you get in boat, she backs down into water, you drive boat off trailer. if she has trouble driving with trailer then you dock up boat and go park. OR you could let her handle the boat. just repeat process to load.

check gap on plugs and check mixture of gas and oil.

Have you had the vehicle checked for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes ?.

With the newer yamaha jet boats your route of easiest resistance is gonna be to take the boat to a Yam dealer so they can put a diagnostic machine on it. Alot of sensor problems can be solved much easier and cheaper after running the diagnostic and pinpointing exactly what the issue is. The lights on the dash are for high temp and low oil. If you checked the water temp and it seemed ok, check your oil levels.