Starting these engines is nothing more than the correct technique Malby.
Once you get it right it will start very quickly every time.
I used to get customers ring to say 'we are having trouble starting the engine'. They would bring it back down and be amazed at how quickly it could be started - with the correct technique. That used to happen often.
Wouldn't hurt also to learn how to pull start it. It's pretty easy and I don't say that in relation to just your engine. Everyone should know how to pull start their engine in case of battery failure.
It's simple and provides real comfort knowing if your battery is dead you can still start your engine. A mate of mine (marine repairer for 45 yrs) at the age of 75 could still pull start a Merc V6.
Cheers