Yamaha 40 hp 3-cylinder 2-stroke choke question

[fredlburnside53]

I have a Yamaha 40 hp 3-cylinder 2-stroke outboard and have a question. Under the cowling there is a red choke lever with "Normal", "Open" and "Closed" indicators. What do these settings mean? The reason I ask is that I have used the "Open" setting to start (choke) the engine.But, I now notice that I am not getting the power from the engine that I have had in the past...can't get my boat up on plane. I am wondering if I am leaving this red lever on the wrong setting while trying to run the engine. Thanks.

[99yam40]

lever should be kept in the normal position

If you need to put in open position to start then you need to pull and clean carbs