Yes, pull some of the fuel out into a glass jar and let it sit for a few minutes - if you see any water in it (it will collect at the bottom) you know you've got troubles. Next pull the fuel filter (they usually un-screw) then dump the contents of the filter into an empty glass container again allow it to settle then check it out for debris, water, or other contaminants. This will allow you to see exactly what your current situation is as far as fuel goes. Lastly it's a very good idea to siphon out all of the old fuel from that tank and simply replace it with fresh gas... I was told almost forty years ago that modern gasoline isn't very stable and actually begins to break down chemically in about 30 days... That's just one of the reasons why running an outboard regularly is a good idea... Something like Stabil or other fuel additive is made specifically for fuel tanks that are going to be sitting with fuel for a few months between uses...
Back to that fuel filter again... If you see any small bits of rubber (actually the inside of your fuel line...) then you've got other troubles. Older fuel lines (particularly cheap fuel lines) can be destroyed by gasoline that has any alcohol in it... If you find the slightest sign that that's been going on remove every bit of fuel line and replace it with USCG alcohol rated line. The good fuel lines aren't hard to find - most decent marine hardware stores stock them - and every line with have the rating printed right on it every two feet "USCG RATED, TYPE......" etc. Always avoid fuel lines from big box stores that are completely un-marked since you won't know what you're getting...
Good luck, "aren't boats fun?"
