I have a 21 foot inboard/outboard motorboat. Can I try to start out of water in neutral?

Question

I think the battery is dead and i am trying to check it

Answer 1

Yes, in fact most mechanics do this everyday.  However, If it,s a battery issue, it would be simpler to take the battery to a service station and let them check it.  You wouldn't learn much about it by running the engine for only a few minutes, and you shouldn't rev. the engine much above a high idle.

Answer 2

It won't hurt to start it and run for a few seconds (5-10) just to check it. You can run it if you hook it up to a water source.

Answer 3

sure just hook up the water ears to the water intake on the outdrive

Answer 4

Yes but:

You will have to put earmuffs on the outdrive connected to a gardenhose. The (raw) waterpump impellor has to be cooled by the water or it will be toast.

Frank