We forgot to put the plug in the boat! Now what?

Question

We have a 1990 16ft I/O SeaRay and when we took the boat out today we forgot to put the plug in!! We went out on the river with 5 people on the boat, it wouldnt get up on plane...thought it was cuz of so much weight on the boat. Then we turned around and saw water, the motor got about 1/2 covered in water and the battery was up to the top, but not covered in water. Pulled the boat out, ran the bilge & watched all the water drain. Got the boat home and it wont kick over, so we're going to change the oil & spark plugs. What else do we need to do? How broke am I going to be from fixing this? And why didn't we put the plug in?? LOL (I'm the wife and just starting to panic!)

Answer 1

I don't thank you hurt it as bad as you think you did, Must likely it's going to be something electric, could be as simple as a fuse needs to be replaced . Take a good look at all the wire's that could have gotten wet . If i understood you right ,you said that it would not kick over , if so that mean it is'nt turning over in my mind, that's way i can say it 's not the motor and that it's a electric problem. If need be get the old test light out and start checking wire's for power.  

Answer 2

Your boat ran fine back the ramp even with the water in it. The problem  now is that it will not crank.  My first thought is the starter is wet or the solenoid that engages the starter.  You may get it to work after it drys out, but if you do not want any trouble replace the starter. You may get away cheaper than you thought.

Good Luck and Boat Safe ! !  

Answer 3

All electrical connections need to be replaced> Starter> Cables> trim pump if under water> Alt> If wet>

Check harness plug end for water>Everything electrical that went under water>If outdrive with universals the out drive needs to be pulled to get the water out of the boot>Or it will tear up in short time>

Answer 4

You most likely have a wet ignition system.  Pull off the distributor cap and leave the engine exposed to let it dry out.  Change the oil if the dipstick has moisture on it or is milky colored.  Leave it in the sun and hopefully it'll dry out and start.

If you have a heat gun or extra hair drier blow out the distributor, and electronic boxes.. etc.

Answer 5

The motor could have gone into Hydrolock. Look up your engine online and find out how to clear it. If it is a Merc the exhaust sucks water into the engine and the Hydrolock keeps it from causing more damage. Flush the oil immediately and save the motor first. Good luck.

Answer 6

Without seeing it I would focus on the electrical side of it, battery ,cables and connectors, starter etc. I have a feeling the engine side will be fine, you are lucky it wasn't salt water!

Answer 7

Spray down all the elec connections  and inside the dist with wd-40. Leave every thing alone for a day and try again. Leaves the bilge nice and clean -doesn't it.

Answer 8

Open up the engine compartment and allow it to completely dry out.  DO NOT spray it with WD-40.  this can and will gum up electrical solonoids, and contact points.  The trouble is electrical...   Start with a good battery... You said you ran the bilge to pump te water out.. this may have drained the battery.  Clean all cables and terminal points, replace the ignition solenoid, if that's not it, replace the starter.  

A trick I use is to attach the plug to my boat keys when I am done for the day, so I have it in my hand the next time I use the boat.  This reminds me to install it.