platon20

I've heard conflicting info on this. Some people suggest starting the engine to make sure it runs OK before you go to the lake.

Others state that running your engine when it's not in the water will damage the engine/impeller.

Who is right?

williamwallus

use muffs its what they are for

KimmerIII

Seems like a troll question.

Bullboxer

OP, You don’t need to own a boat if you don’t know the answer to this. No wonder we got idiots on the water.

whosmatt

Start it and leave it running until you get to the lake. That way it will be warmed up. Proof:

flyhigh123

I’ve also heard if you start the outboard engine and put it in gear will towing, the extra thrust improves your car gas mileage? Myth?

Nuckle

You guys are savages lol.

Brad1

That's true. But the extra thrust is harder on your truck's brakes. And if you accidentally put the boat in reverse you'll just sit there spinning the rear wheels of the truck.

OP, if you run your motor out of water you damage the impeller. I think all it takes is a half minute (maybe less) running dry to damage it. If you want to run the motor in your driveway, you gotta use muffs.

brisboats

The guy that threw the yamaha into the water running also left it running on the trailer and used it as a weed and brush trimmer. Pretty painful video to watch but a testament to the durability of a yamaha.
B

Totally Tuna

Some of my best friends do this before we leave the house. I don't get it. First time I crank the motor on my boat is when it's fully submerged at the ramp and usually already drifting off the trailer. 15 year old boat and motor and it's always started, why would I expect anything different? You really shouldn't be boating with a boat you don't have confidence in.

Design59

I run lots of different boats (work in the biz) so popping it off before I leave to make sure batteries are up and its all good before I roll out is a habit. As long as you kill it as soon as it fires you are not hurting anything.

*** And yes, this is a tough room!

79robalo236

I have a 1986 225hp Evinrude and I always start it in the yard on muffs before trailering it to the landing. First, if there is a problem (and there can be), I'll know before going to all the trouble to take it to the landing and back. Second, when I have previously cranked it in the yard, it starts right up at the landing. I like to impress bystanders when the old engine does that! I'm sure their first thought is whether the old motor will start.

RussH

I would start my boat EVERYTIME before I got the ramp. Just started it and turned it right back off. Drives everyone at the ramp nuts when people back their boat down and the battery is dead or it won't start. It's almost as bad as waiting until you back down the ramp to put everything in your boat instead of doing it ahead of time. If you start it and turn it off within a few seconds you aren't going to damage anything in the motor.

CaptainSteveo

As I was the owner of an old Force outboard before, yes I try starting the boat every single time before I leave. Just use muffs or only run a couple seconds.

Nothing is worse then getting on the ramp and having your boat not start. Everyone else is waiting and after a bit will start looking for pitch forks and knives...