Is It OK to Start a Boat Out of Water? Boat Maintenance Tips

Starting a boat without water is not recommended. Most engines use impellers to run water to the cooling system. Without water to cool and lubricate, the impeller will heat up fast and possibly damage.
Electric heaters can be used in the cabin or engine compartment. Just get the right one for the job, as cabin and bilge heaters have different uses.
Boat and Trailer Best Practices

Can you start a boat engine out of water?
- Starting an outboard boat engine out of the water can be done by using a tool called a Moeller Flushrite Boat Motor Flusher. This tool looks like ear muffs and can attach to the inlet vents on the motor to provide water for cooling.
What should I do if my motor is out of water?
- Running the engine without a water source will cause damage. Attach a hose to the motor’s water intakes or use motor flusher muffs. Turn on the water before starting the engine and run it for 5 to 10 minutes.
How long can you run a boat engine out of water?
- Never run your boat’s engine out of the water, except briefly after saltwater use to flush the engine. Attach a hose to the motor’s water intakes, run it for 5 to 10 minutes, and watch the temperature gauge.
Flushing Procedures
- Flushing a boat motor by running it out of water is routine maintenance. Connect muffs to a garden hose to provide water for cooling. Monitor the temperature gauge and turn off at 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- One maintenance step is flushing water out. Attach a hose to ensure the engine always has a water source. Attach motor flusher muffs and a hose to start an inboard engine out of water.

Never fill a boat’s gas tank beyond 90% full to avoid overflow and leave room for expansion.
Learn about fuel usage for your boat to carry enough for your journeys. Running out of fuel is a common reason boats require towing.

The trailer should be submerged about two-thirds with one-third out of the water to properly load the boat.
After use in saltwater, rinse all trailer components thoroughly to prevent corrosion – brakes, lights, fenders. Invest in a quality trailer when purchasing a boat.
Keeping your boat out of the water prevents issues like corrosion and marine growth. Dry storage protects the boat from elements like UV rays.
In general, use “on” when referring to the boat on the water, and “in” when underwater. Electric heaters can heat the cabin or engine compartment. Get the right one for the job, as heaters have different uses.