To scrap or keep an engine, to scrap or keep a boat?!

[clyst]

It might have worked if he'd closed the water inlet first, but I rather doubt the starter would have enjoyed it. It's one thing to do it in a car to get you off a level crossing, but starters tend to get a bit hot if run for more than a few seconds.

It must have been near top of the tide ,he couldn't have left the mooring otherwise ,but he motored a good couple of 100 yards before the demise of the engine. I guess as you say if the engine didn't lock up the starter would have burnout and possibly started a fire.