Guys really appriciate your help on this.
I managed to get the boat idling fine with muffs on (not the same as in the water in gear, I know) but ended up not having time to put the boat in the water before I had to leave.
It is now stored with my extended family. Is there any basic winterizing I can ask them to do. Or should I have a mechanic do it. Also should I have the mechanic go ahead and drain the fuel and do a compression test or are these both things I can wait and do in the spring?
thanks again.