Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

[amanphoto]

My question is? Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water? The thought came to me today when I was stuck with a dead battery in my car. If a car has a standard (manual) transmission, and if you can get it rolling with a little speed, you can pop the clutch with the car in gear to start it. I know there are no clutches to engage on a boat. The thinking is,

1. Can you put it in "gear", Key on
2. Pull if forward with another boat (I'm not sure of what speed you would need to travel.
3. Is there enough force against the propeller to turn over the engine and start the boat?

 

[blairjbyrd]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

2= no
3= no

 

[rbh]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

but yes to#1.

 

[Lrider]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

Best post all week

 

[solar7647]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

As long as you pop the clutch..

 

[blairjbyrd]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

I guess you could get enough speed if you went down a waterfall

 

[River's Revenge]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

The question was is it possible. The answer is yes ....depends on the boat' I have jump started an engine by cruising through the water and Engaging the reduction gear to have the motor start.

It was coming down off turbines onto MDE's We called it trying to "Catch it on the Fly"

We are also talking about big propellers and a major amount of water cruising by.
But if you wanna get technical we didn't really jump start the boat. only the engine.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

I guess you could get enough speed if you went down a waterfall

Actually I think going up a waterfall would get the prop spinning faster

Going downstream works for OMC outboards, Mercs require more RPMs to do this successfully.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

Wouldn't the tow vehicle sink?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

I'm surprised to see this question again so soon.... and asked seriously this time lol..... sure it's possible.... I'd say that with most recreational boats it would take 350 to 400 mph.... of course you would need to be ready with the parking brake (anchor) to slow her down before exploding the engine since the prop will get ALOT more bite as soon as it starts turning

Man this is gawna hurt but I bet it'll set a new record on youtube

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

best post all week

omg

 

[180shabah]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

...just make sure you buddies all have fins on before they start pushing...

 

[GatorMike]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

Actually I think going up a waterfall would get the prop spinning faster

Going downstream works for OMC outboards, Mercs require more RPMs to do this successfully.

Nobody really knows the answer for an OMC because they always start on the first crank.

 

[gonefishie]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

Was this a brainstorm or brain fart?

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

My take would be you can only do it in cold water since it's denser and will provide more umph to turn the motor over!

Seriously - while it's technically feasable, it's not practically feasable - would require way more speed to generate the force required to turn over the motor.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

You guys are funny! Small motors are actually very easy to "jump" start using this method, with very little speed, around 10mph. We used to start a 15hp Suzuki easily by simply lowering it into the water, in gear, while under sail. It would fire up instantly. Of course you could always just pull start it too. The OP never said what size engine he was talking about.

 

[alaskanassassin]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

You guys are funny! Small motors are actually very easy to "jump" start using this method, with very little speed, around 10mph. We used to start a 15hp Suzuki easily by simply lowering it into the water, in gear, while under sail. It would fire up instantly. Of course you could always just pull start it too. The OP never said what size engine he was talking about.

I'm going to have to agree here. I did it on my 15 evinrude getting towed in at about 20mph. I was having fuel pump issues and startled my friend who was towing me when I unhooked and passed him! I can say with 100% confidence that it is possible with smaller outboards.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

kewl

ok now who wants to try it on a bigblock

 

[mjgates]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

Carry a jump box and it's not an issue.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Is it possible to jump start a boat by pulling it threw the water?

Carry a jump box and it's not an issue.

great if its the battery! Bad if it is the solenoid, starter, corroded connectors, etc...