How to start a boat without the key

[Tom]

Is it possible to start a boat engine without the key? The boat is a
1998 Sea Rayder with a Mercury 175hp jet drive.

I sold the boat two years ago. The person that purchased the boat from
me didn't register it and the boat is now in an impound yard. It is
mine if I pay the fees to get it out. The most important item I want to
check is the engine but I don't have a key and I won't know if there is
one on the boat until I pay my $40 to look at the boat in person.

The key/throttle is the standard type you would see on any of the Sea
Ray boats. If it helps, as I recall the top of the shifter is a 1" dia
ball and to shift into forward or reverse you lift a funnel shaped
washer located under the ball.

Also, if there isn't any water available for running the engine, will
only the water pump impeller be destroyed if I run the engine for a few
seconds?

 

[Tom]

Sounds like you want to sneak onto the yard after dark to escape paying the

$40.

To enter the yard and look at the boat I must pay $40. I have learned
that since I have a bill of sale for the boat, no matter what the
Department of Motor Vehicles says, I don't own the boat and can't unless
the current owner gives me a signed letter releasing interest in the
boat to me.

I'm going to walk away from the boat and let it be auctioned away unless
I can somehow get a clear title for the boat.

 

[Larry]

Also, if there isn't any water available for running the engine, will
only the water pump impeller be destroyed if I run the engine for a few
seconds?

According to Mercury, yes, you would damage it. I have a Utopia 185 jet
boat with a Mercury 200 hp jet drive. The Merc manual says absolutely do
not run it without water. Note, there is a connection for a garden hose,
at least in mine.