Has anybody had a mechanic start your boat engine out of the water? I’ve always heard that was bad

Bad, quickly. Takes no time to try an impeller.

I won’t do it for more than a second

Don't do it at all.

You can do it for a max of about 15 seconds if you have a new impeller and it's properly lubed, but I wouldn't advise it

no, no, no, do not run out of water.

at least not without muffs on it or in a tank.

nope,,, bad idea

No big deal...

New engines are cheap....

Thanks, that’s what I thought. Especially after sitting in the hot sun for a while. I guess I won’t be taking it to that guy to get a new impeller.

Not going to tell you to do it, but ive been dry starting my 93' 200 JohnRude for years at pre ramp stage, just to make sure its gonna start.I never want WAWI standing at the top of the ramp shaking his fist at me if it dont start.
If its a Merc, i would not advise it at all.

I used to crank them dry but I quit years ago. I have buddy that starts his dry all the time and he water pump impellers seem to last as long as mine.

I like to let me motor warm up for 5 minutes or so before putting it in the water.
-the guy with a burned up boat motor

I suppose you could get away with it but dry rubber on stainless steel is not a good combination. That impeller is packed into the cup very tightly and even a second could do damage.