"Ralph Modica" wrote in message
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To All :

Thanks for your quick responses.

I had another thought that you might want to consider.

It's a boat, it leaks. Normally this water collects in the bilge until it
gets high enough to activate the bilge pump and then the water level lowers
some amount.

Many boats have their bilge pump on a three position switch: On, Auto, and
OFF. If left in the off position the water level can accumulate in the
bilge. The amount that accumulates might not be a problem while operating
on a fairly level keel.

Then you reach the launch ramp. The steep incline while pulling out makes
all the water run to the back. The three of four inches that had been
distributed along most of the length is now concentrated in the engine
compartment. It is possible for the water level to get high enough to cover
the dipstick tube and thus water can enter the engine.

You get to the top of the ramp, the boat levels out and the water spreads
itself out again so you never get to see the water level in the engine
compartment at its highest level.

Just a thought.....

Rod