Terry,

My suggestion is to pull the plugs ASAP and and crank it by hand
(rope starter) to get as much water out of it as you can, then go
ahead and use the electric starter a bit after that. When
comfortable you got most all of the water out of it, go ahead and
put the plugs back in (assuming they are dry) and run the motor
long enough to get it all warmed up. Assuming you mean fresh water
rather than salt water (such as an intracoastal waterway) you may
not need to bring it in for any further service, but hopefully one
of the mechanics on this board will correct me if I'm wrong on
this point.

-Jim



Terry wrote:
Can anyone give me some advice. My daughter took the boat out and hit
a stump, which ripped the motor off the boat and the motor landed in
the river. They retrieved it rather quickly, but I don't know if the
motor can be salvaged. Is there anything I can do to keep the damage
to a minimum before I can get it to the Yamaha dealer. Or is it a
total loss?

The engine is a 40 HP Yamaha two stroke.

Any advice would be appreciated.