There is no way that the water could alter the timing. You have said that it acts like it has a dead battery when you have it in the water. I think this would rule out any ignition or fuel related problems. Does it do this all the time while in the water, or just the first time after you launch? If you do get it started, does it run OK? If you shut down, and then try to restart right away do you still have a problem? I am thinking that you might be getting a hydrolock situation. With the boat on the trailer there isn't any water around so it is fine. You put the boat in the water and now the water level is keeping lake water in the engine. If there is a leak, like a head gasket or manifold, then water can leak into a cylinder which would make it very difficult to crank over. Rod
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