1993 90 HP Yamaha can water backup through exhaust port?

[whitesnstripes]

I tried launching the seacat today and starboard engine wouldnt turn over. brought it home and pulled the head remembering the last time I ran it may have overheated and buzzer went off. I didnt see anything on the gasket which might make things obvious it was the gasket. But I do remember the ramp was VERY steep and water was just over the seal of the cowling while I was launching the boat. I tried starting the motors before I pushed off the trailer.

Could the water have backed up through the cooling water circulation sprayer and into the cylinder by way of exhaust? Could have been a very expensive lesson to never try and start the motor at such an incline with the water so high on the engine? duh?

Scottie (Marble Falls, Texas)