running mercury 125 elpto outboard without lower unit prop assembly

[mtn0583]

I received a 1998 sea ray boat from a relitive. It has a mercury 125 outboard. Down side it has a damaged lower unit. It was left over winter and the lower gear case split on both sides now the prop assembly can be pulled out. Can I start and run with prop assembly not attached if lower unit is submerged in a tank of water. Or will it not suck up water to cool the motor without the prop and

 

[Faztbullet]

Yes you can start it like that and you can get a new unit from SEI for about $900 with 3 year warranty..