Oh man, this thread has been great..I can't believe so many of you are so lost about the whole flywheel issue.
Bottom line, unless your boat has a clutch, your flywheel is only hurting you.
(possible ring gear issues notwithstanding)
In a car, the rotational energy stored in the large mass of flywheel is used to help the engine get the car into motion while the clutch is engaging. Once the clutch is locked up, the flywheel is only hurting your car too. :idea:
:argue: