WTF, tried to fire the boat (BBC) to set the timing with a new magneto and the starter was working real hard. Thought the batteries were dying so recharged them, and still hard start. Starting pulling plugs and yanked all of the driver's side first - all clean. Pulled the first passenger cylinder plug and water spit out. Yanked all the rest and all had water. Turned it over to blow it out and it was like a fountain Driver's side all clear.
The boat sat for two years and ran fine before being put away. Other than a head gasket going bad, what else?