Can a jet ski start and run if water has entered the engine?

[Ronda C]

We had a 2002 honda aquatrax turbo flip in the ocean and immediately be righted - within seconds. Very little water entered the hull, but i chose to tow it rather than attempt to start it. My intention was to remove the plugs, turn the engine over, and check for water - but my son was so used to blowing out the water after riding that he cranked it ** accicent along with our other jet ski. It started up fine! I assumed it wouldn't start if water had entered the engine, so I thought it was fine. I hooked it to a hose and ran it to flush the salt water after the ride and it ran just fine on the hose. When we got home from the beach today, I wiped the engine down and sprayed them both with fogging oil and went to crank them. The one that flipped will not turn over. Is it possible that a little water was in there and I ruined the engine? Of course it is Saturday night and I can't get to a mechanic to ask until Monday. I am worried sick.

[pacoperez1958]

Salt water can make the piston rings rust. That will make the pistons sieze.
It is not what is in the hull, but what got into the cyclinder that counts.

[Charlos T]

its fine it shouldnt hurt it

[slayer .]

water wont ruin the engine. while water will eventually rust your engine(which it wont do if you've had it running and purged the water) it wont do it overnight. the most likely problem in that your spark plugs are wet. remove them and give them a wipe down, then try it.