What is this wire and what does it do can I run boat

[Brooksjac]

I was wondering what this wire is and can I run the boat everything runs propeller moves motor turns

 

[papyson]

you can run the boat....its a ground between the stationary part of the engine and the lower unit that pivots....it usually is connected to one of the bolts that mount the engine or something in that area....you should be able to find the lug for it under the other connecting point...i dont know its purpose unless its to give the anodes a good ground and not rely on the bearing or sleeve in the pivot..it may also give static a ground...maybe someone can chip in and answer that...