Help, 30hp evinrude tiller

[Alexander8181]

So I was out in tampa bay with my jon boat and 97' 30hp evinrude tiller, got bogged down in some grass flats, kept running on idle until I got out. It ran fine for a good 30-45 mins after and then it started smoking sputtering and finally shutdown.
Thankfully was near the ramp and paddled in.
Now it won't even try to turn over(push start), no starter engagement, nothing.
Any idea where to start?
Thanks, Alex

 

[flattop1]

Start at the battery then fuse then engine .
May have overheated enough to seize.
Pull the plugs check if it spins freely.

 

[racerone]

Compression test is next.----Agreed---May have overheated and this may be expensive.

 

[Edchris177]

I experienced your situation, with a smaller motor, got into some weedy shallows. The leg had a bunch of weeds wrapped around it, preventing uptake of cooling water. I noticed steam coming out of the exhaust ports.
The engine quite a few seconds later.
Removing the weeds, & waiting about 19 minutes allowed it to cool down. Restart showed good water flow. Compression test showed only about 5psi difference, & motor ran as before. I got lucky, hopefully you will too.
Put a socket on the flywheel nut, & sre if it will turn, or is locked up. If it turns, as stated, compression test is your first job.