I know it's best to run your boat in the river/lake, but I like to make sure mine is running well before I hit the river, what is the proper why to run my boat without hurting anything?, turn water on before start or after?, WHAT!!??

Start boat first then turn on water. Not high pressure though just enough to get water coming out of you dump. Make sure water is turned off before motor is stopped also. Don't want to hydrolock  the boat. If the pump is new don't waste your time dry starting it. Make sure you have it in the water. From what I have been told, it is not good to dry runa  pump especially if it is new.

and if you do , just disconnect the drive shaft

it is a pain to disconnect the driveline, but it is much easier than removing and rebuilding the entire pump if something happens while running it dry, pain now or major headache later

Bayon,
The pump doesnt get nearly as much water from the hose as it does from the lake/river. There are many opinions here whether or not to run on the hose. I have done it for years without ever a problem. Some people run Jet a Ways but those people are the big ballers here I wouldt worry about it too much if I were you but what the hell do I know. I sold my bitchen jet boat for a MasterCraft

The main thing you have to worry about is debris between the impeller and the wear ring. When you tow your boat you get dirt and debris from the pump's intake under the boat from the road , you want to make sure you get it out before starting the pump.

Right on, really is all I want to do is blow tha anti-freeze out and make sure it run's right so I domt tie up the ramp at the launch, I only run it ti'll it get's to temp which does'nt take long.I like that "don,t worry so much" because I'm a big time worrie wort! I read these post and a often times belive I have these problem's you all have!, is that wierd?

No!! don't think I am going to run my boot all day long!,just run it so I am comfortable when I hit the river