It's nice to share some good news instead of reading everyones problems everyday. Took my 2004 500 HO sportsman out for the first time this year. Worked Great. Went through a large Beaver dam and expected to have water in my starter since it was up over the lights. Pulled out the pull cord and dry as a bone. I was in so deep that I did get water in the belt housing which slowed my progress. Not to worry just un screwed the drain to let water out and away I went. I am going to look for a snorkel kit next.
I have read several posts on water infultration and have followed all the guidlines you fellow wheeler gave me. Siliconed around the bell housing of the pull cord, Siliconed the handle on the pull start and siliconed the seal on the starter when I replaced it.
Again I want to thank this forum and the people that make it work.
Have a great day wheelin.

 

Have fun just keep water out of your air-intake until the snorkel up-grade.....Caper...........

 

if your pull cord is seated nice and tight you shouldn't have any water isues, and if your gasket on the clutch cover is good it shouldn't let water in unless you go over the air intakes up by the gas tanks.

 

Sounds like it was a blast.

But maybe you should consider a trolling motor instead of a winch.