Tubs, Good info. Looks like you would have had to block off the intake passage too once the piston moved down a little way.
And another caution for Tim, from his photo, looks like the cylinder is from an opposed twin, hence the off-set conn rod. This will present an issue if attempting to pull on the rod, as it not a straight pull like on Tubs cylinder. Even more likely to damage the rod.
Joe B
The assembly pictured is from a 1924 Johnson
Model B having off-set connecting rods.
Tubs.
A "Boathouse Repair" is one thats done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.