My 330 is on a lift and I always allow the water level to get over the water pump level before starting the engines. My theory is that then the pumps don't have to suck water from the pick ups which are quite a bit lower than the pump impeller. The impellers don't work efficiently with air and, in addition, covered in water they will be lubricated with water upon start as opposed to the water level being at or below the anti-ventilation plate which, on my LU is below the impeller level. I agree that muffs should force water up into the impeller, but just submerging the LU enough to cover the pick up is, in my opinion, asking for the pump to prime itself with air and could cause excess wear on the dry pump. My F250s even have the low water pick ups which are maybe as much as a foot below the impeller. I would never consider starting my engines with only the low water pickups submerged. Once primed, it may make little difference, but only a slight suction head might reduce the efficiency of the pump. When on a plane, I feel the pick ups are designed to provide some degree ram pressure to reduce the suction side requirement. Well sealed muffs, on the other hand, might help pressurize the system and give a false sense on efficiency. Just my thoughts. Best of Luck!