RE: bench starting a engine. NO NEVER
I have never used the Bench and Plane prop method myself, but have talked to others that have used it. If you get a prop that Simulates the Same Load as your boat would, it works very well. You can actually get a prety close tune on the engine Before hitting The Pond
Any time you start an engine with No Load on it, Make Sure ALL the air bubbles are out of the fuel line, so it doesn't Lean Out and instantly Scream.