You have to have an air leak in the intake somewhere thats sucking water in when you hit a puddle. That's the only lagical thing that would cause your wheeler to die. That would also explain why you have to kick it so many times before it starts. Any combustion engine needs 3 things for the engine to run, fuel, spark, and air. And since your spark plug boot is dry, then it's a leak. I would just make sure everything is sealed up real good.