Amp draw question

[Timm R Oday25]

I'm closing in on finally launching our boat for the summer.
We've finally acquired the outboard I've longed for.
An electric start 8 horse ,power trim tilt Yamaha four stroke .
I'm seeing a 40 amp draw when I hit the start button .
Does that sound correct ?
I'm also wondering if using a quick disconnect at the motor will induce an even higher current draw.
Part of me wants to leave the motor bolted onto the back of the boat and hard wire it .
The weight of nearly a hundred pounds really kills my willingness to heft up shoulder level to mount it every spring and fall .
I'm also not sure what that much weight on the far back end of the boat will do to my tongue weight .
I'd like to hear your opinions . Thanks

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[colemj]

40A sounds about right for a small OB starter. Maybe a bit low, but your gauge probably doesn't detect the inrush current.

A good disconnect like Anderson Powerpole shouldn't add any practical voltage drop, so no change in current.

Mark

 

[Tedd]

I'm also not sure what that much weight on the far back end of the boat will do to my tongue weight .

That's pretty simple to calculate. Measure the longitudinal distance from the axle plane to the motor (motor_distance) and from the axle plane to the hitch ball (hitch_distance).

tongue_weight_change = motor_weight x (motor_distance/hitch_distance)

Example

motor_distance = 10 ft
hitch_distance = 15 ft
motor_weight= 100 lb

tongue_weight_change = 100 x (10/15) = 67 lb

Tedd

 

[JoeWhite]

Definitely remove the outboard when trailering. The bracket will break when you hit a bump. Ask me how I know.
Quick disconnect with 50 amp contacts are available from a business that sells gulf carts or trailers.

Amazon.com

 

[danooxnard]

This is from one of my earlier posts. I do travel with my motor attached to the boat. I have devised a way to use ratcheting tie downs to keep it from bouncing. I used a trailer tongue wieght scale to get the tongue weight to 12% of the total weight.
” I did use a piece of plywood to reinforce the transom. I also had to work out new weight and balance to get the required tongue weight when towing. I added extra batteries under the v-birth and added some weight to the front of the trailer in an ammo can bolted to the trailer near the tongue. I hate to add weight to the trailer but it was the only option I could come up with. The weight in the can is about 50#. This makes it possible to trailer with the motor attached. My motor is the Tohatsu 9.9 Sail Pro purchased new in 2021. It has a carb and about 150 hours on it with no issues. “
Dano

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Ive used ratchet straps between the stern rail and cavitation plate to mitigate bounce. Never had an issue with two different boats. My O'Day had 1.5" of plywood in the transom for the motor however.

I have seen instances where moving 100lbs made a difference in towing. You could add weight to the tongue if you're concerned. I'd say try it out and see what happens