I currently have an outboard that is pull start. I am thinking about getting an electric start (8 HP) but here my question? Is the electric start a switch or button on the outboard its self or do I have to wire a ignition switch on the boat and then wire the motor to it? In all my years using an outboard they have all been pull starts. Thanks.
I need some information?
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I have owned two elect. start outboards (Johnson and Nissan), and they both had the switch on the outboard. Shouldn't be a big deal to wire a remote starter, but I interpreted your question as a "do I have to install a remote switch" rather than "can I install a remote switch". If the former, don't worry about it, it comes installed. If the latter, I guess you can (after all, its only an electric switch), but I don't see the benefit. You will still have to sit right next to the engine and lean over the transom to pump the fuel bulb, set the throttle and maybe play with the choke when you start it up, so a remote starter switch doesn't seem to be an advantage. Now, if you get the full remote control box like Joe recommends, that's a different story. I can see some advantages there, although with an Oday 25, finding a place to put the remote box that is out of the way enough to make a difference might be a challenge. And I respectfully disagree with Joe about locking the engine in one direction. One of the big advantages to an outboard on a sailboat is the ability to point the propeller; I can make my boat spin on a dime and manuver in ways impossible with a fixed prop.
regarding Mike's comment:
"And I respectfully disagree with Joe about locking the engine in one direction. One of the big advantages to an outboard on a sailboat is the ability to point the propeller; I can make my boat spin on a dime and manuver in ways impossible with a fixed prop"
I agree that being able to point the propeller is an advantage. However, with the remote box you'll not be having to lean over the transom to control the motor. The driver can sit forward in the cockpit and control the boat.
Another point to consider is that many manufacturers sell the electric start, remote control package without the tiller arm. My 9.9 Tohatsu, for instance, came packaged with the remote control box and the remote steering brackets installed in lieu of a tiller arm. I don't use remote steering, no need for it actually. In fact I can easily spin the boat within it's own length by using prop walk and alternating forward and reverse, just like you would with an inboard.
The final consideration, in my case, is the nature of the Cat 27's motor well. Using a tiller arm would be a flat out pain in the butt.
Mike's experience with his O'day 23 should weigh more than mine with the C27. Though I can't imagine struggling with a tiller on my boat, I think it's not as great an issue with the O'day.
"And I respectfully disagree with Joe about locking the engine in one direction. One of the big advantages to an outboard on a sailboat is the ability to point the propeller; I can make my boat spin on a dime and manuver in ways impossible with a fixed prop"
I agree that being able to point the propeller is an advantage. However, with the remote box you'll not be having to lean over the transom to control the motor. The driver can sit forward in the cockpit and control the boat.
Another point to consider is that many manufacturers sell the electric start, remote control package without the tiller arm. My 9.9 Tohatsu, for instance, came packaged with the remote control box and the remote steering brackets installed in lieu of a tiller arm. I don't use remote steering, no need for it actually. In fact I can easily spin the boat within it's own length by using prop walk and alternating forward and reverse, just like you would with an inboard.
The final consideration, in my case, is the nature of the Cat 27's motor well. Using a tiller arm would be a flat out pain in the butt.
Mike's experience with his O'day 23 should weigh more than mine with the C27. Though I can't imagine struggling with a tiller on my boat, I think it's not as great an issue with the O'day.
Dave, why not download the engine manuals and see what's available and what could work best for you?
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I made a small clamp that can easily lock the tiller arm of the outboard. I use this to keep it straight when I'm motoring any distance.
I also utilize the motor for tight quarters manuvering..One thing not addersssed yet, is that most of us raise our motors when we are actually sailing.
That may not be possible if you lock your motor forward.
I have an electric start 7.5 horse Mercury on my Oday 25 . I sail out of Milwaukee on Lake Michigan . For me the horsepower and electric star are perfect. I can easily achieve hull speed at about 2/3 throttle.
I made a small clamp that can easily lock the tiller arm of the outboard. I use this to keep it straight when I'm motoring any distance.
I also utilize the motor for tight quarters manuvering..One thing not addersssed yet, is that most of us raise our motors when we are actually sailing.
That may not be possible if you lock your motor forward.
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