I watched at least 3 coastal cruisers wrestle with outboards that wouldn't start after 3 weeks on the water. That's not an unusual sight. Most opted to row to shore dragging the OB along.
But having used both, a big plus of a Torqueedo or similar, is the ease of installing and removing these handier, lighter packages.
Unlike the wrestling match at the stern (who hasn't seen that?) where the upright outboard is wrestled from stern pulpit into and onto the dinghy transom - which can be a real feat in even mild conditions - the Torqueedo (or similar) is in two, easy to manage pieces.
Owners lay the electric down on aft or side deck (no worry of fuel leaking), get in the dinghy and easily lift the outboard onto the transom, no need of assitance. Then they reach for the battery and snap it on and go.
