Retro fitting electric start?

tweeds · 23 April 2016, 20:40

Apologies if it's a stupid question, but is it possible/straightforward to retro fit electric start to pull start engines?

I'm sure it will vary by make/model, but are there brands that are typocally easier to do? We're looking for a boat with 25-40 hp on the back, and gave seen some great boats but the stumbling block has been my sons desire for electric start.

matt h · 23 April 2016, 20:51

If you havent bought it yet. Why dont you buy an electric start model?
Confused.com

tweeds · 23 April 2016, 20:58

Fair comment. Just struggling to find the right engine on the right boat so wondering what compromises can be made and corrected later.

Poly · 23 April 2016, 21:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt h

If you havent bought it yet. Why dont you buy an electric start model?
Confused.com

Presumably he is not seeing packages around like that (in budget).

To answer the question, it will be expensive, some will be easier than others but I think as well as the starter and all the wiring you will need new fly wheel, and alternator, regulator, etc. even doing it yourself, with second hand parts don't expect much change from 500... and several hours work for someone who knows what they are doing.

Now, why does he want electric start?

tweeds · 23 April 2016, 21:20

With windsurfer rigs slung across the back of the boat it's difficult to pull the cord.

Poly · 23 April 2016, 22:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by tweeds

With windsurfer rigs slung across the back of the boat it's difficult to pull the cord.

Is there not room to put the sail across the front of the boat?. You don't want any rigging near the prop anyway. I seem to recall they tow better with the board further forward, although it's been many years since I've done it.

matt h · 24 April 2016, 06:12

What about giving him some of his inheritance now and buy a nice new yammie 40 and a spanky new SR4?
Failing that whisper on has a very nice 40 PTT electric start YAm 40 if that helps!

uncle al · 24 April 2016, 09:28

I rigged an electric start to a manual Mar 40hp ex R.N.L.I. for a boat show a few years ago, it was just a basic electric start , nothing fancy

Last Tango · 24 April 2016, 15:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by uncle al

I rigged an electric start to a manual Mar 40hp ex R.N.L.I. for a boat show a few years ago, it was just a basic electric start , nothing fancy

Some manual start engines have no toothed starter ring on the flywheel so replacing that kind of hikes the price a bit.

HDAV · 24 April 2016, 19:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

Is there not room to put the sail across the front of the boat?. You don't want any rigging near the prop anyway. I seem to recall they tow better with the board further forward, although it's been many years since I've done it.

IIRC technique was board alongside boom in boat mast across bow and be very wary of wind direction and travel into the wind as if it gets under the sail it can get nasty......

Sat on the tube easy enough to pull the starter but a button is simpler and allows you to keep one hand on the rig I guess, depends how rough the conditions you are out in but if you haven't already suggest you do the safety boat course!

tweeds · 24 April 2016, 20:08

Rig is big so no room in front of console, so rig goes behind seat and over engine. The sailor sits on the mast (on the tube) to hold it down. Start off into wind, then so long as the apparent wind stays from the front the rig doesn't flip.

Managed into find a nice boat with electric start today,so all is good.

HDAV · 24 April 2016, 20:41

Never had a rescue with a console!

Manual (only) start is rare on a consoled rib if you have remotes you normally get elec start...

Console would be far more comfy.....