Electric Start for Small Outboard Dinghy's.

MonacoMike

MonacoMike

Well-Known Member
Sep 15, 2009
14,721
Indiana lakes and Lake Michigan
Boat Info
2000 Cruisers 3870
8.2 Mercs
Engines
85 Sea Ray Monaco 197
260hp Alpha 1
I have a 310 RIB that I am going to put a new 15hp outboard on. Is electric start awesome or another PIA thing to deal with? Is it a help or a nuisance?

MM
 
MM, we upgraded our dinghy when the last one was stolen. (2 years ago) We have 11' Achilles aluminum RIB w/15hp Tohatsu w/electric start. The old one was 15hp Merc w/pull start. I have added USB outlets to the battery box for phone, bluetooth speaker, etc. I would not go back. No issues whatsoever !!!
 
The Bill Collector said:
MM, we upgraded our dinghy when the last one was stolen. (2 years ago) We have 11' Achilles aluminum RIB w/15hp Tohatsu w/electric start. The old one was 15hp Merc w/pull start. I have added USB outlets to the battery box for phone, bluetooth speaker, etc. I would not go back. No issues whatsoever !!!
Click to expand...

What battery did you use? How did you mount it?

MM
 
2017-02-01 15.07.38.jpg

This RIB has a vented locking forward compartment in the bow. We decided the gas tank would be best there and the battery box is mounted to the floor under the bench seat. The battery is a sealed AGM lawn mower size...
 
The Bill Collector said:
View attachment 62908
This RIB has a vented locking forward compartment in the bow. We decided the gas tank would be best there and the battery box is mounted to the floor under the bench seat. The battery is a sealed AGM lawn mower size...
Click to expand...

Great, did not expect to get an AGM! Love it!.

MM
 
I’m on the other side. If you use ethanol free fuel and keep the engine maintained why mess with another battery, and all that goes with that? My engines realistically start 3-5 pulls so I don’t see the need unless physically it’s too hard...
 
Mike, it's the only way my boys can start the motor so far. They love to get in 1st an "warm it up" 15 HP Yamaha. As Mark said, added a few accessories, and battery can help with navigation lights so I don't have to worry about the portable ones. We just upgraded too, so the new boat has a Boston Whaler with 25HP Mercury. Mike
 
NotHerDecision said:
I’m on the other side. If you use ethanol free fuel and keep the engine maintained why mess with another battery, and all that goes with that? My engines realistically start 3-5 pulls so I don’t see the need unless physically it’s too hard...
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The Admiral would like it and would use it some if we get it. She HATES,did I say, she HATES, pull starting anything. LOL

MM
 
You guys are killing me ;)!!!! I’d be lucky if the Mrs cared one bit about the dinghy.
 
NotHerDecision said:
You guys are killing me ;)!!!! I’d be lucky if the Mrs cared one bit about the dinghy.
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It all is in where you boat. We take dinghy's to the near beaches or up the river 5 miles for a relaxing cruise on big wave days. Not unusual for our group alone to have 10-20 Whalers and inflatables at the beach. We do not always feel like taking the big boat out, grab a cooler and be at the beach in 15 minutes. We often rotate who takes the big boat out to the beach with all the extra ice and beer. LOL The girls love to take a ride where the guys are not listening to their babble.

Our marina has a very resort feel.

MM
 
I've seen the ladies on their cocktail cruise around the marina get more out of hand then the guys...lol
 
After 3 rotator cuff surgeries and mfmghfj years, I have a deep appreciation for electric start.
 
Mike, I will second your opinion on the Mrs. Karen has all she can do to get our 9.9 Yamaha started. If she takes the dinghy somewhere, I start it and she manages to get back with it, but if it would require more than a few pulls, I'm not sure she could do it. Next one is electric start.
 
If I did it over I would go electric start. I can start my 9.9 with no issues, my wife struggles but can do it. I think back to when I was a kid, I was out on my own with a 2 stroke 4hp well before I would have the strength to pull start a 4 stroke 9.9.
 
If it was more than a 10hp I would probably get an electric start. As far as brand it's been awhile since I have had an outboard motor, I would probably go with what could be serviced easiest in my area.

If you do get a pull start, this video might help with starting:

 
BillK2632 said:
If it was more than a 10hp I would probably get an electric start. As far as brand it's been awhile since I have had an outboard motor, I would probably go with what could be serviced easiest in my area.

If you do get a pull start, this video might help with starting:

Click to expand...

I have been sharing that video for years. And I had a Johnson on my Zodiac.

MM
 
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