Gerrync
New Member
My dad has bad shoulders and is increasingly finding it difficult to use pull start outboard engine on his tender - are there key start alternatives? Can anyone recommend easier starting outboard around 3hp? Thanks!
Non-pull start outboard for tenders
- Thread starter Gerrync
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jpd85
Well-Known Member
I don't think there are any outboards small enough for a tender with an electric start. Alternatively an Electric engine might be an option. Would mean having to bring battery home for charging but might work for you. No experience of these engines.
http://www.tacklebargains.co.uk/aca...Fishing-Outboard-Motor---Ex-Show-Display.html
http://www.tacklebargains.co.uk/aca...Fishing-Outboard-Motor---Ex-Show-Display.html
VicS
Well-Known Member
Pretty well certain that you wont find an outboard as small as 3hp with electric starting. The smallest I am aware of is 8hp but it may well be available on engines from around 5hp upwards.
You'd then have the problem of what to do with the battery in a tender!
Electric outboards usually also require a pretty heavy battery
But it might be worth looking at the Torqeedo range http://www.torqeedo.com/en/hn/home.html
the "Travel" models have integral manganese/lithium batteries and still only weigh around 13-14 kg
Not a cheap option though.
You'd then have the problem of what to do with the battery in a tender!
Electric outboards usually also require a pretty heavy battery
But it might be worth looking at the Torqeedo range http://www.torqeedo.com/en/hn/home.html
the "Travel" models have integral manganese/lithium batteries and still only weigh around 13-14 kg
Not a cheap option though.
oldharry
Well-Known Member
18lb thrust is equivalent to less than 1/2hp, and would only 'work' on still water with a light dinghy. Also, many of these electric motors are not intended for use in water - sorry, '...use in SALT water'. Unless specified for salt water use, they corrode quickly.
It has been found too that the HP equivalent claims for most of these motors are unrealistic. They may provide a theoretical 2hp equivalent, but except for the very expensive ones, most people find the cheaper ones just do not perform.
It has been found too that the HP equivalent claims for most of these motors are unrealistic. They may provide a theoretical 2hp equivalent, but except for the very expensive ones, most people find the cheaper ones just do not perform.
Dockhead
Well-Known Member
You can convert Mercury outboard as small as 6hp to electric start.
http://www.georgiawatersports.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=260&IDCategory=2027
You could put the battery in a box next to the transom; it's not any harder to stow than a fuel tank. Our tender, an Avon 310 rib, has an electric start 25hp Mariner. The battery and fuel tank stow under the centre console seat.
A well-tuned 5-horse-ish outboard is a snap to start, even with bad shoulders. But if you really think you need electric start, it is available.
http://www.georgiawatersports.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=260&IDCategory=2027
You could put the battery in a box next to the transom; it's not any harder to stow than a fuel tank. Our tender, an Avon 310 rib, has an electric start 25hp Mariner. The battery and fuel tank stow under the centre console seat.
A well-tuned 5-horse-ish outboard is a snap to start, even with bad shoulders. But if you really think you need electric start, it is available.
VicS
Well-Known Member
At least Torqeedo do now quote the true propulsive power available at the prop so you can make a fair comparison with petrol outboards. They used to quote static trust and try to give the impression that they would give the same performance as very much more powerful petrol engines.
Close scrutiny of the technical data is still advisable because they still claim that an engine that delivers 220watt at the prop has the same propulsive power of a 1.5hp petrol model.. At 746 watts to the hp I make 220watts the equivalent of 0.29 hp!
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surekandoo
Well-Known Member
I have a Torqueedo 401s and although expensive, I've been very pleased with it.
I use it mainly to propel my 2.3m inflatable tender BUT it has also propelled my old boat (a Limbo 6.6) in calm conditions in Walton Backwaters at 3 knots when we went seal watching.
The thrust is quite exceptional even at low speeds and of course it's very quiet.
I use it mainly to propel my 2.3m inflatable tender BUT it has also propelled my old boat (a Limbo 6.6) in calm conditions in Walton Backwaters at 3 knots when we went seal watching.
The thrust is quite exceptional even at low speeds and of course it's very quiet.
pvb
Well-Known Member
As others have said, there's nothing available in small petrol outboards right now.
However, I think we will see the introduction of easier starting devices on small outboards. I recently bought a new Stihl chainsaw and it has a feature called "Easy2Start". Basically, you just pull the cord out, and this winds up a spring. When the spring is sufficiently wound up, it releases and starts the engine. It's very effective and pretty effortless. There's no reason why this shouldn't be used on outboards.
However, I think we will see the introduction of easier starting devices on small outboards. I recently bought a new Stihl chainsaw and it has a feature called "Easy2Start". Basically, you just pull the cord out, and this winds up a spring. When the spring is sufficiently wound up, it releases and starts the engine. It's very effective and pretty effortless. There's no reason why this shouldn't be used on outboards.