SWMBO cannot start my outboard- Help!

I also have a problem with our little Suzuki 2.5 hp four stroke, but can start the old Yamaha 6 hp two stroke. Part of the problem is that I am left handed but have to use my right arm due to the cockpit configuration. It feels very awkward. Maybe I will try while astride the cockpit somehow. Is two-handed a valid technique?

Unfortunately the Yamaha will have to go as it has gone out one time too often and we don't trust it any more, and we can't keep using the dinghy outboard - too small, no reverse gear...

Is a bigger Suzuki the best bet? I would love an electric outboard, but they are way too expensive.

I suspect the problems us women have stem from being massively discouraged from doing things like bowling overarm and fiddling with lawn mowers in childhood :( All those with daughters, please do better for the next generation!
 
TheEcho said:
. Is two-handed a valid technique?
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Usually its one hand to pull the cord and the other braced against the engine cowl.

If you do pull the string with both hands be sure the tilt lock is engaged or the engine will tilt up and you will fall backwards base over apex.
 
Although we bought it for different reasons, getting a Torqueedo outboard has had the great benefit of SWMBO simply getting into the dinghy and going off, rather than a lot of faffing and usually having me accompany her ashore on every trip so I can start the engine on the way back.
 
Same as others, SWMBO hates having to start our suzuki 2.5 4st. But its about technique and feel. Pull the cord out a bit to get resistance, brace against the engine with the other hand and pull close to the body back towards you. Works every time with ours now, although she always avoids having to pull it when I am there!
 
My SWMBO has great difficulty starting the outboard although it is a very easy first-time starter.

As Ripster says, it is about feel. Pulling the cord at a constant velocity needs a lighter pull before compression and then a strengthening pull as TDC is reached.

For some reason this does not seem quite as natural for women. Don't ask me why though.

Richard
 
I remember pull-starting a cold 40HP Johnson, which nobody else could be bothered with. That was...many moons ago, when I was aged about 15, and about eight stone.

It must be a matter of technique...there's no good physical reason why turning over a very small engine should be too much for a grown woman, however petite.

As has been said, female expectations of an engine's workings tend to be so slender that a hasty snatch is inclined to be their method. If I can express it that way... :rolleyes:
 
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This thread got me doing an experiment with our little Honda BF2 4stroke.
We can alternate me then her , me then her.
I start it usually first pull sometimes second but SWIMBO just can not get it to go!

As others have said my pull is quick , constantish velocity and for the whole of the length of the starter cord.

It's not as good a starter as the Yamaha 2stroke 2hp I used to have.
You only had to look at it a bit hard and it would start.

She can not help but give it a little weak short jab.
No amount of explaining or coaching or demonstrating seems to work.

Don't get me started about how she can not row either!
 
John the kiwi said:
Cant help but think that technique is the answer.

With a small 2 T one can often just pull it straight away.
With a larger 4 Stroke that ( lack of) technique is likely to end with bruised hand as the motor comes round to a compression stroke and stops, thereby ripping the handle out of your hand.
Correct technique is of course to pull gently until resistance is felt then let the rope recoil and then pull it again but - importantly start applying pressure steadily and then increase so that you pull the motor over the first compression and it builds up speed to whiz through the next compression and hopefully start. Snatching at the pull cord is no good.
Somehow most men do this effectively without thinking and most women in my experience don't and need to be taught.(sexist generalisation i know.)
Good luck.
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Thanks for the useful tips. When we are back in the water, I will get SWMBO to try again. Difficult to motivate her at the moment - more interested in ski-ing!
 
Good grief. I have been Lakesailored! (post #15)

Doesn't anyone read the whole threads on Scuttlebutt?
John the kiwi said:
Cant help but think that technique is the answer.

With a small 2 T one can often just pull it straight away.
With a larger 4 Stroke that ( lack of) technique is likely to end with bruised hand as the motor comes round to a compression stroke and stops, thereby ripping the handle out of your hand.
Correct technique is of course to pull gently until resistance is felt then let the rope recoil and then pull it again but - importantly start applying pressure steadily and then increase so that you pull the motor over the first compression and it builds up speed to whiz through the next compression and hopefully start. Snatching at the pull cord is no good.
Somehow most men do this effectively without thinking and most women in my experience don't and need to be taught.(sexist generalisation i know.)
Good luck.
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Wollow said:
Thanks for the useful tips. When we are back in the water, I will get SWMBO to try again. Difficult to motivate her at the moment - more interested in ski-ing!
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Burnham Bob said:
Without sounding sexist - although I probably do - ladies often don't have much of a clue whern it comes to techniques. My wife tries to pull the sheets across her body at arms length and only when I showed her how to pull a sheet with body muscles not simply arms muscles she found it much easier. I'd be surprised if she can't start the engine if she gets the right technique. If she's just using her arms to pull, then she should keep her arm closer to the centre of her body and use her hips and body muscles.
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I tend to agree, but also, a lot of blokes have poor technique too, but get away with it due to brute power.
Don't copy me, do it properly....
I would say, make sure the motor is in peak condition, new NGK spark plug, clean carb (if it has one), good oil etc.

Also, some engines, it's worth turning them lazily to move a bit of air and fuel around, before seriously attempting to start.
 
Wollow said:
I have a recent 6hp Yamaha outboard on my FIrst 21.7, which I have no difficulty in starting. However my wife who is average size and strength finds it impossible to start, which obviously raises safety issues.

Has anyone any suggestions apart from getting an upgraded model (wife or engine)?
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What makes you think that an upgraded wife will be able to pull any better - the outboard that is. Likely the improved chest will get in the way. And when the current wife finds out that you plan an improved version you might find that you are no longer able to pull the cord. Or indeed anything else.
 
My wife can pull-start our Honda four stroke mower and previously our mariner 4 two stroke outboard. She hasn't tried my Honda 2.3 yet but don't doubt her ability. She's 5'4" and size 8 so not gorilla like at all.
Her technique is to pull gently until compression is felt, release the chord, take up a secure stance and pull as hard and long as possible.
Your wife obviously needs some tuition preferably without shouting or criticism.
 
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