[Rhodes22-list] Motors with electric start

[Bill Effros]

Rob,

I have the electric start Tohatsu 8.  Love it.

I have 2 batteries, linked, on board.  One would be sufficient.  Don't waste time or money on a separate "starter" battery.  There is this rope "thingy" on top of the electric start Tohatsu.  You'll never need to use it, but I tried it once--you pull on it, and the motor starts.  Ask Rummy.  Then your motor will put electricity back into the battery and you'll be able to run lights and things even if your battery goes "dead".

The motor starts so easily you almost always put more electricity back into the battery than you withdrew by starting.

I have 2 batteries, the Tohatsu, and 2 solar panels installed by GB.  No regulator.  No problem.  My boat sits on a mooring all summer, in a yard all winter.  (I'm in Greenwich, CT.)  I never remove the batteries.  I have never used shore power to recharge them.  The batteries lasted for 5 years without a single problem.  I will replace them this year.

I have, and recommend, a Link 10 meter.  It lets me know the exact condition of the batteries at all times.  I use it every time I come on board.  It has saved me a fortune in unneeded extra batteries, regulators, special circuits, etc.  Also I don't yell at people who are using what turns out to be insignificant amounts of electricity, of which I have more than enough.

Bill Effros




----- Original Message ----- 
From: Rob Lowe 
To: The Rhodes 22 mail list 
Sent: Monday, June 02, 2003 11:33 AM
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Motors with electric start


I'm getting to the point where a new motor might have to be purchased.  Took the drains out of the gearbox of the old one and a nice, grey material oozed out (homogenized oil and water, I assume).  That plus the inoperative reverse and the failure to start problem is pushing me towards a new one.  I was quoted $450 to extend a short shaft into a long shaft.  I've looked at the used ones on the various web sites but didn't see anything I really cared for.


I'm looking at the 8Hp Tohatsu/Nissan.  Question, I'm thinking about the electric start feature.  Not so much for starting the motor, but I have no charging system on the boat as it is.  I was looking at adding a flexible mount solar charger, but the cost of those is about what the electric start additional would be.  Any one have an electric start option?  How about batteries, wiring, over charge protection, etc.  I've got a battery on board now, but it has to be charged though an external charger.  I would also like to add more electrical devices in the future (like inverter for a blender, got to keep up with Rummy).  Any advice is appreciated! 

Rob
S/V Getaway
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