[Rhodes22-list] Sailing Long Island Sound

[Arthur H. Czerwonky]

Nick,
I opted for the Tohatsu 8 with electric start and alternator.  It is available from Porta-Bote (web) and is on my boat with 1/4" aluminum backing plate added.  I was concerned about weight also, but feel confident it should work fine.
Art

-----Original Message-----
>From: kuzzal at comcast.net
>Sent: Feb 2, 2006 9:31 AM
>To: Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
>Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Sailing Long Island Sound
>
>I would appreciate some advice;
>
>I will be picking up a new Rhodes from Stan at the end of March & will be sailing Long Island Sound (for the 1st time) from Stamford CT. 
>
>I am shopping for an outboard engine and like the Tohatsu 9.8 HP 4 stroke engines but don't like the weight at 86 Lbs for the 20" manual & 91 Lbs electric start. I would prefer a lighter engine.
>The 8 HP is the same weight as the 9.9 HP so no pint in going with the 8 HP except for cost.
>The 6HP is only 55 Lbs but I suspect that its to small for Long Island Sound? Those of you out there who sail the sound what size do you use?
>
>A more general question; I can't seem to justify the electric start since:
> 1. It adds weight  (only 5 Lbs), 
>2. Adds cost (~$200), 
>3. The battery charging ability will be limited since when running it does not produce much charge and probably will use more for starting then it will produce for charging.
>4. Its got to be wired in to the electrics - extra hassle
>5. Manual start is simpler, no wiring, less cost, less weight.
>
>Comments welcome
>Regards   Nick Kuzniarski
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