Elle,
The electric start for the motor is nothing more than an electric switch,  
similar to the type you turn your household lights on with, but obviously  
designed for the marine environment. I don't think moving the switch to the  
pedestal would be all that difficult, or perhaps mounting it against the  
lazzerette. Check our the W M catalog and you will see several different types  of 
switches with keys.
 
Rummy