Larry -

I have had both a manual start and an electric start.  The manual start was on a 5 HP motor and was not particularly difficult.   It pulled straight back into the cockpit.  But sometimes it took a lot of pulls and some well-chosen words to get it started,  (The real difficulty with that motor was shifting gears.  It entailed reaching back through the traveler to a control on the top of the motor).

Now I have an 8 HP motor with an electric start, and it is a dream.  I need the electric start given the larger engine and my advancing age.

Bob Cohen
Silver Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: Rhodes22-list <rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org> On Behalf Of Larry W
Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2026 5:27 PM
To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Out board engine

Hello Sailors,

Next on my list is to purchase an engine for Serenity.

What are your thoughts on electric start vs. manual start?

With a manual start how easy is it to pull the start cord with the engine in the water? I would think the engine would have to be turned 90 degrees so the pull cord would be from the port side straight out. I see myself hanging over the port side trying to pull the cord straight out from the engine.

With electric start I will need to buy a 12 starting battery & battery box to locate in the transom and run battery cables to the engine.

What are your comments on the use of the engine tiller control for shifting and throttle?

I would like to have a remote control, but right now I want to get the boat in the water for the 1st time. I would consider adding a remote control over the winter.

Larry Willis
Serenity