The starting method provided for in the design of a gasoline outboard motor (see "Engine type"). In any such engine, the shaft must be rotated to start; this crank provides the supply of the first portion of fuel and a spark of ignition, after which the engine continues to work independently. Starting systems differ based on the manner in which said cranking is carried out.
— Manual. As the name implies, the initial impulse in such systems is provided by the operator himself manually. The most popular option is a “starter” with a rope, a jerk for which turns the engine shaft; but other launch methods may be envisaged. Anyway, manual start is convenient primarily due to the absence of a battery and a starter. This, firstly, has a positive effect on weight and dimensions, and secondly, it gives a guarantee against unpleasant situations when a dead battery does not allow the engine to be started. On the other hand, the procedure itself may require significant muscular effort, and even having experience with such systems does not guarantee start from the first jerk. Manual "starters" are typical for low-power motors, which are relatively easy to crank.
— Electric. With this method of starting, the necessary impulse is provided by
a starter — a special electric motor powered by a battery. The main advantage of electric "starters" in comparison with manual ones is convenience — there is no need to scroll the engine manually,
...just turn the key or press the button. On the other hand, such systems are more complex, take up more space and are noticeably more expensive. In addition, during the operation of the motor, you have, among other things, to monitor the condition of the battery — if it sits down, starting the motor will become impossible. And you will either have to change / charge the battery, or look for an external source of energy like a starter boats, having such equipment in the vicinity can be a serious problem). Therefore, a purely electric type of start is found in powerful motors (from 100 hp), for which the manual procedure is practically not applicable.
— Manual/electric. Models that combine both of the methods described above. Usually, such motors are equipped with their own starters and are regularly started electrically, and the manual “starter” plays the role of insurance in case of failures in the main system. Such systems combine the advantages of both options, but they are quite rare. This is not only due to the high price, but also because the combined starting method is suitable for a rather specific category of outboard motors: large enough to accommodate a starter with a battery, and at the same time not so heavy as to create problems during manual starting. . Therefore, this option is rare, mainly in models for 20 – 40 hp.
