Tohatsu 30hp 4 stroke

[MikeThe1st]

I am seriously considering replacing my 25 horse Tohatsu 2-stroke (long shaft/manual start), on my 18' Aire Cataraft, with a 30hp Tohatsu 4-stroke. It needs to be a manual start, as I don't want to carry a battery (weight).

I was of the frame of mind that Honda was the way to go, but they don't make a manual start in 30hp. The 2-stroke Tohatsu has been an excellent motor for me. The Kenai River is what is causing the switch.

Being new to 4-strokes, besides the obvious, is there any real difference between a manual start and electric start 4-stroke? Is there any downside over the long run of having a manual start? I could rig a battery into the setup, but would rather keep it simple. Thank you for your time.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Tohatsu 30hp 4 stroke

The only downside is the strain from starting it on a cold morning when it doesn't want to start and the resale value. No electric start means only 1 out of 19 people would consider it later on.

 

[MikeThe1st]

Re: Tohatsu 30hp 4 stroke

Thanks, Captain. Is that strain on the engine, or strain on the operator? You never know, but I suspect it will be a long time before I sell it.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Tohatsu 30hp 4 stroke

Strain on the operator...What's easy at 25 isn't so easy at 55