Can a Hard Pull be remedied for an old man?

[paulfromyork]

I have a 12 hp Gale, and the last time I was out, I had some trouble starting it. My little 12 ft. Tinny has a walnut shell paint job on the bottom. Very good for traction. Very bad for old knees. I had road rash on them for several weeks!

Is there any way to modify an old twin cylinder with a compression release? Or how about an electric start? I’d rather it be easier to pull!
(Yes, I could just kneel on an old towel, but a compression release would be more fun!)

[frankr]

Model number of your Gale is??? Some can be fitted with electric start, some not.

[dave-bernard]

I have a real nice 18 HP evenrude electric if needed.

[jcrigan]

This is where you start inviting younger people on your outings. Give them the thrill of starting and running the old motors.

[jw-in-dixie]

I have the same problem – tore rotator cuff on my pulling shoulder. Thought of a custom larger rope sheave screwed to the wheel. Have not been out this year. 🙁

[paulfromyork]

Dave B, I have a 12 ft tinny! The 12 is already 2 over. 18 would be 8 over. And the thing might not float for very long.

So, compression release not possible?

[frankr]

Anything is possible if you have enough money to have something custom manufactured. But no, there is no stock off-the-shelf compression relief system for that motor.

Still waiting for the model number.

[garry-in-michigan]

The oval rope sheave is a little easier to pull as it has greater leverage when going against compression. It would require changing the flywheel and starter housing assembly. . . ❓

[garry-in-michigan]

On the other hand, I had a neighbor with a 16′ Wolverine powered by a Sportfour with a simplex starter. He installed a steering bar and remote controls. He extended the starter rope through a series of pulleys along the keel to a pulley under the forward deck back down to a pulley on the end of a hinged board and anchored back under the deck. The weight of the board was countered by a door spring. It wasn’t pretty, but he cranked the motor by stepping on the board . . . 😎

[eviltwin]

Drill, baby, drill…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y4QJBUOaS0

Only would be feasable if you can easily remove the shroud & recoil or on older motors that have the sheave/flywheel nut exposed.

Or if you really don’t like your feet:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2OLFu-4PwsA

I am not responsible for any injury or damage. 😀

[Author]

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