Re: Rope cranking
I say that it can be pulled started. Don't listen to the naysayers. People that can't do things seem to feel that others can't as well, and seem to want them to not even try. I can't throw a football 50 yards but there are those that can.
Now, can YOU start it manually? Only you and you only need to know.
Once you get the motor practice doing it. If you are successful when practice starting it then it will be much less stressful when you need to do it out on the water. You will know what tools you needed and maybe work up a procedure that is usefull to you. If you can't manually start it then consider carrying a spare battery that is isolated from the main battery.
For instance, you might need to use both hands (is a bigger handle needed) and find that you also need to push against the transom with a leg. Use your arms, legs and whole body to pull if that is what it takes. My arm only is not enough. Yours might be if they look like Steve Garvey's. Think of popeye if you don't know of Steve.
The more cylinders the more resistance is the way I look at it, but never tried on a motor that big of HP.
An old 45 HP Sea Horse is the largest I ever had to do and it was tuff going for me, but I was a young and light weight back then (late 60s).
The owners manual says yes it can be rope started.
Manuals are good to have and read if you would like info on a motor.
look up your owners manual on line, you can read usually but not down load from Yamaha
Here is a little out of the manual for a 06 F115
6. Pull the rope slowly until resistance is felt.
7. Remove the rope from the flywheel temporarily.
8. Rewind the rope around the flywheel approximately 3/4 of a turn clockwise.
9. Give a strong pull straight out to crank and start the engine. Repeat if necessary