Lightweight small outboard for remote steering

[madman2021]

I'm starting a project soon on converting a 18' Hobie Cat sailboat into an outboard powered bayou cruiser. Looking to run twin outboards on it. Need to keep the weight down so I'm limited to around 40-70 lbs per motor. My research is showing that the 6, 7.5 and 8 HP Johnson/evinrude from the 1980's or 1990's is going to be the best choice. The remote, steering, and charging kit is still available for them. My only issue is trying to find electric start for them. I can find some kits that say it will fit but I'm not seeing anywhere on the motor to mount a starter. Has anyone seen an electric start setup on these motors before? I know the 9.9/15hp can do all of this but I think it's going to be too much weight for a pair of them on the back. Any other brands of motors that fit this weight class and available with electric start and remote setup? Foregoing electric start is going to make starting the motors cumbersome due to the motors being mounted on the end of each pontoon and the deck being 2' from the rear of the pontoon.

 

[racerone]

No electric start from factory for those 6 / 7.5 / 8 HP models.-----The Mercury 7.5 / 9.8 models and the newer 6 / 8 HP is available with electric start in those years.

 

[flashback]

Maybe a couple of electrics could be the answer..

 

[Scott Danforth]

It will be cheaper to find a complete motor used as a kicker with electric start, etc than to convert.

However a couple of high-thrust electric trolling motors and you can move the batteries down low

 

[madman2021]

I've looked into going electric. That was the first idea. Electric won't give me the speed I want or range even with solar panels. I'm hoping for a cruise of 10-13 mph and top end of 15-18 mph. I could achieve everything with a single outboard(I do have a 25hp yamaha im not doing anything with) but loose all the maneuverability and coolness factor.

 

[Scott Danforth]

1985 and older Merc 9.8 can be found with electric start. 65# short shaft manual start. About 75# for long shaft electric start

Finding 2 good ones and the controls will be difficult

 

[madman2021]

Guess I'll start doing some weight testing in the water with the hull and see if I can get 9.9's/15's on it. I'm fine with any brand except mercury. Never had good luck with them. Seems the honda 8hp is really light for a 4 stroke (72 lbs). There just isn't any small Hondas in my region for sale.