Is a spare pull cord really that necessary?

[cal40john]

Agreed with others that any suitable line works.

We replace cords on a regular basis on our club boats. Our club teaches lessons, people learning seem to always pull the cord out until it stops no matter how many times you tell them not to. This chafes the cord where it attaches. Do it enough times to a Honda and you'll break the metal ears off that hold the pull cord assembly to the engine.

John

[zeehag]

chris--i went thru 6 in one year , then stated using navySEAL teams parachute cord-lol is fee and works like a CHAMP--I HAVE GONE THRU ONLY 1 NOW IN 4 YRS..lol...I FOUND THE SECRET.....

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by zeehag

chris -- doesnt need to be braided -- parachute shock cord works well ...

I thought parachute cord was braided (kernmantle).

[Captain Bill]

On a small outboard a spare starter rope is a really good idea. 40 hp is getting to the point where a rope starter is approaching impractical for some of us advancing in age. In my youth I had a manual start 50HP, but I'ld probably spend two weeks on muscle relaxants if I was to try pulling it now.

Above all make up the spare starter rope ahead of time and keep it in the Dink. Murphy's law would state that the odds of the primary rope breaking is directly proportional to the rowing distance back to the mothership and proportional to the square of an opposing current. On the otherhand having a spare available would mean that breaking the primary is nearly impossible.

Also most engines with a recoil starter require the removal of that starter to place the backup starter rope so make sure you have the proper tool to remove it available on the dink.

[off-the-grid]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Yes, to both queries.

Perfect!

Turns out I have a whole spool of the correct size.

And picked up a short length of the size for the emergency for pennies.

[Blue Crab]

I'd say no you don't need it. The odds of the engine being stolen in Miami are much better than the cord breaking. More of a when than an if.

[zeehag]

gord--ye got me----i am still brane-faded from saving boats allnite in a kali storm. i keep forgetting that kind of braid is still braid.....
and chris--it takes up so little room and can be used t o keep oil lamps from swinging (i know---mono hull thang.LOL) and to keep lengths of hosing grouped and stowed.. multi use item...clothesline in a yacht club,
belt for the tux, when ye find ye have lost the cummerbund and is new years eve....knife lanyard....kat tether in a big blow, you know-- multi-use tool.....

[Unicorn Dreams]

As Zeehaq stated about the parachute shroud lines, You can take the spare line and wrap it around the tiller on the outboard to store so it can't float away.