Outboard motors on J/80 and Surprises

This note explains how to start the outboards motors on our Surprises and J/80.

For the J/70 outboard; see the J/70 Instruction Video.

Motor starting Sequence

• With the motor in the vertical position let it down into the water so that the propeller is well covered but the starting rope is still not too low to have a good straight pull
• Connect the portable fuel tank, making sure that the arrow on the black ball on the fuel line is pointing towards the motor
• Open the little screw in the cap on the portable tank
• Check that the tap underneath the motor is turned to external tank (SU only)
• Check the red safety clip is inserted below the red cut-out button
• Check the motor is in neutral
• Squeeze the black ball on the fuel line until it is hard
• DO NOTpull out the choke at this stage
• Set the speed control so that the little electric bulb sign is opposite the line on the handle, or possibly a bit faster
• Pull gently on the starting cord until there is resistance, then pull firmly to full extent possible. Be prepared to release the handle if the motor kicks back!
• Try three times with a good firm pull (rather than a violent yank!)
• If it starts, great but do not forget to:
• Check that there is cooling water coming out of the motor
• Lower the motor to its lowest position
• If it does not start, try with slightly higher speed setting but be ready to reduce immediately the motor starts to race
• And if it still does not start, try finally with the choke pulled out but be ready to push in almost immediately the motor starts

Good luck and if I have missed anything or you have some tips of your own, please let me know.

Tim Foster

last modified: September 2024

NB: if you are a great photographer and would like to provide illustrations for all the above, please get in contact!