Marine starters are similar to those used on automobiles, but are designed to be electrically sealed and more resistant against corrosion and explosions. API marine starters for gasoline marine engines protect against internal motor sparking that may be produced when starting a boat’s engine.

Marine Starters by API Marine

API marine starters are built with an internal shield to contain any sparking into the engine room, bell housing or bilge, where volatile gasoline fumes may exist. Without such a shield and proper ventilation, a stray spark could create a large explosion and seriously harm a boat’s captain and passengers.

The shielding also keeps moisture and contaminants out of the back half of the boat’s starter motor, thereby increasing the lifespan of the product. Starters may run on 12, 24 or 32 volts, depending on the type of system.

While marine starters can be used on cars, using an auto starter on a boat could have catastrophic results.

Since 1978, the U.S. Coast Guard, National Marine Manufacturers Association and International Standards Organization have required testing of electrical marine parts, including the starter.

To ensure that you are not being sold an automotive starter for your boat, be sure that your starter states on it that it has been manufactured to SAE J1171 which outlines the current marine standards.

Tags: api, boat, boat starter, engine, marine, marine starter, replacement, SAE J1171, starter motor, starters

This entry was posted on June 14, 2010 at 3:47 pm. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Posted in Consumer Guides How to... Marine Engines by sailorf21 No Comments Yet