There's a world of difference between a gas engine and a diesel.

I have no doubt that larger diesels can be hand started but, as you said,
set up has a lot to do with it. Working in the confines of the typical
small boat cabin without being able to use your body effeciently and the
crank at an angle is going to make a big difference.

The real world, reported experience, here and other places, is that with the
typical sailboat set up, 12 -15 is a bear and 20 can be done but not
reliably. I talked to a fellow yesterday who got his 3 cylinder going once
but was never able to duplicate the feat.

I'm sure there are exceptions. With the boat and installation designed from
the beginning to make hand starting a priority, starting a larger engine
would be possible. Problem is, it is generally an afterthought if it is
given any thought at all.

--
Roger Long

On Wed, 22 Aug 2007 07:59:37 -0400, "Roger Long"
wrote:

The real world, reported experience, here and other places, is that with the
typical sailboat set up, 12 -15 is a bear and 20 can be done but not
reliably. I talked to a fellow yesterday who got his 3 cylinder going once
but was never able to duplicate the feat.

When hand starting a diesel a wee shot of starting ether can make all
the difference, emergencies only of course. If you can get enough
flywheel momentum to take you through one or two compression strokes,
that is usually enough.

On Wed, 22 Aug 2007 07:59:37 -0400, "Roger Long"
wrote:

I'm sure there are exceptions. With the boat and installation designed from
the beginning to make hand starting a priority, starting a larger engine
would be possible. Problem is, it is generally an afterthought if it is
given any thought at all.

Here's a possible invention that I'll give away in a public forum:

How about a geared adapter to let you spin the flywheel with a
cordless electric drill? Some of the better 14 and 18 volt drills
have amazing power in a small package. A lot of people carry one on
the boat already.

Personally I still prefer carrying a small to mid-sized spare battery,
preferably a gel cell for long charge retention.