Push Button Start Mod - It works! With video and full instructions

Don’t be intimidated if you want to try this. The attached video, instructions, parts list, and wiring diagram should answer most questions and are written in a way that most everyone can follow. That said I will attempt to answer any questions in a timely manner but don’t blame me if your engine won’t start or stop after attempting this mod. The parts only cost me about $50 so it is inexpensive. Ok now on to the video of this mod in action and attachments, after that read the next post for more in depth information.

Video:

Photo of buttons

Instructions, Part List, and Wiring Diagram are attached.

#coolmod <added by admin>

Intro - There are lots of ways to do this for either twin or single engine boats with analog key ignition switches like most of our Yamaha’s have (will not work on e series but they already have push button start anyway). I focused on twin engines as that is what I have (2016 242 LS). My requirements were keys and safety lanyard had to work as normal if desired, keys would be required for push button to work, and that only one momentary press would be needed to start or stop both engines. I considered arduino, complex latching multi Bosch style relay set ups, off the shelf car auto start systems, rfid access control, and more. I settled on the option I choose as the best one for my requirements in a boat for many reasons that would take a very long and technical post to explain. I will save everyone from that and only answer the technical questions asked. I will do my best to help anyone who wants to try this a different way and has used relays before (off road lights, etc). Single engines boats are even simpler by the way.

Outcome - The mod I finally did with all of the attached files requires the keys to be in the on position for the push button start to work and met all of my requirements. Simply turn the keys to on when you launch or leave your slip for the day, leave the keys in on position all day long removing the annoyances we all know when turning the keys off and then back on, and use the buttons instead. If for some reason you need to use the keys or lanyard you still can as normal but outside of sucking up a rope or something like that why would you after completing this mod. Dare I say that this is even better than the new factory e series in the way it only needs one short press for both engines?

That is an awesome mod!!!! It even better than Yamaha's version as it starts BOTH engines with one button! I'm adding this to the FAQ under mods! GREAT JOB!!!

Are you going to sell kits?

@Julian - If you have not already please see the the two pdfs that I attached which includes the parts list. I considered having custom boards manufactured in China and selling kits. The risk/time/reward equation was not favorable enough for me to do that. Lots of risk with likely small volume, customer support out the wazoo, being aped in no time, etc. All that would mean having to charge an unreasonable amount of $ to make it worth my time. Perhaps I could have sold the idea to a company but I decided to post it up here with the parts list as my unique contribution given all of the great info I have found here free of charge.

I forgot to mention that while possible to start both engines simultaneously with this mod as opposed to in sequence by changing the timimg on the realys I strongly recommend against it. The starters place a very high load on the batteries and wiring so there is a risk of melting battery or starter cable if not done as this mod is layed out. There are other concerns such as battery load on a weak battery preventing staring as well. Lastly sequenced is just plain cool in my opinion.

This is amazing, and another example of what makes this forum so fantastic. Thanks for sharing this.

Nice mod @Mainah. I'm assuming if you only wanted to start one engine, say to flush engines, you would leave the other key in the off position?

Thats awesome @Mainah very inventive, top marks.

One important question is what's happens when the first engine doesn't start straight away, it's happened a few times to me when it's hot, also why did you go for a relay set up over just having two push button starts?

Gym said:

Nice mod @Mainah. I'm assuming if you only wanted to start one engine, say to flush engines, you would leave the other key in the off position?

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Just use the keys as normal to only start or stop one engine.

Britboater said:

Thats awesome @Mainah very inventive, top marks.

One important question is what's happens when the first engine doesn't start straight away, it's happened a few times to me when it's hot, also why did you go for a relay set up over just having two push button starts?

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Just use the keys as normal to only start or stop one engine, even if one fails to start with the push buttons. I wanted a single action to start or stop both plus I already have the keys. To your point yes two seperate quick press or hold to until started buttons to start individually are certainly possible. If you are intrested in doing dual start buttons and run into a snag I would do my best to help.

Lots of different ways are possible as the keys still work. I also considered finger print scanner or voice recognition of "Boat Start" using an ardunio.

Outstanding Mainah. And great video production. Thanks for your contribution.

buckbuck said:

Outstanding Mainah. And great video production. Thanks for your contribution.

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Thanks. I was wondering if anyone would watch the video all the way to the end. Took about 10 extra minutes to add the extra text screens and sound effects. For the high rev twin engine sound at the very end I took video of my boat running at WOT then seperated the audio from the video. iMovie makes these kinds of things real easy, you can use their templates if you want even easier but less custom.

Loving this as I think its a big minus Yamaha not fitting as standard throughout their range.

Looking through your PDF, the links to parts do not seem to work, I've tried copy and paste with no luck either. Any future plans in replacing the awful connext screen .

Very cool

Great work!

Do you have any suggestions to water proof those relay boards?

In my region the moisture and salt air might not work well with an unprotected circuit board.

I'm drooling!!! How hard would you say this is on a scale of 1-10? Is this an all day project?

Britboater said:

Loving this as I think its a big minus Yamaha not fitting as standard throughout their range.

Looking through your PDF, the links to parts do not seem to work, I've tried copy and paste with no luck either. Any future plans in replacing the awful connext screen .

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Sorry about the links. The ppt to pdf print must have messed something up. I am about to head out on the water for the day but will try and fix tonight.

Murf'n'surf said:

Great work!

Do you have any suggestions to water proof those relay boards?

In my region the moisture and salt air might not work well with an unprotected circuit board.

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I did 3 coats of CRC seal coat (clear urethane coating for electronics).

Trevor Shipman said:

I'm drooling!!! How hard would you say this is on a scale of 1-10? Is this an all day project?

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The scale is relative to ones experience with wiring. In general I would say 5. Two hours at most if you prep. Took me less than an hour to wire and test once everything was prepped. If you have to get in and out of the boat regularly for tools or supplies and/or you don't prep then it could get frustrating. Also depends on when beer gets involved.

Here is the link to the boards https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VR1F3LC/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_c_3BgqxbAR6H9AR