[Rhodes22-list] Sailing Long Island Sound

[kuzzal at comcast.net]

I would appreciate some advice;

I will be picking up a new Rhodes from Stan at the end of March & will be sailing Long Island Sound (for the 1st time) from Stamford CT. 

I am shopping for an outboard engine and like the Tohatsu 9.8 HP 4 stroke engines but don't like the weight at 86 Lbs for the 20" manual & 91 Lbs electric start. I would prefer a lighter engine.
The 8 HP is the same weight as the 9.9 HP so no pint in going with the 8 HP except for cost.
The 6HP is only 55 Lbs but I suspect that its to small for Long Island Sound? Those of you out there who sail the sound what size do you use?

A more general question; I can't seem to justify the electric start since:
 1. It adds weight  (only 5 Lbs), 
2. Adds cost (~$200), 
3. The battery charging ability will be limited since when running it does not produce much charge and probably will use more for starting then it will produce for charging.
4. Its got to be wired in to the electrics - extra hassle
5. Manual start is simpler, no wiring, less cost, less weight.

Comments welcome
Regards   Nick Kuzniarski