Not having the generator to charge the battery is not a big deal unless you run an lot of electric accessories on the boat a lot (lights, radio, etc). I had a similar V-4 motor back in the 1960s and used it a lot every summer weekend at the family cabin, and sometimes during the week too, but seldom ran the lights.. I had to put a charger on the battery when it wouldn’t crank the motor any more about once every 4 to 6 weeks, and that time could be extended with today’s large deep-cycle batteries. When it won’t crank, there is a recoil starter inside the front access door, and those V-4s will pull over and start easier than the 25 to 40 HP RDs made back then, so you don’t get stranded when the battery goes dead. I’d prefer that mechanical shift over the electric. It will be less troublesome, does not require a particular gear oil, and will shift with a dead battery. On those models made with no generator or alternator, the motor has a magneto so you have spark with a dead battery too. The only downside is those 75s are thirsty, so you will go through a bit of gas, especially if the boat is heavy.
Dave
