Sierra Starters - Inboard

Sierra Inboard Starters: Built for the Marine Environment

When you turn the key on the water, hesitation isn't an option. Sierra has spent nearly six decades earning the trust of boaters and marine technicians as one of the most recognized names in aftermarket engine and drive parts. Within the world of inboard starters, Sierra brings that same engineering discipline to one of the most demanding applications in recreational boating — reliable cold cranking in the presence of heat, vibration, and moisture.

Engineering Designed Around the Marine Challenge

Automotive starters and marine starters are not interchangeable products. Inboard engine compartments concentrate exhaust heat, humidity, and occasional splash, all of which accelerate corrosion and electrical failure. Sierra addresses this head-on with a suite of purpose-built design features across its inboard starter line.

• Water-intrusion protection: Sierra's starters are engineered to minimize the opportunity for water to enter the system and prevent water accumulation, increasing starter life and providing years of reliable service.
• Duckbill drainage valve: Should moisture find a way into the housing, Sierra incorporates a one-way valve and relief cuts to remove moisture and prevent water accumulation.
• Improved solenoid design: A weak battery can be the source of new starter malfunctions, and solenoids requiring higher amperage can fail to start when the battery cannot deliver sufficient power. Sierra's high-performance solenoid design allows for a lower pull-in current compared to the competition, resulting in a more reliable starter even with a partially discharged battery.
• Sealed and painted housing: Sierra's starters are designed to seal off internal components from the extreme elements found in the marine environment, and the housing is painted to prevent rust and corrosion on the exterior surface.
• Hi-Torque and Permanent Magnet Gear Reduction designs: Sierra offers Permanent Magnet Gear Reduction starters, such as the 18-55510, featuring a 4.909:1 gear reduction ratio and isolation of internal components from extreme marine elements. Hi-Torque bottom-mount variants are also available for a wide range of GM-based and non-GM inboard engines.

Broad OEM Compatibility

Sierra offers remanufactured and new starters for all the most popular stern drive and inboard engines, including MerCruiser, OMC, Volvo Penta, Crusader, and more. In addition to meeting UL standards, Sierra starters comply with international standards required by the European Community. Sierra starters are available for standard (left-hand) and reverse (right-hand) rotation engines and can be mounted in two ways: front-mount starters have the drive gear facing aft, while rear-mount starters have the drive gear facing forward.

New and Remanufactured Options

Remanufactured Sierra starters include new solenoids, drives, bushings, brushes, and springs, and the bodies are powder-coated for greater corrosion resistance. Whether you need a direct replacement for a worn-out unit or a fresh new starter for a restoration project, Sierra offers both paths to get your inboard engine firing confidently again.

Backed by Sierra's Industry-Leading Warranty

Sierra engine parts are backed by Sierra's Limited Customer Satisfaction Warranty — one of the best in the business — warranting parts to be free of defects in workmanship and materials for the useful life of the product, with repair or replacement of any defective product free of charge. For a mission-critical component like a starter, that peace of mind matters as much as the engineering itself.

Browse the full selection of Sierra inboard starters to find the right fit for your engine, or explore the complete Sierra marine parts catalog for everything you need to keep your boat running at its best.