auxiliary engine

[wl745]

My new 8.2 M motor cruiser is now residing in its purpose built boat shed at home.Question is what size auxliiary outboard will I need?Onlycoastal waters. [image]http://www.flickr.com/photos/from_up_north/3083881961/[/image] /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Nick_H]

The Tohatsu 9.8 2 stroke is often suggested as an ideal auxilliary. as it's light (27 kgs), and can be stored anywhere. I may have a virtually new one, long shaft, for sale if you decide this is the right engine.

 

[ontheplane]

I've said it before and I'll say it again - always go for a high-thrust model if you can.

They are usually called Sailpower or BigFoot engines. If you can't get one, then the Tohatsu is great as it's very light for it's power, just make sure you put a Hi-Thrust prop on as the standard one gives good speed for a small dinghy/RIB but rubbish thrust and won't push a boat that size along efficiently. It probably will get it up to hull speed though, just not efficiently.

 

[AndieMac]

What sort of auxilary bracket will you use?

Does your boat have enough space to bolt the bracket directly onto the transom, or will you have to retro-fit additional support under a full width rear platform?

Unless the boat has a factory designed aux. bracket, consider a good quality bracket such as the New Zealand brand 'Tenob' with a spring loaded return, to assist in raising the motor back up.

Auxilary motors work pretty hard, bouncing around on the stern. If the bracket is attached directly to the transom, and the manufacturer has not made provision, think about a reasonably substantial backing plate mounted internally.

Cheers

 

[Firefly625]

If you are considering a Japanese model... Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha.... and you are buying new. Then do it NOW. Because of the exchange rate and the yen all these manufacturers are increasing there UK prices right now, upto 30%. But if they have physical stock I believe that will be at old prices!

I was speaking with Mark from MB Marine and he was saying a 2.5hp Suzuki was going from around £379 to £550....

I have a 4-stroke 6hp Suzuki long shaft auxiliary on my 625. This powers along nicely. As my boating is round the Solent I wanted to ensure that if there was a failure I could get out the way of any big traffic quickly! Depending where you are going to be will depend on size of your auxiliary. But I would have thought an 8hp well up to the job, obviously consider traffic & tides!!
The Suzuki does have a weight advantage over most other 4 stroke engines as it is single cylinder, my 6hp is 27kg.. I think the 8hp is still single cylinder, if it is I would struggle to find fault with one of these... and you don't have to worry about mixing fuel..

Remember you will also almost certainly require a long-shaft...

I no nothing about Tohastu... but others obviously do.. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[AndieMac]

The "American" built version of the Mercury 15 h.p. 2 stroke, as opposed to the Jap. Lite version, has a Co-pilot lever, which is worked horizontally and locks the engine straight ahead. If you have hydraulic steering, the boat can be helmed quite successfully by steering with the out-drive.

In adverse conditions, this seems like a good option.