Auxiliary OB

[martynwhiteley]

I've decided that the next planned expense for the boat will be an auxiliary outboard. From the peace of mind viewpoint alone, it would seem justified, if not sensible considering the tidal/fast changing conditions in the Humber area, and the usual lack of other pleasure boats in the area to call on for support.

I intend to go for the smallest option possible, and perhaps then be able to have dual purpose use once I procure a tender.

The question is, could I get away with something as small as say 3.5 hp, for use as an auxiliary on a 27ft 2 ton sports cruiser? Or would it have to be in the range from 6 to 10 hp?

I'm not expecting to ever have to use it to power the Rinker, just to apply the rule that says being prepared will ensure the old 5.7 will never let me down, well never unless I let MedDreamer come on another trip /forums/images/icons/wink.gif





<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue> <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mboat.org>http://www.mboat.org</A></font color=blue>

 

[BarryH]

I've got a 4 hp and that only just pushes a 21' 1.5 tonne boat. So I think your being optomistic hoping a 3.5 will push your Rinker. Go for the bigger option if its feasable.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[andy_wilson]

You really need a 10hp 'Sailmaster' type (bigger than normal prop)to hold your own in The Humber. Can you mount it permanently in position (on the bathing platform)?

You will sure as hell struggle to lift one into place and fit it in any kind of seaway without at least 3 people - one to fit it, one to hold onto the fitter, one to lower the motor.

As a compromise, the bigger inflatables from the engine makers (Yam, Suzuki, Quicksilver) tend to be good value, have big tubes and big motor capacity (so they can sell more HP in the package). My Suzumar takes a 8hp and is just manageable as a tender. A 8Hp would just about get you to the safety of somewhere to anchor until the tide turned.

Worth looking at the spec of potential tenders in conjunction with this excercise.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[martynwhiteley]

Thanks Andy and Barry.

It does seem then that I'd be wasting my time with anything much below 8 hp.

I do already have a reasonable looking ob bracket on the bathing platform, and the transom gate is positioned nicely in front of it, giving me confidence that it could be a useable emergency option, whereas I wouldn't have liked to try and start and control a small outboard from the back of the bolt-on platform on the B'wood, with no through-transom access, in all but flat conditions.

Only prob with permanent mounting is the reverse parking aspect. Perhaps I could fit one of the car distance sensors!

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue> <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mboat.org>http://www.mboat.org</A></font color=blue>

 

[Nat]

Definatly needs to be over 8 hp. My outboards 5 horse and when my risers went up the wall stopping the engine i had to travel 5nm at 2knts. dont forget im in the med with very little current. If there had been any sort of a strong wind or tide i would have been going nowhere.

<hr width=100% size=1>2655 ! You can tell me, I'm a Docter !

 

[Nick_H]

8 hp 2 stroke Yamaha is very compact and only 27kg, so can be manhandled onto a tender or onto an auxilliary bracket on your boat. 4 strokes tend to be 10kg heavier, although a few 6 hp 4 strokes around 25 kg.

<hr width=100% size=1>He who dies with the most toys, wins

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

I use a 10 HP on a 27' boat that weighs about 3500kg. Seems OK even though the prop etc are all statndard and used to drive the tender.

You might want to think about how you would steer the boat if using the aux engine.

<hr width=100% size=1>Two beers please, my friend is paying.

 

[martynwhiteley]

Gosh, it's all getting a bit bigger and more complicated than I imagined!

I just assumed a simple tiller steer would be all to ask for, can't imagine it would be desireable to set up any remotes.

Perhaps I should do this boat the other way to may last, and convert it from a single to a twin. It's beggining to sound more feasible!

Or mebby a stick and rag from the radar arch would be the best way to ensure some back up power?

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue> <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mboat.org>http://www.mboat.org</A></font color=blue>

 

[jhr]

Bit of a problem

If you're going to complete the circle, surely you'll have to install a pair of clapped out and unreliable marinised BMW engines? Also, will you then need 2 auxiliary outboards, in the interests of good Feng shui?

I'd have thought that you'd be better off making sure you have a powerful anchor and lots of scope (plus a spare) which you can fling over the side to halt progress whilst you - being an engineer, an' all - dive into the engine bay and sort out the problem. If you can't fix it, then admittedly you have the embarrassment of calling out the RNLI.

Can't believe you'd be in a hurry to get back before the pubs close, given what I've heard about beer from North of Watford /forums/images/icons/laugh.gif

<hr width=100% size=1>Je suis Marxiste - tendance Groucho

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

Re: Bit of a problem

Wasn't clear re steering. The tiller arm might not fit straight out twixt motor and boat with the bracket down, less leverage. I have a stern cabin and anyone holding the tiller can't see forward. Solution was tiller extension but trying to turn the motor mostly twists the throttle:-( So, motor is left static on suitable revs and use the boats rudder to steer. Its a sod but in an emergency it looks as it it should be OK.

I reasoned that accurate steering isn't essential at 4 knots or so with main engine failure and if you get close to any shore its anchor down or rope to nearest bollard.

<hr width=100% size=1>Two beers please, my friend is paying.

 

[Dave_Snelson]

6-10 HP I reckon Martyn. I have a 3.5 yammy that I had as aux on my old 17 ft Shakespeare. It would just about push it along at 2 mph.

<hr width=100% size=1>Madoc Yacht Club
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.madocyachtclub.co.uk>http://www.madocyachtclub.co.uk</A>

 

[MedDreamer]

Oy, I saw that /forums/images/icons/smile.gif



<hr width=100% size=1>Living the dream