Auxillary Engine Power

[Sprake]

Now my main engine (a 50 hp 2 stroke) is two years old and my crew becoming increasingly conscious of not having an auxillary engine, I'm looking to buy a second outboard.

In your opinion (or in your experience), what power outboard would be sensible to keep for emergencies on a 16 foot Explorer (open fishing boat with v shaped hull). The boat manufacturer recommends 6hp, but I've seen similar boats (like the warrior 165) with 4hp's on the back.

The price differential between 4 and 6hp is considerable. Would you say a 5hp do the job ?

I only use the boat in coastal waters (Irish Sea) but remain within a mile or so of the land and there's normally only two on board.

Any advise would be welcome.
PS: Sorry it's a stink boat question



<hr width=100% size=1>Neil

 

[Talbot]

a second 50 might be a little bit of overkill - but exciting /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

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[paulrossall]

I don't know the boat but I had a 17ft sailing boat with cabin. I used a 6hp Evinrude and that was adequate. It was an old engine and probably did not give the "same" 6hp as a new one. I also used a 5 hp and noticed the difference when trying to go upstream in a river.
I would not compromise. If you need your second engine you need to make sure it will do the job. It also makes a difference depending on where you are. If you have to go up a tidal river/estuary to get home then you might have to fight say a 3 or 4 knot tide in which case you need a bigger engine. I do not think there will be much difference in price between a second hand 4 or 6 hp engine. Given the size of your other engine I might be tempted to go fo a 9 or 10 hp.
You might get a more informed response if you post this question on the motor boat forum as there will be some readers who have the identical problem. hope this helps. It also helps if you fill in your profile as folk can see where you do your boating which may have a bearing on the answer to your question. Paul

<hr width=100% size=1>" there is nothing-absolutely nothing-half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats".

 

[whisper]

I had a 16 ft Orkney a few years ago and had either a 4hp or a 6hp auxilliary. The 4 was just about ok, the 6 was fine - could get up to 7-8knts. Reckon a 5hp would do so I'd look for the lightest one I could find. BUT some 5s weigh the same as the 6s so in that case I'd pick the 6.
I'd also get a long shaft model preferably with F-N-R shift so that all the controls are easily reached when the engine is lowered - presumably you would fit it on a moveable bracket. This will also help to ensure the prop stays submerged. If you use a fixed bracket then this can be mounted higher, with a long shaft engine, to again make the controls far more accessible. This is quite important if the sea is choppy.
Enjoy yourself.

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[penfold]

Get yerself a <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.saving-old-seagulls.co.uk/index.html>British Seagull</A> - The best outboard motor for the world! A Century or Century Plus would be just the job as well as being cheap as chips. Why pay several hundred quid for something that will hopefully not see any serious use when you can get a Seagull for the price of a few rounds of drinks and curry?

cheers,
david

<hr width=100% size=1>OMG, Schrodinger's cat is dead!

 

[chippie]

Re:Seagull

If you want to go boating , the seagull will keep you in port. Yes they are easy to repair, chances are you will have to.
I have found that a well used and easy starting Jap outboard is a better bet.I have had a good run with an old evinrude 6hp too. In my case I have an 8hp Yamaha. If they start and pump water out the telltale they will keep doing it for years. They seem to like plenty of use so beware of one that is several years old with very little use.

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[graham]

I think you are very wise,I work next to a lifeboat station and it appears to me that a large proportion of their jobs are towing brokendown boats without auxillary engines.

.A 6hp would be excellent ,a 4hp would be adequate.The size and weight difference is also a big factor.

If possible get one using the same fuel mix as your main engine so you will allways have plenty of ready to use fuel.

The best idea would be to borrow one for an hour and try it if possible.I have a 5hp Yamaha as an auxillary motor on my 22 foot yacht ,this gives 5 knots in calm water but less if motoring into wind and sea.



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