Auxilliary Motor to get home

Bigplumbs

Bigplumbs

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Unlike you bigger boys I only have the one engine. I was wondering if my 3 hp Yamaha Malta would push the boat along (19 foot Fletcher GTS) if I lost my main engine. The previous owner schemed a mount that fixed to the fixed part of the swim ladder and this will get the outboard into the water.

Also given that I could fix the position of the little outboard do you think the skeg/leg on the main engine would give me any steering like a rudder (problem is my steering is hydraulic also).

Or is it better to just drop the anchor and radio/phone for help.

Of course I am sure some of you will say to get a bigger boat with two engines :)

Thanks

Dennis
 
Your Malta will probably get you 3-4 knots in calm water and give you steerage way. Use the outboard for steering. If you have the bracket, why not try it out?
 
Would agree with Tranona, you would only achieve 3/4 knots so if there was any sort of tide running against you little if any head way would be made. Better to ensure you have a fully serviced reliable main engine. I guess you would not be going very far offshore so as a back up in your position I would shell out and join Sea Start
 
I would join sea start if they operated in my Area (The Deben and Orwell). My engine is new so hopefully good and reliable. But this is the first season with this new boat. I think I will take the outboard along if I go on longer trip as it could just keep me out of trouble

Dennis
 
I'd recommend a minimum 6hp engine preferebly 8 2stroke. When I had a 20 foot cuddy the 8 hp would push it at 4 knots and against the Menai currents without crucifying the little motor. That's what you need. The upshot is a 8hp in the tender turns the tender into a lively little go-go machine and indeed I love taking it out for a jaunt almost as much the main boat. Down side is weight. A 8hp 2 stroke is pushing 30 odd kilos and a bit of a effort to manhandle and can upset trim / balance in a small boat. Also you have to think where you are going to mount the engine. Swim platforms tend to leave the cowl a tad too close to the water. Not so much fun trying to start it when wet. Mine would shock me silly. and also too low to tilt well clear of the water. A 3hp would push you in calm waters but any windage or current it might only be enough to keep you out of trouble but not enough to bring you home.
 
I followed Bruce's advice last summer as closely as I could.
I was going for a 8 hp 2 stoke, but even in Turkey (where the boat is) new ones were banned too.
So I went for the 6 hp 4 Stroke as next size up in a 4 stroke would have been too much weight.

It pushes fine, easy 4-5knots with the standard prop, I will upgrade to a high thrust prop this summer too. Did not get a chance to check out maximum speed as I was still running in the motor.
Do not forget to check your shaft length, I went for a long shaft.

( thanks again Bruce)
 
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