Back up outboard

The perceived wisdom seems to be that something in the region of 8-10 hp will do the job and, most importantly, keep you making progress against brisk wind or tides. Long shaft is almost certainly preferable unless you are only going to break down in flat calm water.

To be honest, although I have a 22ft single engined mobo, I don't have a back-up motor /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif, though it does rather depend on where you do your boating....
 
Hi

Just a couple of pics that might be helpful. I have a 6hp Suzuki long shaft as an auxiliary engine. As I am in the Solent I felt this was a must. Not used it yet! (touch wood). I could have gone for a 4hp or 5hp but my view was in the Solent sods law will dictate that if I ever need it I won't be out of harms way and 5 minutes from home....!!

I would assume (not knowing the transom design of your boat) you would require a similar bracket to mine on my Merry Fisher. You will also need a L/S outboard. I went for a 4 stroke so I could plumb into my main fuel tank (although I always carry a reserve tank just in case the reason I need the auxiliary engine is fuel related!).

My 6hp Suzuki is 27kg which is light for a 4-stroke 6hp, reason being it is single cylinder. Other 6hp are twin which makes them smoother but heavier.
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This was something I was thinking about the other day.

Someone posted a picture showing a make shift repair when the steering had gone on the main outboard, I thought about this and have a plan to build some kind of bracket that would allow you to stand at the back of the boat and be able to control the outboard whilst also seeing where you are going....it's only a plan in my head at current but something I'm going to be seriously looking at.
 
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This raises another question, if you were single handed, would you be able to see where you are going?

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I have a tiller extension... so yes. Even without... wouldn't be a problem, but if your topsides are built up higher I guess it might create problem so a tiller extension would be required.
 
On my 23' fishing boat we have a 8hp Honda as backup and it pushes us along at about 5 knots. We have a detachable link between the main outboard and the back up so that we can steer from the con regardless of which engine is in use.

The other tip I'd pass on is to try the backup at least once a month, it is suprising how often the bloody things lose the will to live if not run occasionally.
 
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The other tip I'd pass on is to try the backup at least once a month, it is suprising how often the bloody things lose the will to live if not run occasionally

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agree with that.. I start mine up every time I use the boat.... only takes 30 seconds so why wouldn't you.

Like the idea of rigging up the main steering to the Auxiliary..I think I could do that.... but unless you have also rigged up the throttle and gears then I guess only useful when on a longer run and clear of other boats.... so not in the Solent /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
Hmm, I have throttle and gears run back to con as well. ie I have two throttle/gear controls.

The guy I bought the boat from was a belt and braces man.

PS I'm based in The Solent /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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Hmm, I have throttle and gears run back to con as well. ie I have two throttle/gear controls.

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Oh, like it!!


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The guy I bought the boat from was a belt and braces man.

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....as am I!!!.... but obviously now found lacking!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

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PS I'm based in The Solent /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

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Yep, I see that... & with your dual controls obviously equipped to deal with it!!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Very good points gentlemen.... some of the USA boats have complicated (in the sense of mounting a bracket) transom arrangements, large protruding, full width, duck boards.

The OP may have to post a pic of the Chris Crafts stern, above and under?

I have a 15 H.P. Aux. (2 stroke) LS, on a 23 footer, and still only cruise at 4.5 knots and flat out at 5.5 knots (hull speed).

Apparently most issues with engine failure seems to be with fuel issues, so I bought cheap and light, with low maintainance (2 stroke).
Of course the aux. tank is a pain!
 
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