Auxiliary outboard

[roger-UK]

Hi guys,

After a bit of advice here really. My ignition switch broke while out last night which spoilt a fantastic evenings boating leaving me stranded unable to start the boat and in need of a tow back to port (fortunately not too far) but this got me thinking.

Do any of you guys carry an auxiliary motor? If so what power and what sort of boat do you have. My boat has an outboard mount already on the transom fitted by the previous owner so would be fairly easy to fit apart from the initial cost... :smt021

 

[BiffStroganoffsky]

Never really thought about a kicker since I was looking for an inboard. I just bring a cellphone with me. It depends a lot on the location at which you boat I guess. When my boating buddies and the coast guard become unreliable, I'll trade her in for an outboard rig with a kicker. Besides, I think the occasional tow 'fee' is cheaper than the cost of an outboard. Of course, I would need a bigger motor to compensate for the tidal currents than someone on a lake. Do you know what size motor your mount is rated for?

 

[Lazy Daze]

An 18' boat will move along pretty easy. A 10HP would be more than enough to get the job done. Less will still work. Obviously, you'll need to remove your gas line from the the filter or the tank (which ever is easier) and attach a line to your OB. But that can be as simple as using a barbed fitting. I used a 10HP on a 30 sailboat - and it moved really well. Granted, a sailboat moves easier than a powerboat. But that sailboat is, of course, a lot heavier.

By the way, bowriders are especially easy to hotwire - because of the, typically, easy access to the back of the key switch.

 

[BiffStroganoffsky]

Any idea(s) for steering and throttle since the BR usually have a 'swim platform' for inboards that makes it cumbersome to control an outboard?

 

[Lazy Daze]

Any idea(s) for steering and throttle since the BR usually have a 'swim platform' for inboards that makes it cumbersome to control an outboard?

Yup. Get a piece of PVC that just barely fits over the throttle. Cut (2) slits about 6" long on either side of one end. Slip the "slitted" end of the PVC over the throttle and use (2) band clamps to secure the PVC to the throttle. Make the length of the PVC long enough to allow you to sit where you want to.

You could also use stiff hose - like plastic water line hose.

 

[shoelessben]

Hotwiring is pretty easy. I have been there done that... unfortunately. Access to the back of the ignition can be the hardest part. A phone call to my SR dealer was all it took.

 

[Knotty Buoy]

I used a 5hp two stroke (short shaft) on my 180. Pushed it along at about three knots and didn't adversly effect the trim of the boat. Just got the boat going in a straight line, clamped up the outboard steering and steered with the leg.
10hp four stroke would be quite heavy and might effect the trim but would no doubt get you there faster.

Cheers:grin: