Auxiliary small outboard engine

[Kesh]

We have an open center console, 22 ft, with an o/b Evinrude 225 hp (1994 model). We acquired the boat from a previous owner, and the boat is in good conditions. We have been very careful with maintenance, both hull and engine. We have improved the whole electric system replacing cables, adding blocks for grounding and positive distribution, replacing bad connections, correctly labeling and tie-wrapping, replaced battery and terminals, installed new bilge pump, fixed all lights for navigation/anchoring, replacing damaged switches and fuseholders, added brand new vhf radio, fixed antenna connector, etc. We ordered a complete cleaning of the fuel tank and we keep the filters clean. On the engine side, we make complete carburetors cleaning/adjust, spark plugs check, impeller change, lower unit oil change, etc, on a regular basis. Ah, also, propeller is new. However, being an old engine, we feel there are many chances of end up out there waiting for somebody to help us. As there are no towing insurance services here, sometimes we avoid long trips to the islands without other companion boats. This seriously limits my enjoyment of the boating experience . As we often carry wife and kids to the beach/islands, we have been thinking in adding a small outboard emergency engine. Which hp size/brand do you recommend? Do you have special recommendations about mounting base? What about the fuel system for the emergency engine, should it be a portable plastic tank or do we need to install a feeding line from boat tank? Any suggestions and advice will be greatly appreciated!

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Auxiliary small outboard engine

For a 22' boat, a 10HP is about the smallest that I think you could count on to get you back at displacement speed. I have a 15'HP on my 18' center console and it's more than I need. Keep the fuel systems seperate if you have room for a 6gal tank. Then if you're having main tank fuel problems, you can still run. There are many kinds of mounting brackets. Suggest you look in some catalogs [Cabelas, BOAT/US] or online to see what's best for you.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Auxiliary small outboard engine

While 4' does not seem like much, it is on a boat both in weight and surface for the wind to blow around. Go for a 15hp.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Auxiliary small outboard engine

Kesh<br />I have a 21 foot aluminum Runabout 2800 LB and have a 15 HP Johnson kicker and If both motor do not start and I have no running buddy then I would stay in port not go out into the ocean. My 15 HP will run about 8 MPH wide open but I would never run it wide open for hours to get back in. While that is fine in lakes or rivers with out a lot of current it really not enough for the ocean. On a nice day works ok but on day where swells get to 8 feet every 8 seconds really not enough power. When the swell pushes the bow around barely enough power to correct.<br /><br />I have been looking for a new 4 stroke motor for my boat for some time and have not been able to find one with more power and light enough to run on a Lift Bracket. This year a new motor out that I think I am going to buy. It is a 20HP Honda 4 Storke 20 inch shaft and a 12 amp alternator and the weight is 103 LB. <br /><br />Since you already have a outboard do you have room to mount another outboard along side your main motor?? Many brackets that will lift up to 169 lb but I thing they over rate them. My Bracket is 2 brackets made to lift a 20 HP motor that I connected together and it works pretty well for my 15 HP which weighs 75 Lb. This year they finally made a nice looking power lift in two models. One will lift 145LB and the other 245LB but not cheap.<br /><br />I guess 15 HP will work if weather not too bad but make sure get long shaft (20 inch) or even a extra long shaft (25 inches). Also will want to get high thrust prop. I hate the extra fuel can and when I get the four stroke probably will leave it home but should have problems with the main tank it is a add saftey factor to have a different fuel source.<br /><br />Can get a used 15 hp pretty cheap but the new 20HP 4 Stroke Honda cost alot. Then again they last forever if take care of them. My old 1975 15HP Johnson still going strong. For Brackets check out the west marine on line catalog pages 292 and 293<br /> http://wmarine.mobular.net/wmarine/5/5/2/index.jsp

 

[Seaboo2]

Re: Auxiliary small outboard engine

Just a piece (or two) of advice. I'd use a seperate tank and I would (at least once a month) transfer the gas (dump the "spare" tank's gas into the main tank and refill the spare tank)so you always ahve fresh gas if you have to use the kicker engine. *remember shelf life on gas is like 3 months* <br /><br /> I'd also make sure I have a sphion (sp) hose in the boat just in case the kicker uses more gas than you have on hand.

 

[Kesh]

Re: Auxiliary small outboard engine

I have a pic of the transom taken when the mechanic was making some regular maintenance. Take a look. There is no space for another outboard, but we have 2 swiming platforms. The platforms are glass, will support a 15 hp outboard ????? another problem is that the mounting base for swiming platforms says it only supports 10hp...what can I do ?<br /><br />

 

[Kesh]

Re: Auxiliary small outboard engine

Hey guys, I posted a pic (see above post) to see if you have some suggestions... yesterday my partner suggested to use a vertical mounting base instead of the one for the swimming platform, but that requires to make an "U" cut to the swimming platform in order to have space for the 15hp outboard to go up/down. What do you think ?

 

[Boatist]

Re: Auxiliary small outboard engine

Kesh<br />I would probably just remove one of your swim platforms and mount on a kicker bracket. The 15HP in Johnson or Evinrude is same weight as a 9.9 so you could mount it on your swim platform. I personaly do not recommend mounting on swim platform and I will tell you why. I have a friend with a 25 foot Trophy with a I/O and a full with swim platform. He has a 9.9 extra long shaft (25") High Thrust sail model mounted on the back of the swim platform. He nevers uses his motor. He has two pwoblems. <br /><br />1: Motor not big enough to turn his boat into the wind. Trophy catches a lot of wind up front where the cab is. When winds get over about 20 knots he can not turn into the wind. Motor too small for his boat also so even on rare calm days still barely moves. <br /><br />2: With motor on the back of the swim platform when he goes over a Swell the prop comes out of the water offten. Power head also go completely under water sometimes. Big problem is just too far back so if go over a swell as the bow drops down and the stern lift the prop comes out of the water. If he has motor in gear trying to use it and has any power on at all when prop comes out of water motor rev up then when drops back into the water the shock breaks the Flywheel keyway and the motor stops. Will not restart until pull the flywheel and put in a new keyway.<br />In a lake or river if wind not too strong he can make headway.<br /><br />So mount your motor as close to transom as possible.

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Auxiliary small outboard engine

I have a high thrust Yamaha 9.9 mounted on my 24' Seaswirl. Works fine, pushes it to displacement speed. Sure, in a real headwind, it's not so great, but since the boat's going as fast as it can without planing, I can't imagine more horsepower helping. I believe those engine manufacturers that offer high thrust models don't offer a 9.9 and a 15: only a 9.9, and a 25 hp, etc. So get the 9, and if a big wind comes up, it's time to turn on the big Johnson....