Backup motor

[ronaldj]

Okay
The MacGyver is coming out in me.
I tried to do the lake thing yesterday and of course they had never seen propane and told me I could use my oars or an electric motor.
Didn't have time to argue.

It was actually a blessing in disguise.
I learned that the oars are for decoration only
After rowing you are too tired to fish.

Which brings me to the real issue

When we are out in the rivers, bay or ocean and we have a motor issue.
Do we really plan on rowing back to shore?

I'm thinking a small trolling motor may be adequate backup until we can get back to land.
Any other ideas?

 

[Guest]

Re: Backup motor

if current picks up you will not move with a troller. Buy yourself a 2-3hp gas engine. They come tank built in, fit in a duffle bag and will get you home slowly but surely. Weight anywhere from 25-35lb. Your battery for your troller will weight 50lb. Sinister has a 2hp tohatsu which i am dieing to buy off him for those purposes

 

[fbpooler]

Re: Backup motor

I favor an anchor, plenty of line, and a towing service.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Backup motor

Unless you count with a mandingo that can row you back or a sail aboard, get yourself a VHF radio, whistle, anchor with long rope and wait for help. Loaded inflatables plungs along and achieves extreme hull drag when being rowed. Oars are good for very light maneuver applications in which you don't want to start up the engine as going out from, coming in to a pier or launge site. As one would think not, ribs fall in same extremely hard to row category.

Happy Boating

 

[Guest]

Re: Backup motor

Call me whatever you want, I personally refuse to be that who blows whistles and calls for help when this could be avoided with just two hundred bucks and a small duffle bag. Ask Sinister he was stuck once and now he has a backup. I am still looking to buy a backup my self and i will never go out by my self without one.

 

[ronaldj]

Re: Backup motor

Unless you count with a mandingo that can row you back or a sail aboard, get yourself a VHF radio, whistle, anchor with long rope and wait for help. Loaded inflatables plungs along and achieves extreme hull drag when being rowed. Oars are good for very light maneuver applications in which you don't want to start up the engine as going out from, coming in to a pier or launge site. As one would think not, ribs fall in same extremely hard to row category.

Happy Boating

Already have all of that.
My point is that as long as I have to have a trolling motor anyway. Why not get one that could also be used in salt water in case of Emergency

 

[Guest]

Re: Backup motor

Already have all of that.
My point is that as long as I have to have a trolling motor anyway. Why not get one that could also be used in salt water in case of Emergency

if your getting a troller then get the 50lb riptide its not bad and cheap

 

[fbpooler]

Re: Backup motor

Trolling motor equals weight, space, limited range, and slow speed unless you go with a gas motor. Run out of gas or have bad gas and you are up the creek. You do not want to face tide and wind unless you have proper power.

Several years ago while fishing, my buddy had a trolling motor on his inflatable. The wind suddenly freshened and we quickly went back to camp. He was blown towards the open Gulf but was able to make land before getting into the open Gulf by sheer luck and hard work. When we retrieved lights and were starting out after him, he finally made it back. He never trusted the rig again, and he never used it after the experience.

Had he had a good anchor and line, he could have stayed put until after the blow, but he did not have ground tackle aboard.

In a lake or river, the trolling motor makes sense, but mention open water and it is an entirely different keg of fish. Don't be a greenhorn and learn the hard way.

 

[Guest]

Re: Backup motor

Trolling motor equals weight, space, limited range, and slow speed unless you go with a gas motor. Run out of gas or have bad gas and you are up the creek. You do not want to face tide and wind unless you have proper power.

Several years ago while fishing, my buddy had a trolling motor on his inflatable. The wind suddenly freshened and we quickly went back to camp. He was blown towards the open Gulf but was able to make land before getting into the open Gulf by sheer luck and hard work. When we retrieved lights and were starting out after him, he finally made it back. He never trusted the rig again, and he never used it after the experience.

Had he had a good anchor and line, he could have stayed put until after the blow, but he did not have ground tackle aboard.

In a lake or river, the trolling motor makes sense, but mention open water and it is an entirely different keg of fish. Don't be a greenhorn and learn the hard way.

Glad to hear you guys got back. quick 2 min check that the kicker works will settle all concern.

 

[fbpooler]

Re: Backup motor

His motor worked fine until the wind overpowered it. Nature does not play games and will throw a wildcard at you fast.

We were in kayaks and beat the wind whereas the wind resistance of the inflatable was too great for his motor.

 

[Guest]

Re: Backup motor

Already have all of that.
My point is that as long as I have to have a trolling motor anyway. Why not get one that could also be used in salt water in case of Emergency

Hey Ronald, as promised here is the 2.5 i picked up for $150 bucks. Compression felt good, good spark as the ob started without being screwed in all the way (figured it was loose when i was pulling it out to check compression on a warm engine. Only issue I found was hot pee. Will change out the impeller and this thing should run great.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Backup motor

Weimed, you can bump that 2.5 to a 3.5, will need to change carb. Try to get a used one. Will push sib much better to a point that hard wind could overcome its full power. It's always nice to count with a back up small engine, but will have its limitations. Definitely much better than rowing with mandingo at oars included....

Peeing is always warm, not that extremely hot though. Doesn't have a thermostat. Peeing is not that strong either as seen on bit larger HP engines, but that's normal.

Happy Boating

 

[ronaldj]

Re: Backup motor

Great find.
I hope you never need to use it

 

[Guest]

Re: Backup motor

Weimed, you can bump that 2.5 to a 3.5, will need to change carb. Try to get a used one. Will push sib much better to a point that hard wind could overcome its full power. It's always nice to count with a back up small engine, but will have its limitations. Definitely much better than rowing with mandingo at oars included....

Peeing is always warm, not that extremely hot though. Doesn't have a thermostat. Peeing is not that strong either as seen on bit larger HP engines, but that's normal.

Happy Boating

oh ok, i did not know that. I would say it is a tad bit warmer then just plain warm. I want to change impeller anyway as that is recommended always when buying a used outboard. I heard there was some plate that can be removed to make it a 3.5? or do i need a 3.5 carb?

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Backup motor

On Tohatsu, plate is mainly for 25 to 30 HP conversions. Smaller ones needs carb swap as internal fuel passages and throat are bit less wide compared in between. Maybe can get a used 3.5 carb for peanuts cost and have a 3.5 which new costs around + $ 1,000 for less than $ 200. Sound power investment.

Happy Boating

 

[Guest]

Re: Backup motor

On Tohatsu, plate is mainly for 25 to 30 HP conversions. Smaller ones needs carb swap as internal fuel passages and throat are bit less wide compared in between. Maybe can get a used 3.5 carb for peanuts cost and have a 3.5 which new costs around + $ 1,000 for less than $ 200. Sound power investment.

Happy Boating

is it an identical match?

 

[JohnnyRudeClassics]

Re: Backup motor

View attachment 231707View attachment 231708

Hey Ronald, as promised here is the 2.5 i picked up for $150 bucks. Compression felt good, good spark as the ob started without being screwed in all the way (figured it was loose when i was pulling it out to check compression on a warm engine. Only issue I found was hot pee. Will change out the impeller and this thing should run great.

That is a sweet deal on that 2.5 HP Nissan, congrats.

When I can launch down wind of where I am headed.
I bring my Wind Paddle Cruiser with me

 

[Sinistre1]

Re: Backup motor

Like all things... The spare motor is another option... another tool in the arsenal when things don't go as planned. Will it always be everything to everyone... nope... but the day you need it... and it works well.. you'll be damn glad ya had it!!! lol. I always caryy an anchor and at least 100 ft of line (actually 175 at the moment). The motor gives me an extra choice... call for help??? Check! (Marine VHS), Toss anchor and wait it out or row? Check... or.. IF the conditions allow and the equipment holds up (maintenance)... power myself back to launch point or at least to nearest dry land... checkarooo!! I LOVE options, and i'd rather not be hoping that someone comes to aid. Why not stack the deck in favor of getting it done on my own.

btw, Weimed... Good score!. That's a looker and especially at the price... if she runs well you definitely done good! lol.

 

[fbpooler]

Re: Backup motor

That Nissan was a good buy which should do the job for you at a very good price. Put some hours on it to make sure it is dependable and you are good to go.

In the past, the Coast Guard would tow you, but now they only respond if life is at stake. They will contact a towing service now which can be expensive unless you are a subscriber.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Backup motor

is it an identical match?

Nissans are same rebadged Tohatsu engines....

Happy Boating