Backup Trolling Motor

[toolbox91]

I didn't know any outboards had alternators to jump start the main engine. Thats awesome and definitely useful! I watching local FB marketplace for something reasonable and not 40 years old. One that has popped up new is a Coleman 5hp that includes a generator for $1100. Would I be right in thinking that a new 5hp would be equivalent to a older motor of a few more HP? Would 5hp be enough or should I be sticking to 8hp and up?

 

[JimS123]

I believe Colemans are China manufacture. The little Mercs are Tohatsu. Personally I would stick to a major manufacturer with good USA ties and parts availability.

I posted data from my Sail Pro. It works perfect for my boating area and I couldn't be more pleased. It won't compete with an 8 HP motor, but its all I need.

You must understand that you are putting a little motor on a big boat. Even brand new right out of the box it won't work well. You MUST replace the prop with the lowest pitch available in order to generate enough rpms to make the motor run without lugging. So, whatever you buy (even a 10 or 15) you need to check ahead of time to make sure you can even get the right prop.

 

[Alumarine]

The charging output on these small motors is so low that it would take a number of hours to charge a dead battery.
They certainly won't jump start the main engine.

 

[toolbox91]

Okay thanks for the advice. Like I said I'm fine working on cars but boats are a new concept to me. I'll forget about the generator and keep watching for something used and look at prop requirements. Thanks!

 

[Old Ironmaker]

Scott Danforth -cke-saved-href="#" href="#" class="b-bbcode-user b-bbcode-user--has-avatar js-bbcode-user js-bbcode-user--userid298283" style="background-image: url("https://forums.iboats.com/core/image.php?userid=298283&thumb=1&dateline=151380976 2");">Scott Danforth ata-cke-saved-href="#" href="#" class="b-bbcode-user b-bbcode-user--has-avatar js-bbcode-user js-bbcode-user--userid298283" style="background-image: url("https://forums.iboats.com/core/image.php?userid=298283&thumb=1&dateline=151380976 2");">Scott Danforth data-cke-saved-href="#" href="#" class="b-bbcode-user b-bbcode-user--has-avatar js-bbcode-user js-bbcode-user--userid298283" style="background-image: url("https://forums.iboats.com/core/image.php?userid=298283&thumb=1&dateline=151380976 2");">Scott Danforth cke-saved-href="#" href="#" style="background-image:url('https://forums.iboats.com/core/images/default/default_avatar_thumb.png');" class="b-bbcode-user b-bbcode-user--has-avatar js-bbcode-user" data-userid="577667">toolbox91 what we refer to on an automobile as an alternator on a marine engine is a stator. When I needed to limp back to my slip with the 15 horse O/B I didn't realize that any other thing on the boat that requires electrical power is sucking the main battery dry as without the big engine running the battery isn't being charged. I should have a second battery, it's on the to do on the boat list. The kicker died just as I pulled into the river. The starting battery had just enough power to start the kicker but not enough for the big motor to start and charge the starting battery.

I have no idea what has happened above. Can't seem to be able to delete it with edit feature.

Toolbox. In larger marine O/B's what we refer to as an alternator in a vehicles engine it is called a stator in a marine engine. same thing basically.

@ Scott Danforth I don't question often what you say here. Your depth of marine knowledge is unquestionable. But when you say a large boat can be moved with a weed whacker I assume or shall I say presume you jest. I'll leave my landscaping tools in the shed and use a marine engine to move my boat.

 

[Texasmark]

Our current boat is 19' and 2750 pounds dry. The kicker I have on my Panther bracket is a 5 HP Mercury Sail Pro. Its specific for sailboats and thus has a low pitch prop already installed. Also included is a generator with a cable that can be used to fire up a dead battery. They come in short, long and extra long shaft sizes to fit most applications.

One of the conveniences it that it has a built-in tank, OR you can attach a portable tank.

I have a quick detachable rod to facilitate steering. I run it about once a month just to keep her exercised.

Just today I had her running. Started 2nd pull. It was windy today, but nevertheless I can still turn port or stbd in no more than a couple of boat lengths. At 3/4 throttle I was able to make 6.2 mph gps.

Doesn't the Sail Pro also have a longer mid section allowing you to move your auxiliary mounting bracket higher which may facilitate less interference with other things, besides the tilt up when not in use brackets? Little sucker is clipping right along.

 

[Texasmark]

I really don't care about the looks of keeping it mounted permanently. More interested in it taking up room on the platform but it sounds like permanent mount is the way to go.
I'll get the distress flag but I would much rather be giving assistance than asking for it. I like to be prepared to help myself.

Anything in particular I need to be looking for or will any 8-15hp outboard do? I'm starting to watch FB marketplace for deals. I'm thinking I might be buying a small fishing boat just for the motor haha.

"I hear you if it is, as I age looks don't mean as much when it comes to my boat."

Big 10-4 on that. Nice to not have to be "picky" any more...on looks....performance is still king. I want my stuff running the way I want it to run or it's useless.

 

[barrelrolled]

We have a 6hp Suzuki DF6 kicker on our boat mainly used for trolling but the peace of mind is awesome. It has a pull start and it's own built in fuel tank. I like how it is completely independent from the boat's main systems. We boat in some pretty remote areas and it's nice to know we can probably get home slowly if we loose the main.

We are going to tie it in to the boats auxiliary tank with it's own fuel water separator but will keep the built in tank full in case of contaminated fuel. Suzuki does offer an alternator kit for $3-400 but it only puts out 5 amps and we haven't killed the battery yet running electronics while fishing for several hours on the kicker. I also carry a small automotive jump pack in the event the main won't start from a dead battery.

 

[JimS123]

The charging output on these small motors is so low that it would take a number of hours to charge a dead battery.
They certainly won't jump start the main engine.

The little guys have a generator, not an alternator. They should provide 14.5 volts to the battery which should start the main. Now, if the battery is dead dead, then you're outaluck.

 

[JimS123]

Doesn't the Sail Pro also have a longer mid section allowing you to move your auxiliary mounting bracket higher which may facilitate less interference with other things, besides the tilt up when not in use brackets? Little sucker is clipping right along.

I haven't kept up with the specifics because it changes all the time. Little Mercs are made by Tohatsu, so if you want something specific you may want to use one brand or the other.

In any event, the SailPro with correct pitch prop and generator was available in short, long or extra long shaft length (15, 20 or 25") in one or both brands.