Electric Tthrust to Gas Hp Conversion.. How

[ridiver]

I'm still in my quest to get a backup motor capable of bringing me the two miles (max) back to shore in the event of an main engine failure. <br /><br />So my questions for you all:<br /><br />1.) Am I nuts for considering a minn kota as a backup. It would have it's own bat(s)<br /><br />2.) What is the Hp to Thrust conversion formula?<br /><br />3.) How much thrust should I be looking for?<br /><br /><br />thanks again...<br /><br /><br />

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: Electric Tthrust to Gas Hp Conversion.. How

1.) Are you in a river or lake (any current or wind to work against)?<br /><br />2.) What kind of boat will you be pushing with a backup motor?<br /><br />As a kid, I used a minnkota 32 lb thrust to "troll" a lake over 8 miles long, so that I could bass fish the perimeter. I ran it at less than 50% of the throttle setting, but I would use it for 8 hours straight, and fish over 16 miles of shoreline, and still have 50% battery charge showing on the motor at the end of the day. I used the motor on rental 16 ft. wooden boats that were very heavy.

 

[ridiver]

Re: Electric Tthrust to Gas Hp Conversion.. How

Sea Dawg:<br /><br />Location: Rhode Island Ocean or Salt Pond (2 miles offshore max)<br /><br />Boat: 19 Foot Angler Bowrider 1978 ~1600lb (guess), 120 Force. <br /><br />thanks

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: Electric Tthrust to Gas Hp Conversion.. How

With ocean and tide and current, I would not personally rely on an electric as backup.<br /><br />It would be better than nothing at all, but a small gas engine would be much better.<br /><br />But the best situation is what I try to do, and that is fish with another boat nearby (one of my friends). <br /><br />We carry the FRS radios, and it works out great.

 

[ridiver]

Re: Electric Tthrust to Gas Hp Conversion.. How

...but fishing with someone else would require giving up where the secret fishing spot is. I don't want to be forced to make a decision between my life and my fishing spot. I may not like the outcome. <br /><br />I know I have asked before, but a 5 hp motor just became available. I wanted a 6 to 8 hp but the price for the 5hp ain't so bad.

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: Electric Tthrust to Gas Hp Conversion.. How

I'd go for the 5 over an electric any day. I had a 6hp kicker on my 19' Glasply, and it pushed it OK. And just think how long you could run it on a 3.5 gallon tank!