Discussion on backup motor

[louisvantonder]

Hi Guys.

I need some advice.

I have had my E rating skippers since 2011, but I've never gone to sea on my own. The vessel was/is a 4.3M Gemini RIB, single motor. Surveyed for 1NM.

The reasons for this was that my kids were too small and I did not want to take the risk of a 1 motor setup and an inexperienced skipper out at sea with two toddlers and a wife on board.

I recently upgraded to a 5.5m RIB, also single motor setup, and this time I think the boys are big enough to take out to 1NM for some fishing. The motor is an older Suzuki 115HP.

My biggest concern now is the single engine. If something goes wrong... what are my options? Rowing to the beach or port is pretty much a no-brainer in the "It will be interesting" department. Calling the NSRI?

I am playing with the idea of adding a small auxiliary/backup motor on the transom and only dropping it if the need ever arises. I am not looking to get the vessel on the plane, as that motor will surely be bigger than I want to hang as a backup on the transom. I want to go as small as possible in the backup motor category, with the hope of never really needing it and saving some space.

I did look for a vessel with a twin motor setup, but I could not find one in my price class. For now, I will have to make the single motor setup work. I am probably surveying the vessel this week, and I was going the Survey for R, but I am considering surveying for E on this vessel depending on what I can sort in the backup motor category.

I don't really have a pic of the transom setup on hand, but I reckon there should be space to fit a small motor.

So my questions are:

*What is the smallest HP backup motor I can get away with to at least get me to the shore or port?

*What other considerations should I take into account?

Thanks chaps.

 

[TimJan]

My honest opinion is rather sell the single 115 motor and look for 2 secondhand 50 or 55hp motors and rather put that on your boat.

Remember that things will only break in the worst conditions so plan for that. So 15km offshore with a 35km wind from the front a 20hp isn't gonna move you. So you end up giving yourself false sense of security as there is a "backup".

It is a BIG expense but there is a reason why deep sea boats have 2 proper motors.

 

[benniejordaan]

Wrong tool for the job I'm afraid.

I agree with Tim, Change to a 2 motor set up. 2X50 or 2X60HP motors.

 

[benniejordaan]

Just a side note, It is sometimes easier to sell the whole rig and buy another with 2 motors. A solid boat is also better for small kids, a lot safer because of the higher gunwales and more comfortable for the wife.

Just something to consider.

 

[louisvantonder]

Thanks for your input guys.

Shopping for two motors is not an option at this time. I have gone ahead and ordered a small kicker motor... For at least some measure of backup.

If I come across some nice twins in the future and the money is there at the time, I will take that step.

Cheers, and thanks again for input.

 

[louisvantonder]

Some feedback for those that are interested. I opted for a Parsun 5.8HP. I bought it new, and chose the 5.8 as it is smaller in form factor than the 10 or 15. (I have limited space on my transom due to my HUGE pontoons... and a 10 or 15 (even if I could make it fit), also won;t get me on plane...
I mounted the motor on an adjustable bracket to lift it up and drop it down into the water when needed.
I must admit, I am pleasantly surprised with this little motor's performance. I am still running it in, but man I have a smile on my face when cruising with the small little Parsun 5.8 .
Wind Up (enough wind to blow the boat back down stream), I get about 6km/h up wind on half throttle!
I also played around in the knysna heads, and I can move against the incoming / outgoing tide right where the heads start. (Lake side).
No current, or with the current, I get about 9-10 km/h on half throttle. I did try full throttle and it made exactly zero difference on my top speed going down stream. The little engine just revs higher ;-)
I am also quite chuffed that I can leave the main motor in the water and use it to steer! That was such an awesome discovery to be able to use my main steering wheel and do a cruise using the little Parsun. I have gone about 4km upstream in one direction, and it's not as slow as I expected it to be. I see myself using this little motor more as a means of getting around than a backup...
I could probably do a bit better on speed if I take the main motor out of the water... but the convenience of steering with it is just too good!
Thanks again for all the advice, I thought some would appreciate the feedback.

 

[louisvantonder]

pic

 

[louisvantonder]

pic

 

[benniejordaan]

Glad it works for you.