Backup outboard

jonny_s

jonny_s

Well-known member
Since buying my boat late last year there has been a seemingly endless list of jobs and additions she needs to ensure comfort and safety before this season starts. I managed to buy a 4 man life raft ( serviced until 2027 ) recently and now only need an outboard just in case my main engine fails or there is a problem with the prop.

Can anyone recommend a model small and light enough to stow away but man enough to move a merry fisher 695 approx. 7m I am not looking for speed just something to keep me safe and capable of moving slowly into wind and tide. I am a fair weather sailor and doubt I would ever be out in in serious weather by choice.

I have been seriously considering an electric outboard. Very light but needing at least 2 batteries, some of these claim between 4-7hp but I'm not sure its realistic.

I would be very interested in your thoughts.

Thanks

Jon
 
Big well done on the life raft...not many pleasure anglers have one of those!! Sorry I can't help on outboard...but a thought born out of absolutely no knowledge would be to keep away from electric!!! Good luck!!!
 
I had a 4hp Mariner outboard for my 645. It was a long shaft version that lived in a locker on polystyrene blocks next to the liferaft and could be lifted out and fitted to a fixed bracket on the stern. Watch-out that it needs to be stored upright or lying on one specific side to avoid oil leaks.

In the calm of the marina it would push the boat along at about 3 knots which would be a bit feeble when fighting against wind, waves and tide.

If you want lightness then look for a 2-stroke motor which would need to be second hand as they are so polluting they aren’t sold to leisure users now.

Sub 3.5hp engines often don’t come with gears so there is a step up in weight and usability at 4hp. Mariner engines and several other makes use the same block and change the carb and throttle linkages for their 4, 5 and 6HP motors so the weight is the same but they have more grunt. They use the same trick on 8 and 10hp motors too but they are getting a bit heavy to heave out of a locker and over the side onto a bracket in a moving boat.

If I bought another backup for the previous boat I’d go for at least a 6hp.
 
I'd think you'd need 6hp or more to be effective? Also having to mount and then start a stored outboard in an emergency would be an added risk and delay.....not what I'd recommend personally! Is it not feasible to have it mounted on a transom bracket prior to launch/departure? Sepetate fuel supplies are also a must👍
 
Back
Top