Auxilary outboard or not?

[basher28]

Hi
I am currently still fixing up my 17ft cabin cruiser for fishing/pleasure which will only be used at sea (inshore). It is rated for 50hp max which is a tohatsu 50hp. the boat has a mount for an auxilary outboard.

My question is, do i need an auxilary outboard?
My boat is heavy on the back with the 50, and was thinking about getting between 6 - 10hp auxilary o/b which i could not have anything heavier. but i know for a fact that if the weather changes and wind builds up i doubt it will move the boat to at least a safer point within the marina where my boat is stored.

I never plan to travel more then 3 miles out or 10 miles along the coast but if the main o/b fails then i would have to rely on local boats or the RNLI.

So would there be a point in having an auxilary outboard at all because it will weigh the back down more and not move the boat in rough weather or should i have one because i only ever go out when the sea is like a mirror but still that can all change 3 miles from the coast.

The mania i am at, there is 25ft sailing boats with little 6hp outboards attached to the railings on the stern,

I am a bit confused and would like to thank you for all your responses in advance, If you require any more information please let me know and i will give as much details as possible

 

[JimS123]

Re: Auxilary outboard or not?

No you don't NEED an aux. You don't NEED a spare tire for your car either, but its a nice thing to have.

Personally, I don't go offshore, but I often travel more than 60 miles in a day, and much of that is in visual sight of Niagara Falls.

The last time I went out without an aux was 1970 - the day the brand new main broke down.

Your choice...

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Auxilary outboard or not?

While Tohatsu engines have a reputation for getting you there and back, "Failing to plan is planning to fail." Get it? Remember, A kicker that small does not necessarily need to be permanently mounted ON the transom. It can be stored elsewhere. At one time I kept mine on the floor of a 15 foot boat.

The BEST money I ever spent was on a little 8 HP kicker. The freak accident was I snapped a prop shaft while returning home. I fired up the kicker and although it took over 2 hours to reach the ramp, the point is that I got there. And, while I was moving, even slowly, the wife was calm.

So you decide : Do you want to risk drama?

 

[basher28]

Re: Auxilary outboard or not?

Thankyou for your replies very much appreciated, think i will go for a 12 hp 2 stroke and just store it in the cabin.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Auxilary outboard or not?

Adding the extra kicker to your boat is a really nice feature to have. Back up power if the main motor breaks down, and then trolling using less gas are another great reasons to have one. Most folks just carry tow insurance if they are looking for peace of mind, others add the kicker, all up to you. I have a 19 foot speed/fishing boat and added a trolling (electric) motor to the bow. I does 2 things, saves gas trolling for walleye, and will get me home if my main outboard takes a dump. I also have towing insurance for the water. Personal choice.