Auxiliary engine

[what66]

Hi I need advice I have a 14ft invader with a 55hp evinrude.<br />What I want to know is what would be a good size for a backup engine I don't fish so I don't need to troll I just want abackup in case my main engine goes down.<br />It hapend just last week I was stuck on the lake for 2 hours until I got towed back in I don't want to go thorught that again.<br />I only boat on inland waters any help would be great.<br />thanks.<br />

 

[OBJ]

Re: Auxiliary engine

Probably a 9.9 or 15 mounted to the side would do you well what66. Or if room is at a premium, go smaller. All ya' need is motive power to get home. I was surprised by how well a 6hp pushed by fishin' buds' boat for trolling. His is a 18' Sea Nymph. Pushed it really well.<br /><br />Hope ya' find somethin'.....gettin' stuck aint' fun...

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Auxiliary engine

Not big, a 2.5 to a 5 would be fine.

 

[gsbodine]

Re: Auxiliary engine

The best solution is probably what OBJ said, but if you want the cheapest route, an electric trolling motor will work on most calm inland waters. I could use my TM as a kicker if I had to. It sure ain't fast, but I use it for fishing anyway and it makes me feel better to know that I *could* get back if I had to. You'd probably want to pony up for another battery to be safe, but it would still come out cheaper than most small gas motors. You could get the motor and another battery for around $200. I doubt you could find a decently reliable 10 or 15 HP gas for that (if you can, let me know ).<br /><br />Good luck,<br />ON

 

[Solittle]

Re: Auxiliary engine

A 5 or 6 hp would get my vote. A 9.9-15 would be on the heavy side.

 

[what66]

Re: Auxiliary engine

I do have a spare 15hp johnson but I'm concerned abouht putting to much weight on the stearn.<br />Right now I have a 25hp evinrude on it my 55 hp<br />I never had it on the water with my main engine it weights more than my 25 at full power my 25hp got me up to 17.5 mph and had a lot of bow rise.<br />I would like to use my 15 as my spare but I'm worried it might add to much weight.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Auxiliary engine

i always say go with the 10% rule, get a small 5hp

 

[youngboater]

Re: Auxiliary engine

I use a 8 on a 16'.5". I would think a 5 or 6 would do well.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Auxiliary engine

5 horse more than enough (I agree with the trolling motor though..store it in a ski locker). I have a 5 on my 20 footer, and even a 5 1/2 old Johnny on my 24 foot 5000 lb that will work if the tides are right!

 

[what66]

Re: Auxiliary engine

Thanks for the advice I just bought a tn-28 5hp johnson that i'm going to use.<br />as for the trolling motor I do have one but I don't like the idea of being stuck with a dead battery and no way to get back.<br />the 5 I got weighs the same as a spare battery would.