Advice on buying auxiliary engine please

[Pilgrim23]

Hi,
I just joined rib.net the other day and I'm looking for some good advice.
I recently bought a 14' rib with a Suzuki 25hp engine.
I'm wanting to take my family out soon but and thinking of getting a "get me home" back up engine.
Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced engine that would do the job.
That's in anticipation

[Nos4r2]

Whats the rib? What's going to be useful for you will be very dependant on how much space you have on the transom.

[Pilgrim23]

Hi Nos4r2
It's a 14' zodiac classic M2, Aliminium floor.
I plan doing a little diving and fishing.
I will be taking my 2 sons and grand daughter, so was wanting the comfort of a spare engine in case the Suzuki 25hp has any problems.
Mainly a safety issue for me.

[goearth]

A lightweight solution is a Torqeedo. We offer them at discounts to RIBNet members . We are RIBNet trade members. Contact me if you want more info.

Cheers, Martin

[Xk59D]

3.3 mercury would be my 1st choice if buying used very portable things.

If buying new you are stuck with 4 stroke which means you are limited what side you can put it on its side.

[goearth]

OK - no probs. Plus 4 stroke are heavier!

[Fenlander]

I'd never argue against anyone fitting an aux engine but so much depends on usage factors.

I have decades of experience on the sea and take safety for myself and the family very seriously.... but I don't use an aux engine on a SIB.

The factors I consider include...

Your own experience and that of those going with you.

The area you will launch into and operate in.

The sort of distances you expect to travel.

How populated the waters are where you will operate.

Your trust in the condition of your main engine.

Alternative means of propulsion (oars/paddles).

Means of contact i.e. marine vhf/mobile phone.

Means of alerting attention such as flares etc.


If you decide you do want an aux remember you have to trust its condition and servicing needs are as good as your main engine so it will start and run reliably if you need it.

Space is tight on SIBs and I agree with above that one of the Mercury 3.3hp types would suit as they are very narrow and lightweight. In fact these engines of this size were marketed between 2-3.3hp and by several makes inc Mariner, Mercury, Tohatsu, Suzuki etc.

Remember an aux is often not a "get you home" engine. Say if you have gone some distance at the cruising speed a 25hp will allow then anything in the 2-4hp range will be a very long slog home. Best to think of them as being able to hold you off getting deeper into trouble while you make decisions and/or as a means of getting to a nearer safe haven.

[Pilgrim23]

Hi Fenlander,
Excellent advice, I agree safety is paramount.
Thanks Xk59D, I'll do some internet searching for that type.
I'm not planning on going too far out of the coast, just a bit of lobster diving etc, and some fishing.
There will most of the time only be me and my wife onboard.
I'm just looking at getting the Suzuki serviced as my main priority.
It dificult finding out where to take it, and it's bloody heavy lol.
I'll see if I can find anyone to come out to me.

[Fenlander]

Do you have mechanical aptitude or service your cars? A 25hp 2-stroke OB is quite a simple beast to service. If you went that way there's plenty of advice to be had on here.

[Pilgrim23]

Yeh I can service a car, so might be the best bet to gather some info on here.
Also what would be the best 3.3 a short or long shaft?

[jeffstevens763@g]

Ive been bidding recently on two stroke 2-3 hp and they are silly money for old engines I think mainly because thier handy for large boat owners to throw on deck being so light so I am looking four stroke putting it on a bracket setting it back from the main for clearance but I still do long trips in remote areas without an AUX.

[Pilgrim23]

Where do you go

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim23

Yeh I can service a car, so might be the best bet to gather some info on here.
Also what would be the best 3.3 a short or long shaft?

As fenlander says not much to a service I had the blue and grey Suzuki 25 years ago went forever had to change fuel pump once. Keep the fuel clean spray WD40 under the cowel now and then to displace any water condensation, for what they cost change the fuel filter regular.
Short shaft you need for the AUX

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim23

Where do you go

Now days west coast of Scotland no crowds beautiful scenery always somewhere to get in if the weather turns foul, look up the gurnard on here his sibing adventures are the best great bloke knows his stuff and his vids are great for info as well as fantastic to watch, YouTube channel Donny Wilcox

[Pilgrim23]

Ok I'll take alook now.
Daft question but why a short shaft? I think the main is long?

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim23

Ok I'll take alook now.
Daft question but why a short shaft? I think the main is long?

Short if this is the boat
Ron Hale Marine Ltd - Zodiac MK 2 C Classic Sportsboat

[Fenlander]

Yep both now and in a brochure I have from over 10yrs ago the Classic took a short shaft OB.

Just to make sure nothing is unusual about yours before taking any buying decisions best to measure the transom.

[spartacus]

Used to run a Tohatsu 3.5hp 2-stroke long shaft on my Zodiac Pro 7-man Rib. Standard shaft will be fine on MkIIC Zodiac.

The outboard tilt mechanisms are a weak point on these engines, especially with vibration and navigating in a lumpy sea. I'd install a stainless steel eyelet through the floor near the transom, ensuring the surface below the floor is flush. You may want to add foam padding for additional protection. Tilt the engine and ratchet it down.

The fuel reservoirs on these engines are pretty small, so carry 5 litres of pre-mix. What you don't use can go into the main engine periodically so you're always using fresh.

Lastly, service it religiously regardless of how often you use it, including the pull starter rope (often overlooked).

[Pilgrim23]

Jeff this is it,
Zodiac Mark 2 Classic Heavy Duty (Aluminium Floor)

[Pilgrim23]

On the plate at the stern it says payload 1852