Aux engine

paulb33 · 24 July 2018, 06:55

With new RIB heading for service (RedBay 7.4m Suzuki 250) so begins my questioning (sorry). What are folks thoughts on aux engine set-up?

I see much debate on merits (or otherwise) of an auxiliary engine contingency. Having taken a “belt and braces” approach to the purchase (buy new and buy long...), my instinct is to carry an aux engine (as much for my passengers’ peace of mind). The kids know Dad is absolutely the type of dullard who drains a battery while fishing.

Again, I’m happy to invest cash up front on bullet proof kit that will see me through ten trouble-free seasons (until the kids have flown). Safety trumps all.

I sense this post screams “naive newbie” and “a fool and his money” but all pointers would be welcome.

Fender · 24 July 2018, 07:01

Here we go again!! lol

paulb33 · 24 July 2018, 07:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fender

Here we go again!! lol

Ah, yes: Fender. I’ve seen that you have strong opinions on the subject.

Really no need to rehash the “do I need an aux engine” debate (which I see has been done to death).

Let’s simply assume that I’m one of those occasional pleasure boaters with deep pockets that is thick as sh*t enough to be dangerous...and so needs mitigation from himself. And is also too reckless to accept the “then you shouldn’t be out on the water” statement.

Pointers on an aux would help. [emoji106]

Brian · 24 July 2018, 07:47

Consider your mounting position of the aux.
Consider fuel supply. A cause of a lot of main engine malfuntions.
Consider your starting method. Pull start is best. Electric start would be prone to (your!) running down the battery.

paulb33 · 24 July 2018, 07:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian

Pull start is best. Electric start would be prone to (your!) running down the battery.

Great point - thank you! [emoji119]

Fender · 24 July 2018, 08:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulb33

Ah, yes: Fender. I’ve seen that you have strong opinions on the subject.

Really no need to rehash the “do I need an aux engine” debate (which I see has been done to death).

Let’s simply assume that I’m one of those occasional pleasure boaters with deep pockets that is thick as sh*t enough to be dangerous...and so needs mitigation from himself. And is also too reckless to accept the “then you shouldn’t be out on the water” statement.

Pointers on an aux would help. [emoji106]

I’m ALL for safety at sea and I’m sure the relevant advise from people who run aux engines will be along soon and point you in the right direction.

I guess the last ‘discussion’ regarding the merits of a aux showed how fickle we all are, most boats (certainly pleasure craft ) don’t run them, the minority that do swear by them, who’s right? I suppose what ever floats your boat is the answer

Have fun on the water

Iron Dials · 24 July 2018, 08:06

Why not just ask Redbay for some advice?

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulb33

Pointers on an aux would help. [emoji106]

paulb33 · 24 July 2018, 08:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fender

most boats (certainly pleasure craft ) don’t run them :

Most boats lack my missus (“why don’t we have a spare engine, like that boat?” [emoji33])

Last Tango · 24 July 2018, 08:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fender

<<<< most boats (certainly pleasure craft ) don’t run them, the minority that do swear by them, who’s right? >>>

I think this maybe depends where you boat from.

I'd have said the opposite. On the west coast and the boats I've seen in east coast harbours (eg Stonehaven, Anstuther..) mostly have got aux engines.

If you're cruising in company it's not an issue but otherwise I wouldn't go far without one.

Fender · 24 July 2018, 08:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Last Tango

I think this maybe depends where you boat from.

I'd have said the opposite. On the west coast and the boats I've seen in east coast harbours (eg Stonehaven, Anstuther..) mostly have got aux engines.

If you're cruising in company it's not an issue but otherwise I wouldn't go far without one.

Ever get the feeling of Deja-vu! lol

Nordburg2001 · 24 July 2018, 08:39

Better looking at it and not needing it than looking for it and not having it!

paulb33 · 24 July 2018, 08:49

STOP [emoji113]. I’m getting an auxiliary engine. Question is, which (pull start) to get me home from a short trip to the Galway islands on a laden 7.4 RedBay.

Nordburg2001 · 24 July 2018, 08:51

Lol, ok.. forgot what your original question was after reading a few comments [emoji23]

Brian · 24 July 2018, 08:59

Most replies seem to be "to have or not to have".
OP seems to be convinced by Mrs. OP that he does, so the choice is which one, not to have or not.

If I may expand.
A two stroke will require a petrol mix. Does your main fuel supply already have this mix? If not then a separate fuel container, already mixed is required. It may be required anyway if your problem is contaminated fuel.
A four stroke does not need a petrol/oil mix. Does your Suzuki use premix? It MAY work off your main supply if that is not contaminated and is not premixed.

As I said previously, electricity is something one can do little about. Carry a spare battery?? Twin up your existing battery arrangement??
Or, buy an aux with pull start. I had a 60hp Honda which was surrisingly easy to pull start (although 60 is too much)-I defer to others on how many horses you need-but 1hp per metre of length seems to be the recommendation to get you vaguely out of trouble/give you some form of steerage/stagger slowly somewhere.

Both for fuel and power, if you are thinking to use your "main" supplies, then you need to consider your fuel feed/wiring arrangements.

Must lie down now my brain hurts.

paulb33 · 24 July 2018, 09:07

Quote:

OP seems to be convinced by Mrs. OP that he does.

Must lie down now my brain hurts.

[emoji120] [emoji23]. And great point on the twin battery setup. I’m trying to mitigate fuel contamination so it’s best keeping the supply separate.

paulb33 · 24 July 2018, 09:09

Quote:

Why not just ask Redbay for some advice?

It seems that RedBay sit in Fender’s camp. They can’t recall ever fitting one...and question whether it’ll even fit.

beamishken · 24 July 2018, 09:20

Ive got a similar size & weight boat a 7.4 delta i tried a 5 hp yam and it pushed it in calm conditions but decided to settle on an 8 yam
For me it no question had to be an old school two stroke. They survive better when left not used & are easier to store and fix when they do go wrong.
Im diesel so needed to carry another tank anyway so the fuel wasnt an issue.
Downside is you need to buy used or find a supplier of new "none compliant" commercial 2 strokes.
Size wise I'd go 8 or 9.9
Or if you can find a 9.8 tohatsu two stroke that would be a good option

Fender · 24 July 2018, 09:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulb33

It seems that RedBay sit in Fender’s camp. They can’t recall ever fitting one...and question whether it’ll even fit.

That made my day!

But if its what you want, if it makes you happy and reassures you when out on the water, then do it

You just need an adult to come along and advise you on the right set-up

paulb33 · 24 July 2018, 09:45

Quote:

You just need an adult to come along and advise you on the right set-up

I covet your wisdom (and diplomacy), Fender.

spartacus · 24 July 2018, 09:50

Sorted.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/boats-kaya...tor/1307124343

Buy it and get it on a pallet. Replace gear oil, pull cord, sparks, etc. Possibly one of our Ribnet colleagues down south can check it out and do a compression test?