Auxiliary outboard

[sunrider500]

What would be the minimum HP to use as an auxiliary with a 5 metre RIB to get home in an emergency ?
Bombard Sunrider 500 + Suzuki 60

[jeffstevens763@g]

bigger the better but you will be stuck for room along side your 60hp i had a 4hp on my 6m rib not a get you home a get you out of trouble.rule is 1 hp/m

[VanillaIceCream]

I had a 6hp aux motor on a sailboat, but it would not push enough against the outgoing tide in some areas of the waterways. I would have to wait for the tide to change.

I upgraded to a 20hp aux outboard and was able to go against the tides, but still slow, the tidal current was very fast.

I would say a 9-15hp, but consider is your goal to get back to the dock or just keep off the rocks without a tow?

[spartacus]

Ideally 5hp would give you peace of mind. I've got a Mariner 4hp squeezed in next to my main engine on my Ribcraft 4.8m. I'm under no illusion it may not necessarily get me home if it's blowing a gale, but it gives you options.

Seamark Nunn have a Suzuki 5hp 2-stroke long shaft here: http://www.seamarknunn.co.uk/download/usedob/used.pdf

[ISLANDRIBBER]

I used a 3.3 tohatsu 2 stroke on my old 5.2m Zodiac, would push it along about 4knts so not ideal but light and not too bulky. I rigged up a mount for it behind one of the jockeys as there wasn't enough room on the transom. With ribs this size its always a compromise.