Auxiliary outboard advice

gareth9702 · 01 January 2015, 15:10

I planned to buy a foldable mounting bracket so I could have an auxiliary outboard on my Revenger. I then read the very critical thread on these brackets (a tendency to break). What advice/experience do people have? Being able to add an auxiliary was one of my main motives for buying larger. Photos of alternatives would be greatly appreciated.

DJL · 01 January 2015, 16:03

Those brackets are very flimsy, ok for Yachts etc, but my experience is they do break on powerboats and especial ribs

When I had an aux I just mounted it directly on the transom

Bern Hanreck · 01 January 2015, 17:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJL

Those brackets are very flimsy, ok for Yachts etc, but my experience is they do break on powerboats and especial ribs

When I had an aux I just mounted it directly on the transom

+1 What he said !

Neil Harvey · 01 January 2015, 19:58

What Dan said, mine broke going along, was lucky it didn't cause a bad accident

Neil Harvey · 01 January 2015, 20:01

If you have to fit one, carry the aux in boat and deploy if needed, not ideal but safer imo. Preferably sling over transom or fit a fixed bracket like bedajim did. I started a thread on here a few years ago jim put a pic in there.

BruceB · 01 January 2015, 20:10

I had a cantilever bracket on mine however you do need to strap it down tightly to stop bouncing which is what breaks things

gareth9702 · 01 January 2015, 20:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil Harvey

If you have to fit one, carry the aux in boat and deploy if needed, not ideal but safer imo. Preferably sling over transom or fit a fixed bracket like bedajim did. I started a thread on here a few years ago jim put a pic in there.

It was probably your thread that I read. It seemed to be more focussed on what was wrong with brackets. I was hoping for a more positive thread of good experiences. 😊

cjj216 · 02 January 2015, 09:46

I'd go with Neil's advice. I mount mine directly on to transom but back to front - with the aux leg in boat and one of those small thule cargo straps to keep the leg from bouncing around.

Some will tell you that when you need the aux you could be in a position where time is of the essence. I've practiced taking mine off and turning around in fairly rough stuff and the whole faff takes less than a minute including getting it started.

I'd like to think I'm always more than a minute away from imminent danger so this set up is fine with me. If your ribbing involves being very close to rocks in rough seas/fast tides this may not work.

When going through the swellies i keep my fingers crossed!

gareth9702 · 03 January 2015, 07:46

Thanks for all the comments. They are very helpful.

Back to front on the transom? That seems simple, but inspired. I expect it will work well for me because the leg will be alongside the A-frame which will allow a good strap to be fitted.

My ribbing activities depend on who is helming. I prefer to travel close inshore to enjoy the scenery and anchor in small coves. My younger daughter prefers to head "straight out" until land disappears. I also fish while drifting, and have often wondered what I would do if the engine failed to re-start.

Nos4r2 · 03 January 2015, 08:30

Some brackets are better than others. No issues with mine-it's carrying half what it's rated to in HP, and 1/3 of the rated weight.

Overspec massively and it should be ok-but go for a wooden pad to clamp the motor to and varnish it yourself before you use it. Plastic pads break.

BogMonster · 03 January 2015, 08:47

Mine sits on the transom all the time. I don't know if the Merc 4hp is just naturally well balanced or what, but it doesn't seem to bounce at all, seems quite happy without being strapped to anything.