Aux outboard issues

PacificNWrib · 22 February 2008, 14:23

I guess I need some wisdom from the forum. I have installed a 4 HP Mariner as a aux motor for my rib, but I have an issue with the tiller arm.

Any suggestions on fixing the problem? Or should I trade the 4 HP for a 2 HP Honda that has the throttle controls on the front. Then I wouldn't need the arm.

Thoughts and suggestions?

9D280 · 22 February 2008, 16:16

If I'm interpreting these pics correctly and you're steering it from the main steering gear, why not remove it, and replace it with a simple "lawnmower / Seagull" type throttle lever mounted on the connecting rod?

Tim M · 22 February 2008, 18:44

It's quite easy to remove the tiller arm. I'm sure you could work out a way of controlling it with the tiller arm removed by maybe adding a little lever or something. I saw an Arctic 22 once which had a 15hp aux which was coupled to the steering in the same way yours is. They had also connected it to a remote throttle which was mounted next to the main one in the same you would have two throttles for twin engines. Seemed like a very elaborate system.

PacificNWrib · 22 February 2008, 19:50

I should explain the issue more clearly. The tiller arm pinches with the main motor when I turn starboard. But if it were removed then I would have ample turning radius.

The only thing is controlling the throttle with it removed. I know them Yamaha models have a lever up front for the throttle. Can that be done on this motor?

Tim M · 22 February 2008, 19:53

Probably, if your good at modifying things. When you twist the throttle it pulls on a cable similar to the throttle cable on your main engine going to the control box on the console. I'm sure you could work out a way of controlling this using a small home-made lever.

PacificNWrib · 23 February 2008, 05:09

I wonder if I should skip the trouble and just go with the 2 HP. But would it be enough to troll with.

samt · 26 February 2008, 19:55

Get hold of a remote conversion kit, (you just need the throttle parts). This allows you to control the throttle with a lever on the side of the outboard. Then you can remove the tiller.

I left the tiller on mine (see pic below) as its used on various boats. You don't need the black bracket to hold the remote cables either.

PacificNWrib · 27 February 2008, 04:25

SamT,

Thanks for the info. Can you take more photos of the front of that motor? I wished I had seen that earlier. I swapped my 4 HP for a 2HP Honda. But if it turns out that it is not enough, I will go back to the 4 HP.

John

samt · 27 February 2008, 12:46

Hi John,

I'm at uni at the moment, and the outboards 200miles away so can't the picture your after, but I've found another on my computer, hope it helps.

I think you'll find the honda to be ok, but the 4hp would have perfect! That tohatsu would just plane my 4m RIB on flat water. That was before the boat was fitted out though, it wouldn't manage it now.

Chris · 28 February 2008, 20:39

Why bother with any of it. Looks far to complicated and fiddly, I have a 4HP aux on Danny Boy and just run it set straight then use the main outboard as a rudder, its very effective.

As for the throttle I leave it set at 3/4 to full and leave it until I need to slow down which seeing as I am only doing 4 knots max its fairly straight forward to walk back down the boat and turn it off

mike-stgt · 01 March 2008, 20:48

Hi there,
i think you don´t need the control.
With this small engine , you block it in the straight position and you can control it with the steering of the main engine.
Try it out. It should work.

Greetings from Germany
Mike

PacificNWrib · 03 March 2008, 15:51

I would agree about keeping the AUX in a fixed position. But sometimes when trolling I need to be able to make tight turns.

This past Saturday, I was able to test the Honda 2 HP and it performed better than I thought. On the Columbia river I was able to make it against current going about 4 mph on the GPS. So if I need to get to shore, at least I can make it or back to the launch, but it would take a long time. That is a lot better than being stranded.

Later that day on the lake, I was able troll for over 2 hours without running out of gas. I even had some to spair. With the throttle set barely over a quarter of the way, we were trolling inbetween 1-2 mph. Sometimes against some 10-15 mph wind gusts.

One thing I did notice is the aux mount is dragging when I am on a plane. I can feel a slight pull on the starboard side. I will need to either shorten the bracket or cut a notch in it to reduce the drag.

Next.... mounting the downrigger brackets