Auxillary motor?

ArdusFlyer · 17 August 2016, 14:49

Apols if this is a stupid question but would anyone consider using one of these as an auxillary on a sib / frib. Less than 10kg and it looks like it could get you in faster than rowing speed in case of main engine failure?

£178 quid.

https://www.athleteshop.co.uk/aquapa...GFtRoCck_w_wcB

Nos4r2 · 17 August 2016, 15:01

The idea of an auxiliary is that it's the one that starts no matter what. I wouldn't expect a chinese lawnmower motor to do that, and I wouldn't expect it to stand up to salt spray at all.

It'd make a good anchor...

jeffstevens763@g · 17 August 2016, 19:18

i would buy one for a SIB/small rib no question better that oars but i would store it in a waterproof bag till needed then i would consider if it was kn---ed £178 got me home or safe but if you have room and the money buy a 2.5 @ £500 from the big names more power and will stand up to the elements.about budget really or can you wait until you can afford it, there's a mechanical hand prop thing around too thats about £100.

cheers

ArdusFlyer · 17 August 2016, 20:52

Yeah. It was really the weight i was thinking about. I think the 2.5 or 3.5 hp motors from the big brands are a fair bit more than 9.8kg.

Nos4r2 · 17 August 2016, 21:17

Most 2 stroke 2hp motors from the big manufacturers will be light enough.

jeffstevens763@g · 18 August 2016, 12:32

you could get a secondhand 2.5 mariner or suzuki @ 13 kg from Ron hale marine £300-350

spartacus · 18 August 2016, 13:55

A short-shaft 2-stroke Tohatsu or Mariner 3.5hp (with integral fuel tank) would be perfect. Ideally you want to mount on the transom. All these outboards have a weak point in the tilt, so strapping the engine when tilted to a fixed point on the floor or transom U bolt would help.

Poly · 20 August 2016, 09:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArdusFlyer

Yeah. It was really the weight i was thinking about. I think the 2.5 or 3.5 hp motors from the big brands are a fair bit more than 9.8kg.

That in itself tells you something - companies with brands to protect are making more "substantial" offerings. As a rule, small engines don't like being neglected in a damp environment and then expected to come to life quickly. Of course aux engines need to be reliable, otherwise they are pointless.

Having said all that if you can afford to risk the money as an experiment it would be interesting so see how these engines actually perform and last as I don't think I've seen or heard of anyone with one.

idsebby · 20 August 2016, 15:23

How many people have had their strimmer engine crap out on them. These are basically the same thing? Simple little motors with little to go wrong. However once combined with salt water all that flies out the window! I would say as long as it's cleaned and stored dry it should be fine.

jeffstevens763@g · 20 August 2016, 16:25

My strimer is 2 st this is 4st pretty quite made of aluminium and strong plastic I would say looked after and stored in a bag it will be fine ideal for canoes too

beamishken · 20 August 2016, 23:05

I suppose if it doesn't start when you need it which is highly likely then you could use it as an anchor to stop you drifting into trouble
I rather buy a 20 or 30 year old 2.5 two stroke for more money than trust one of those

Nos4r2 · 21 August 2016, 07:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by idsebby

How many people have had their cheap chinese strimmer engine crap out on them.

My bold.

I've never had more than 2-3 hours runtime out of a cheap strimmer/hedge trimmer before it's had a fault that's confined it to the scrap pile-usually because the build quality is so bad that it's impossible to dismantle without damaging it or the parts cost more than it's worth.

idsebby · 21 August 2016, 22:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

My bold.

I've never had more than 2-3 hours runtime out of a cheap strimmer/hedge trimmer before it's had a fault that's confined it to the scrap pile-usually because the build quality is so bad that it's impossible to dismantle without damaging it or the parts cost more than it's worth.

I suppose that's why I asked the question. Never bought a cheap one myself. Sthil should start making these!!

shedsmith · 25 August 2016, 12:54

Sorry Stihl is not still the same. I know of at least two recent Stihl whipper snappers that are both dead, their new design has made servicing near impossible. Don't get me wrong "a poor man pays twice" I prove it regularly. The proof is in the pudding, at least prove it where it's safe, they'd be great on a canoe. I own a Chinese post hole auger, blew the gear box bearings, new bearings $40 on site, new gear box $69 I think with a 6 week wait, on to my second carby their $30. It's been going for years done heaps of work, I run it rich as it it's under load, and it can still dislocate your elbow, arm and shoulder not a bad piece of cheap crap.

Stigomery · 25 August 2016, 15:02

My Stihl strimmer is a bugger to start 9 times out of 10 and I often give up and get out the hedge clippers instead... I'd not be trusting some cheap Chinese strimmer-cum-outboard for an "emergency"... ever...

My back-up (if I ever take one) is a 12v, 55lb trolling motor... but only because I already own one for my canoe otherwise as others have said, new 2-3hp branded OBM all the way!

kaman · 27 August 2016, 01:05

Yup, I entrust my auxiliary power plant - either a 2.5hp 4 stroke Suzuki or a slightly lighter 2.2hp Suzuki 2 stroke. Both very reliable - in fact 100% reliable neither failed to start when asked upon.
But neither has my main power source - a 2010 Tohatsu 20hp 4 stroke.