2hp enough for 14ft RIB?

SpearRib · 11 January 2015, 04:35

Would a axillary 2hp 2 stroke be strong enough to get back to shore pushing a 14ft glass bottom RIB?

Peter_C · 11 January 2015, 04:51

Yes. Mounting it may or may not be a challenge. Some people have even mounted it above the tube, then outboard of the tube when in use.

They are super light! I have a 1970's 2 HP Evinrude.

SpearRib · 11 January 2015, 06:05

i thought it might struggle against tide and say a 15knot wind, but they are so cheap used.

3.3hp are generally more knew here and cost too much.

for the price of some oars (not that we have row locks) we can get a 2hp old but reliable.

only issue is getting fuel into it while at sea from the main tote, never a safe or easy job, especially if a swell. any tips?

Neil Harvey · 11 January 2015, 08:16

Rule of thumb for an aux is 1hp per metre length of boat. I think 2hp may struggle as you suggest.

Poly · 11 January 2015, 10:56

I can move my 13ft boat with an old 2HP johnson 2 stroke. It is certainly not quick (I've never measured actual speed) - probably walking speed. I'm not sure it has enough oomph to move it against any real sea. I'm sure the prop selection is far from ideal for what we are asking it to do which won't help. I don't think wind is so much of a problem as waves - it really won't want to push it "uphill".

In terms of fuelling it, bear in mind that many problems with the "main" engine are fuel related; ideally you'd have a separate small tank for the aux. A 2HP won't use much fuel underway: less than a litre an hour. Since most have a 1L internal tank I don't think refuelling underway needs to be a problem - but it you really wanted to you could pump if from the main tank using the primer bulb (with the normal end removed or a suitable fitting attached to open it). Many of the really cheap 2HPs round here are premix 2 stroke - so you'll need to add oil too - so need a way to estimate the volume of petrol added.

SpearRib · 11 January 2015, 18:55

i think a 3.3 would be a better option perhaps.

Peter_C · 12 January 2015, 06:20

Although for SIB's, much of the information applies to RIB's too.

http://www.rib.net/forum/f50/need-fo...sib-60215.html

SpearRib · 12 January 2015, 06:33

interesting thread. i dont have oars as the caribes dont come with row locks as they are just too big. they come with long paddles, which are useless for getting back to shore if you are 1km out, ok for launching etc.

im wondering if there is any way to temporary mount an auxillary without a proper mount, so i dont have to drill more holes in my transom.

SpearRib · 12 January 2015, 08:29

i dont know if a longshaft 2hp would even reach the water on the back of my ship. going to have to get some measurements.

what are peoples thoughts, radio or auxillary more important? keeping in mind i have no oars/row locks.

Poly · 12 January 2015, 08:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpearRib

what are peoples thoughts, radio or auxillary more important? keeping in mind i have no oars/row locks.

Radio, radio, radio.

Peter_C · 12 January 2015, 18:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

Radio, radio, radio.

Make that a DSC equipped VHF radio that floats and I fully agree.

Paddles get used often on my boat in shallow water, including yesterday.

Always have a good anchor setup too, so you can stop your drift if needed.

SpearRib · 12 January 2015, 19:06

Keeping in mind I can only get a hand held radio, still better than an Aux engine?

I guess an aux sitting in the boat would be a pain and I have no room on the transom to perma mount it.

Poly · 12 January 2015, 19:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpearRib

Keeping in mind I can only get a hand held radio, still better than an Aux engine?

Yes. I have an aux - I rarely take it with me (its a smelly old thing, not that reliable, and has the usual storage issues). I never go without my h/held vhf.

There are many ways to get in the shit which an aux wont really help with: sinking, a fire, MOB, medical emergency, even getting entangled in a pot marker, running out of fuel, another boat needing help that's too big for you to tow...

SpearRib · 12 January 2015, 20:42

good points. you also forgot white pointers biting through each of my chambers, although i think the double skinned hull will stil stay afloat haha.

yep sounds like radio is a must.

Poly · 12 January 2015, 21:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpearRib

good points. you also forgot white pointers biting through each of my chambers, although i think the double skinned hull will stil stay afloat haha.

fortunately I don't have to worry about them... ...but if I did then think this would be even more true:

Quote:

yep sounds like radio is a must.

SpearRib · 12 January 2015, 21:23

there is a video on youtube of a documentary presenter talking about white pointers, when one comes up and bites the tube, no joke, you should watch it. funny as.