Auxiliary motor size

[Daniel1520]

Greetings from South Africa

I just bought a 4.5m rib with a 40 on the back.

I have no intention of going out in winds over 10 knots.

I need an auxiliary, though, that could nusre me back home in 20 knot winds in a worst-case scenario.

Would a 15hp suffice?

Thanks

[Pikey Dave]

15hp is main engine size for some 4.5m RIBs. I doubt you’d fit an 15hp alongside your main engine on an 4.5m RIB transom. Accepted wisdom for auxiliaries is 1hp/m of boat. So a 4-5HP would suit your needs.

[Daniel1520]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

15hp is main engine size for some 4.5m RIBs. I doubt you’d fit an 15hp alongside your main engine on an 4.5m RIB transom. Accepted wisdom for auxiliaries is 1hp/m of boat. So a 4-5HP would suit your needs.

Thanks so much! Even to get back from 15 nautical out at sea in 20knot winds?

[Pikey Dave]

Eventually

[Peter_C]

I have a 4.5m RIB and use a 5HP kicker. With such a small boat the boats butt gets heavy. Lighter is better. It moves my boat along at 5MPH, and even though I have a very narrow transom with a deep V there is just enough room for it, and the bonus is I can trim the main up, and steer with the main from the helm. More comfortable for those 4 hour jaunts, all the while getting back to the marina after dark, when the main goes down...or so I hope to never find out.