Choosing an Auxiliary Outboard Motor

Important matters to don't forget while shopping for or installing an auxiliary outboard motor.

whether you need a kicker for trolling or for the redundant protection of a get-domestic motor, an auxiliary outboard motor paired with a unmarried number one engine makes experience for a variety of boaters. right here are a few belongings you must look for, whether or not you're shopping for an auxiliary outboard or thinking about the way to installation one.

excessive Thrust

maximum engine makers provide uniqueness engines with lower gear ratios, equipped with larger diameter propellers designed to offer greater control at low speeds. these fashions range to 60 hp, designed as number one energy for gradual vessels inclusive of traditional pontoons. however, most engines in auxiliary service are nine.nine or 15 hp, and even smaller, non-excessive-thrust models can be used.

Transom Mount

a few boats, including Walleye fashions, could have transoms geared up to simply accept the direct set up of an auxiliary outboard, permitting the kicker to tilt and trim. Smaller auxiliaries may be clamped onto a few transoms, but we endorse thru-bolting because the most secure mounting method. in case you do clamp, be sure to include a safety cable. Auxiliary engines do not go with the flow.

Bracket Mount

larger boats and maximum fiberglass saltwater fashions would require using a bracket bolted to the transom to mount the auxiliary engine. most engine brackets are spring-loaded fashions; the heavy spring makes it less difficult to raise and lower the outboard. make certain to examine the throw of the bracket spring to the transom top at the mounting region and the shaft length of the engine before installing. outboard motor covers

advertisement

Direct manage

in many applications, particularly for auxiliary outboards set up directly on the transom, the tiller controls of the auxiliary outboard itself can take care of engine beginning, throttle and steerage. This calls for the skipper to sit down or stand aft in the corner of the boat wherein the kicker is established.

faraway manipulate

Many small engines can be outfitted with faraway controls, just like the large engine. In these installations, the tiller cope with is removed from the outboard, making for a purifier, extra compact set up, and the throttle may be positioned on the boat's helm. steerage may be completed by way of using the nonrunning (primary) motor as a rudder, having a mate steer, or becoming a mechanical or electric powered guidance device.

Shaft length

similar to your number one engine, your auxiliary ought to be established so that its anti-air flow plate is despite the boat's bottom. due to your boat's V form, an auxiliary mounted to the aspect of your primary engine will want a shaft duration that suits the transom top at the mounting region in place of the most transom height.

advertisement

Weight

Be careful of the delivered weight of an auxiliary outboard. Too heavy a motor can make a small boat dangerous or reason list and drainage issues aboard large boats. location sandbags or buckets of water close to the installation area to replicate the weight, and then see how it influences your boat.

short Tip: put on the engine kill-transfer lanyard when operating an auxiliary outboard.