backup motor, oars, or tow

[bigdawggie]

Hi All,

I have an 18' 1971 Kona speed boat with a 77 merc 1500 outboard and am afraid of it dying in the middle of a lake someday. My question is how do you guys prepare for that scenario?

do you have a set of oars, a trolling motor, or have the tow service on speed dial?

I was looking at some trolling motors and could pickup a used one for a couple hundred bucks I was thinking to store it under my bow since it is closed. Is it worth it and what should I be looking for as far as thrust from the trolling motor?

Thanks

 

[JCF350]

Re: backup motor, oars, or tow

Why buy used? A 55lb. thrust motor would be fine except in windy conditions for an 18' footer. Just be sure to have enough battery.
http://www.iboats.com/ENDURA_TRANSO...98407776--**********.191667041--view_id.52239


Or you can splurge and get one of these.
http://www.iboats.com/MINN_KOTA_E_D...98407776--**********.191667041--view_id.52243

Always have a paddle any way.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: backup motor, oars, or tow

i use seatow, but it is not available everywhere, vhf radio, cell phone. it also is the law, that if you see a disabled vessel, that you stop and render assistance. flag down another boat, they are obligated to help in any way they can. does not mean they will do it. several weeks ago, i had to come in with my electric bow mount. but it was a small lake.

 

[Bondo]

Re: backup motor, oars, or tow

Ayuh,......

And a Paddle is Required Safety equipment.......

 

[chicknwing]

Re: backup motor, oars, or tow

I keep paddles on my boat...enough for everyone on board to help(4)

 

[F_R]

Re: backup motor, oars, or tow

Sort of depends on how far you plan to go. I go miles down-river and it would take fourty forevers to get back upstream with a trolling motor. I have a 3hp outboard for an auxillary. Problem with that is most people don't maintain them and it won't run if you ever do need it. I keep fresh gas and start it before each trip downriver. Been doing that for years, and have never needed it. But SOMEday....

 

[bigdawggie]

Re: backup motor, oars, or tow

bond-o - Is a paddle really REQIURED safety eqiupment? i need to get one if that's the case. P.S. id that for every state I am in california.

I will mainly be taking my 4 and 6 year olds to the lake near my house which probably only has about 8 miles of shoreline so I won't be too far from launch.

If I head to the river I will be with a group of boats so no problem there either.

Are the electric trolling motors maintenance free for the most part other than keeping it clean?

Thanks

 

[Solittle]

Re: backup motor, oars, or tow

It kinda depends on where you do your boating. I would want something different if I were on an inland lake versus the Gulf Stream.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: backup motor, oars, or tow

I always thought paddle was required safety equip as well and always have a couple. that being said... no trolling motor... often wind up 20, 30 or more miles from where I put in... and often wind up not seeing many or even any other boats nearby depending on time of the year. Been planning to call seatow (works here). Last time I was stranded, I got lucky, a guy in a little bitty hydrostream with a great big old 2-stroke outboard towed me in to te closest ramp and took off with his bow pointed at the sky after my g-friend got there to pick me up and take me to get my truck and trailer from where I left it. I ran her off, so i guess I better make an alternative plan this year, eh?

 

[phwrd]

Re: backup motor, oars, or tow

I am boating in Tampa Bay and the waters off of the coast. Have a 19-20 foot v-hull. Right now, an extra 6 gallon of fuel and a Sea Tow card and paddle is what i carry.

Would like to add a "kicker" or extra small motor (8-10 hp) on a mount as backup. But i settle for filling each tank at different locations and hope i never need the paddle.