Emergency Motor question.

[Condor1970]

As I reach then end of restoring my old Regal Medallion 185, with a Merc 3.0L engine, I can't help but wonder something.

The old owner have a kicker mount on the back, mainly for trolling for salmon. He also had a trolling motor mount on the bow for lake fishing. Yeah, he used a Ski/Runabout for fishing. Anyway, I pulled all the mounts off, because I want to use the boat for recreation and tubing/etc only. I have a small aluminum fishing boat just for fishing. I would like to have some backup if the engine ever does quit on me, though. I noticed on Craigslist, a lot for 36lbs electric trolling motors for pretty cheap. I dould keep it tucked in the ski tunnel, and have a spare battery mounted on the floor under the right side seats by the transom.

Would a 36lbs electric troller be good enough to clamp onto the swim platform for emergencies?

 

[glenn property of pam]

36lb might be able to keep you stationary and off the rocks but its not going to get you home. 2lb per foot is the bare minimum to move the boat. small outboard is a better bet

 

[H20Rat]

depends in what kind of conditions. I've had similar trolling motors on slightly larger boats and although you aren't going to win any speed races, it will eventually get you home. (if you aren't fighting wind at least.)

 

[glenn property of pam]

depends in what kind of conditions. I've had similar trolling motors on slightly larger boats and although you aren't going to win any speed races, it will eventually get you home. (if you aren't fighting wind at least.)

I figure the question would be if the trolling motor at full speed (just enough to make head way) would be able to get very far with one battery. Im not sure my boat could travel all that far on battery power only. I guess in a pinch you could also use the starting battery if the main motor was dead.

 

[acdc96]

go with a small outboard. i have a 27lbs thrust trolling motor and it barely pushes my 14 FT tin boat in a slight current and mt boat weighs about 450 lbs including me. its nice having a emergency motor aboard, i kept my 2 hp Yamaha in the bow of my boat while tuning the motor and on long fishing trips. but leave it home hen not going out to far.

or get a bunch of paddles and have everyone start paddling. chea

 

[thumpar]

I tried a 30lb Minn Kota on my old boat in sig. It was enough to direct the boat but not enough to go anywhere. That was on a pretty light boat.

 

[jimbo_jwc]

I use a 4.5hp Johnson Seahorse on a 196 CC built in gas tank on Inland lakes that has served as trolling motor /emergency that works well as last year I needed it twice .It would move it on roller trailer far enough I didn't get wet to hook up bow to winch .A little faster than idle pushed it 1.2mph .

 

[Condor1970]

Well, let's say I wanted to get a little 2-4hp gas motor. I was hoping to keep it tucked away in the ski tunnel, and out of sight unless really needed. I am worried about gas getting everywhere if I take it off, and lay it down on its side.

What would you guys recommend, instead of always having to keep it mounted on the transom?