MacGregorSailors.com

Ok, I have a primary marine radio and a handheld backup.

I have a primary GPS and a handheld backup (plus a nuclear power plant smokestack a thousand miles high).

Anyone have a 3-9 HP outboard they use as a backup? Is it practical?

I have a 2.5 hp for my inflatable dink. I suppose in a pinch I could bring the dingy along side and crank the motor for propulsion for the Mac. My son has "pushed" our Mac in the dinghy pretty fast. Now in bad weather, not so much.

I think the ideal backup is a 12v trolling motor for your inflatable. Green power!

R

Sure wish I had one right now...

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... =8&t=18788

For many years I've used a trolling motor on a bow mount I designed described in the following mod link:
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/index.php?view=156

Since my original post MinnKota came out with a wireless remote control I wear on my wrist that greatly improves operating the unit (no need to use a cumbersome foot pedal). I especially like using the motor in crowded spaces or single handing through a lock on a windy day. I can turn on a dime.

dlandersson,
I think a 5hp outboard would be up to the job moving a Mac good enough to be a practical backup in about any condition that you should be out in a Mac. Either on a swing mount or used with a dingy. I have used my old dingy with a 8HP to tow quite a bit larger boats (34+ foot boats) in and out of harbor with no problems. I would expect a 5 HP could move a mac at near hull speed on flat water.

Mark

Cris wrote:For many years I've used a trolling motor on a bow mount I designed described in the following mod link:
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/index.php?view=156

Since my original post MinnKota came out with a wireless remote control I wear on my wrist that greatly improves operating the unit (no need to use a cumbersome foot pedal). I especially like using the motor in crowded spaces or single handing through a lock on a windy day. I can turn on a dime.

Man, that is awesome.

yes!
we have a 4hp tender/spare.
I knocked up a new rudder bracket that hangs the 4horse, so it turns and does all the good stuff. I'm working on making an adapter so that in an ugency I could throw the little engine over the rudder.
This setup worked well on the canals. Not had an emergency yet, well, not so bad

Russ I have a 2.5 suzuki that hangs on a port stearn bracket and can be use to do 1.5-2 knots in calm conditions on my 9. 5 inflatable dink fasten along side the Mac.X. Anything faster than that one should have sails up in a pinch.
Must admit never had to use the dink to tow a Mac. but is duable from past experances in other boats.
Dave
PS: If there is a way, the prudent sailor will find the means.

RussMT wrote:I have a 2.5 hp for my inflatable dink. I suppose in a pinch I could bring the dingy along side and crank the motor for propulsion for the Mac. My son has "pushed" our Mac in the dinghy pretty fast. Now in bad weather, not so much.

I put my 4HP on a bracket low enough that it can be dipped and drive my

It also can be hand moved between and tender being so low.

About 4-5 kts in calm water

How do you guys find the room for a kicker back there? It seems to me that I would have to put it out a bit from the stern and I think the rudder would hit it when rudders are lifted... and how do you use the throttle and steering? Seems like it would be far back there! I'm thinking of building a vertical 'track' that I could slide the motor up and down in order to keep it out of the water when heeling. Has anyone built one of these?
SILK

I have a retractable motor mount on the starboard side for my 3.5 hp 2 stroke Nissan. The kicker has a long shaft and can drop down to power the Mac. No problem with rudder clearance. I use the kicker when trolling with the downrigger, and steer with the rudders down. Wide open, it pushes the Mac at 4 to 5 knots in smooth water with no headwind. It wouldn't be much use as a backup motor in any kind of headwind or rough seas. If the 50hp fails, I'm counting on sailing close to shelter and using the kicker to get moored. With no wind it would move us along, although, since the kicker runs on an internal tank, I'd have to refuel it periodicly. Fortunately, I've never had to rely on it to get me back to a dock, but I'm glad I have that modest degree of backup.

I've been looking at the Torqueedo as both a tender motor and a backup engine for the Mac for a long time due to it's ability to retain a charge long term, simple storage, and low weight. Unfortunately It's a bit too pricey at $1500 to buy until I know I need it. Anyone have any experience with these?