back-up motor or Sea-Tow

[lampare maker]

Hi Folks,

New to the site. I was wondering your thoughts on installing a back-up motor on my 2100 CC Offshore in case of trouble with the main engine or should a fellow just join Sea-Tow?

I plan on doing a lot of fishing in the Chesapeake bay and possibly venturing out into the ocean on good weather.

Thank you for your help.

Albert

[Slim to None]

whether you get a second motor or not, i'd still recommend getting a SeaTow membership.

[Fillet1]

Sea Tow is the best 100 bucks you could spend. If your choosing between the auxilliary engine and a sea tow membership one is alot cheaper than the other.

[Willie]

whether you get a second motor or not, i'd still recommend getting a SeaTow membership.


I will second that, its always good to have insurance........Willie..... 010

[Loki]

I don't know how much this means, but I have sea-tow.

[Minnox]

Most common offshore problems are fuel related so if your kicker is going to feed off of the same tank get sea-tow or boat u.s.

[Slim to None]

my brother was towed back into crystal river one day while scalloping. the total tow was $695 for a roughly 30 mile tow. his $109 per year membership covered the ENTIRE cost of the tow. the tow boat capt even brought them cold waters and sodas for the 4 hour treck back in. well worth the cost for any boater. hell i even have it for my J16 and i can practically walk back to the boat ramp from my fishing spots. although if i break down in the back waters of some of my favorate creeks, there is no way one of their boats will reach me that shallow.

[Randell]

If you are in the Hampton Roads area I suggest Boat Us over Sea Tow
Check both services out. I did and chose Boat Us. They have more units
available to respond, even down on the OBX.

~Randell

[lampare maker]

Thank you all for the advice. I will be signing up for either Sea Tow or Boat US as soon as I figure out which one will best suit my needs. Boat US seems a little more flexible.

Minnox-You have a good point. I am planning on carring a full set of tools and extra fuel filters, lines, etc. It would seem to me that to carry an extra electronic ignition module for my motor might not be a bad idea. I used to do that on an old Harley I owned. Maybe that is something that really doesn't fail to often?

As far as a backup motor what size would you all recommend? Would a hi thrust 9.9 be enough to get me back home or would a 15 or 20 or maybe even 50 hp be a better choice?

I guess this motor would also be used for trolling. I would get a four stroke to avoid the carboning up of my bigger two stroke?

How is this all sounding to you folks? Maybe I am worring to much about a breakdown and my total quest for self reliance is making me think I need an extra motor!

Your experience will be my salvation. Thanks.
Albert

[dwilliamsceg]

I have Sea Tow and this:

http://picasaweb.google.com/DaveBWilliams/NewSuzukiKicker

[lampare maker]

Thank you dwilliamsceg for your post and good pictures.

I was coming back from OC, MD a couple of weeks ago and stopped at Quimby's marine in Easton, Md. They rcommended the same setup as you are running. Their opinion was that the transom really could not support an additional motor big enough to actually get up on plane, so my best bet was to mount a 9.9 or even a 15 hp just as you did for a backup/troller.

My 175 hp merc two stroke definetly starts to load up when only trolling along, so I think it is going to be a hafto project as soon as I can get to it.

I also joined Boat/US in case things really go down hill!

Thank you again for your help,
Albert

[Flipper]

sea-tow or boat u/s is a must! I work at West Marine so I hear all the horror stories. The average bill to get towed is $400 to $1500 the biggest I have seen this year was $8000 to get towed back from the Bahamas!!!! A great option is the trailer package for $10 they will come out and repair a flat , bearings, even if your tow vehicle breaks down!!! Remember the meter starts running soon as they get the call so if your 2hrs away your looking at $400-$600 before they even throw you a line. $200-$250 for a gas drop or battery jump. Feel Lucky? Flipper

[Loki]

Hey Flipper, which West Marine do you work at?

[shaggy3131]

The Suzuki 6 kicker dwilliamskeg has on his CS looks really nice and like a professional installation. I'm envious and agree with everyone who says get tow service, even if you have a kicker. A little Suzuki is on my want list.

dwilliamskeg, how well does the Suzuki 6 push your boat?

[Flipper]

Altamonte Springs Flipper

[Loki]

I bought my Garmin 498 from that store the past April, might have even been you who sold it to me.

[dwilliamsceg]

The Suzuki 6 kicker dwilliamskeg has on his CS looks really nice and like a professional installation. I'm envious and agree with everyone who says get tow service, even if you have a kicker. A little Suzuki is on my want list.

dwilliamskeg, how well does the Suzuki 6 push your boat?


She pushes hear near (theoretical) hull speed which is 5.3 kts. Anymore power is waste until you get big enough to plane (which would be around 40hp).

D.

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

Sea tow or Boat US i think is a must for every boater.Is the cheapest insurance you can buy.