Auxiliary / Back-up Outboard Engines Guide for Fishing
This is a quick guide to auxiliary engines for fishing boats up to 6 tons now that the market has changed and electric outboard solutions are available.
Do I need a backup engine for fishing?
Traditional issues with back-up / auxiliary outboards
- Most engines fail due to bad fuel so unless you purchase this from a separate source they don’t solve the problem unless you go electric
- Many 2 stroke and 4 strokes can be hard to start
- Flushing out your back up engine is pain for most users
- Its another thing to check before you leave ie starting it and running it to make sure its in good working order.
- Replacing the fuel on a regular basis. This is even more vital when using E10
- It’s another engine that needs to be serviced and hence adds more cost to running the boat unless again the engine is electric.
Due to the above we have detailed below the considerations when using a petrol auxiliary engine or an electric engine. Please note that this is based on your main engine also not being electric!
Petrol outboards
Pro’s
- Cheap to buy
- Easy to work out what size is needed
- Can be used on other boats subject to the right sizing
Con’s
- Service costs
- Starting problems
- The need to buy fuel from a separate source
- Over 6hp is very very heavy
- The need to flush them out if used in the sea
- Use water to cool them so can overheat if the water inlet vents get blocked
Electric axillary outboards
Pro’s
- The only moving part is the propellor so extremely reliable
- No servicing
- Not water cooled so can be used anywhere without blocking vents
- No need to go to a 2nd fuel station
- Longevity ie most are good for 3000 cycles or over 15,000 hours
- In some cases they can be used also on tenders depending on the solution purchased
- No starting problems
- Hydro regeneration solutions are readily available
- Remote control options available
- Hassle free
If you use an electric outboard as your back up engine when fishing you also gain the following advantages:
- Can be used in shallow waters as the prop just stops when hits the ground ( if using properly )
- Enables you to creep up on fish without disturbing them when fishing in inland waters or close to the shore when sea fishing
- Can also me used as a main engine when there are restrictions using petrol outboards on inland waters.
Example
A warrior 175/ 165, will have a 16-20nm range at around 3.5 to 4.5 mph on sea ie enough range on a single charge to get you home or a safe location. It also is used when fishing in shallow waters so that you don’t risk damaging your prop if it hits the ground.
Cons
- Are a bit more expensive to buy
- If the boat is over 2 tons then you will have external batteries that will need charged using shore power/ solar etc. This is obviously not a problem in a marina but can be in other locations
Summary
Having a backup / auxiliary back up engine for many people is good thing and both petrol and electric outboards / pod drives provide a useable solution. If you are boating for more than 5 years or simply want hassle free then the electric outboard/ pod option will often be the most cost-effective solution. If you are not a long term boater then the petrol engine give a cheaper alterative
To find out more about the various options for petrol or electric auxiliary outboards please contact us by clicking here or calling 07595638185 7 days a week
