We often use our dinghy as an exploratory vehicle. We carry spares, emergency supplies, GPS, even a small EPIRB. But we have no secondary means of propulsion, other than oars. This is always a nagging concern, even though our 30HP Yamaha two stroke has never given us a problem (nor did its predecessor which served us faithfully for 15 years).
We noticed this rig in Tobermory Harbor in Scotland and it got us to thinking. It would not be that hard to fit a small outboard on a bracket to our big dink. The small engine could then be used on our rowing dink if required.
We are going to research what is available this winter. One feature we will want is a separate (rather than integral) fuel tank, so we don’t have to worry about storing the gas filled outboard in our forepeak.
The other factor is shaft length. Our larger dink requires a long shaft, and we are not sure what the options are in a two HP engine.
Posted by Steve Dashew (February 3, 2010)
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:07 am
Have you considered a torqueedo electric outboard? That might work well in this situation
February 3rd, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Hi Raj:
Good idea, especially as we have a starting battery already (oversized) for the 30HP Yamaha. But for a long distance return a small gas powered engine is probably best for us – when we get around to this.