single v.twin engines - unnecsssary anxiety, perhaps

Yellowstone · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:28 pm Post subject:

Folks, I really didn't think my comment would stir up this much reaction. But if you can grade yourself on all twenty (20) myths (if you cheat on word puzzles, don't bother), you may find getting a passing grade is difficult. I didn't. The most embarrassing myth I have honored religiously is the one one about not storing batteries on concrete. I have always searched for cardboard or carpet to rest the battery on. No longer!
Yellowstone.

C-Nile · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 4:45 pm Post subject:

Roscoe · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 3:02 pm Post subject:

We had a good mechanic try everything possible and he couldn't pinpoint the problem. He had thought it would be easy, and became more and more frustrated as the random overheating actually got worse. At some point it becomes just too expensive to keep looking. We were past warranty, and had heard that the mid-range Suzuki motors could be iffy anyway. We're just glad to have it behind us.

starcrafttom · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 4:21 pm Post subject:

Oh hell I might as well chine in.

I believe you are always on you own when on the water, the road, in the air or off the road so plan for it. kicker or twins ? Does not matter it service the same problem, Getting back to a safe harbor ( not your harbor). Or you have to have a means to stop your movement, anchor. I am amazed at the number of boats that never carry a anchor, just stupid act. I think that sea tow or another service is a good idea if all else fails but the chance of them getting to you in time with out a back up plan is not a chance I am willing to take.

All survival plans have steps. Steps that escalate as the danger escalates. So heres my boat survival plan. I have a kicker if the main goes south. I have a anchor so I can stop in safe water to fix the problem on the main. I have tools to fix the problem if I can. I still have a kicker to get home if I cant fix it. I have sea tow if I need it when all else fails. I have a dinghy and a ditch bag if it gets really bad really fast.
So whats your plan?

1TUBERIDER · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 6:38 pm Post subject:

Most of the commercial vessels used in commercial fishing out of our port and probably most ports are single engine setups. They are very reliable if maintained. They have also many fishermen buddies and they tend to help one another.

We do not have a tow service company in Crescent City. It would fail. We do have a well trained coast guard auxiliary who is ready to respond if conditions allow.
As I recall, it is your obligation to assist someone in need. You assist how ever you can but you do not leave people in need. Most times out I see others.

I would suggest that when you venture out besides required safety gear and a float plan left with someone who cares, have a vhf radio and a good anchor system. Even twins fail.

journey on · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 8:00 pm Post subject:

Well, mark that plastic proPulse failure up to experience and stupidity (on my part.) I had that happen about 5 years ago, used the small engine to get to a dock in Seymour Narrows and changed the prop.

I now run stainless, which has survived a few rocks. The stainless brings you home, the plastic shatters. The stupidity on my part was how I ever expected plastic to survive hitting anything, including the seaweed that broke it. Personally, I think plastic props should be outlawed.

I do agree that some form of backup propulsion should be on board any boat. Sailboats have sails and a motor, and my first powerboat has a main engine and an axillary. And I've been thrilled with that. In addition some other elements allow you to survive, such as good anchor equipment, metal props and radios.

Boris

G Gallagher · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 8:49 pm Post subject:

I have a main Honda engine (a big one 225 hp) and a Honda kicker( a small one 15 hp.) Both are extremely reliable, BUT, I figure that probably 80% of motor trouble is due to some form of gas trouble, usually water in the gas.

So... my solution is to carry a 3 gallon tank of fresh gas connected directly to my kicker. I use the kicker frequently for fishing so it stays fresh.

If I had trouble and both engines were connected to my main tank neither engine would work.

And that's my 2 cents worth.-

Oh, I swaped my C-Dory for a Hewescraft with an 85 gallon tank and that is why all the power.

C-Nile · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 9:45 pm Post subject:

Chester · Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 2:32 am Post subject:

Good primary fuel filters are mandatory IMO. The Racor filters with the see through bowls let you find issues ahead of time that might otherwise lead to breakdowns.

hambone · Posted: Wed Oct 31, 2012 8:32 am Post subject: