Spare 10 hp engine for 175 osprey - Is it worth it?

[Pri123]

Hi all

I have a 175 Osprey with a 90 HP and am considering getting a back up 10 hp mounted on the transom and tied into my steering.  Its a 4-stroke and in good condition..barely used for $1500 CAN.  I could also use it for trolling I think since the 90 hp 2-stroke is not good for trolling.

Do any of you have experience with this and do you suggest I go for it...or not?

I am often in situations where I am far from shore with no boats around.

Any comments appreciated.

Phil

[RickK]

Hi Phil,
I think that it might be too much weight on the transom for a 175.  A neighbor was trying to get me to buy a 9.9 hp yamaha 4 stroke but couldn't prove to me that it ran. I could barely lift the thing (I'm getting older and am not as strong as I once was). It seemed to weigh 75+ lbs (I just checked 9.9s and they are 85lbs) so that is a lot of weight - too much - for a 175 + your 90hp.
I looked at the specs of your '03
http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11998&title=03catpg31-175osp&cat=750

And it is designed around the 90/115 weight - add another 100 lbs and the COG will be changed and possibly the scuppers will sink under water, at least on the side the 10hp is on.

[BMAC1988]

I concur with Rick..... Even if it was centered up on the transom that'll put you about the same weight as my zuki 140 and my scuppers are under water when the boat isn't moving.  Putting 100+ lbs off to one side will drastically influence the ride and cog of the boat. 

My boat has been offshore (up to 30miles) multiple times before the zuki swap and with the ole 88. Not the safest thing to do in such a small boat with no redundancy, but usually we went with another boat in the same area.  If you're not 100% confident in your boat I wouldn't even consider it.  If you're getting into offshore boating is suggest getting a bigger offshore boat with twin motors.  Just my $.02

[Pri123]

Hi guys...great advice.  Thanks a lot.  I am never too far from land so I don't consider it offshore in the real sense of the word. 

What do you guys think of a 80 lb thrust trolling motor mounted on the front, which would double as a safety and also be good for trolling?

Where would I put the 24 v battery?  I have no room left under the center console (already 2 batteries there). 

Do you know anyone with trolling motors on 175 Ospreys and what a good setup is?

Thanks

[RickK]

I don't have my trolling motor yet but will in the near future - it'll be a 60", 80lb thrust, at the front.  I have designed my console for 3 batteries - 2 for the trolling and one for the starting and few electronics I have.  I have been on a 170/175 that had a 80lb thrust TM on it and that boat would almost plane with the TM power. It could toss you overboard if you or maybe one of your crew weren't ready for it.

[Pri123]

Hi Rick...Thanks!  Can you send me a photo of your console designed for 3 batteries...my email is phil@priebelconsulting.com

Much appreciated!!

[RickK]

It starts here http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=10101.msg109650#msg109650