Conference vicki::boats

    there is a absolutely no question you will, its called
    "couter-rotation"
    one prop i one direction, and visa-versa.
    
    p.s. no joke here, but i find it difficult to imagine you would
    need another motor in the ocean. a 15 ft. rig, don't you think
    its a little chancy. how about a 65 hp single engine. the costs
    will be considerably less with one.
    
    good boating,
    
    jim.

RE: .0
>>    Im thinking of adding another motor (another 25HP) to my 15ft
>>    MFG boat now equipped with a 25 MERC outboard motor. 

>>    Question: Someone said that I might need a motor that spins the
>>    prop in the opposite direction from the one I have, because ill
>>    have steering probs if I don't? Any truth to this?
    
Bob,
I've seen this very setup done on a 15' boat, and it looked neat.  Hooking
up the steering will be easy, several companies make steering linkages to
connect the two motors together.  The shift and throttle controls will be
a little more difficult to install and operate, you'll probably have to
install separate controls for each motor.

Advantages will include:        
-Increased acceleration and top speed
-Increased reliability with backup motor for offshore use (a big PLUS in
 a small boat)
-shut one motor off for trolling or cruising

Disadvantages will include:
-Extra weight and fuel consumption
-Increased maintenance costs
-Increased drag from two lower units in the water


RE: .1
>>  there is a absolutely no question you will, its called
>>  "couter-rotation"  one prop i one direction, and visa-versa.
    
I disagree.  Counter rotation has only become popular in the last few
years.  Before this, standard rotation dual outboards were used for years
with much higher horsepower than this application.  Dual 25hp outboards
will not cause enough torque-steer to be any problem at all.

This sounds like it could be an interesting project.  If you are getting
the spare motor at little or no cost it would probably be worth a try.
If the spare motor is going to cost you anything significant, Jim has
given you good advice in going for a single larger motor.

My $.02 worth.

Rick W.

    Thanks for the information from both responses... it does bring
    up new questions to ask. Jim I didn't quite understand your
    concern about the "I find it difficult to imagine
    you would need another motor in the ocean"? 
    I thought I was taking the "right" approach by adding another
    motor, because I see so many folks out there with 2 outboards,
    and being out in the ocean and having the "only" motor go dead
    does'nt thrill the bajesus out of me. (matter of fact I have
    dreams about it). I understand that going with a single more
    powerful engine would be more economical, but I guess I,m
    leaning towards the "insurance" feature more heavily....
    Maybe this question about opposings props, will bring in
    a few more responses, seeing as we now have 2 views.
    In any case, if I were to go for an opposite spinning
    motor, does that now rule out my chances of looking
    for a 2nd hand motor, and mandate buying new to get such a beast?
    
                     Blue Chaser

re .0:

Having spent much time off the New England coast in all kinds of summer
weather the last 12 years, I would not take a 15' boat more than a mile
or two offshore. Among other things I have experienced squalls (not 
forecast by NOAA) in which the wind has increased from near calm to over
50 knots and the seas from flat to several feet in only a few minutes. 

Just my opinion.

Bob,

If you were to decide that you "need" to have counter rotation, you'd
be out of luck anyway.  Nobody makes a counter rotating 25hp outboard,
because it just isn't necessary.  With dual 25's you're only talking
about a total of 50hp pulling in the same direction.  If there was a
need for counter rotating 25's somebody would make them. The fact that
they are not available tells you something.

The boats you hear about with counter rotation are usually using dual
150hp outboards or better.  I've read a few articles that compare
similar boats with high horsepower counter rotating outboards to those
with standard rotation.  They all state that although there is a slight
improvement in performance and handling with the c.r. setup, it is barely
noticeable.

As far as taking a 15' boat out in the ocean, you hear many horror stories
but it can be done if you stay in protected waters and keep an eye on the 
weather.  I've taken my 15'6" tri-hull out in Boston Harbor and Cape Cod
Bay many times on nice days, once going all the way from Sesuit Harbor in
East Dennis to Provincetown and back.  The only time I ever had a problem
was when the engine quit about 2 miles offshore due to a short in the
electronic ignition module.  At that point I'd have paid just about anything
for a spare 25hp motor!

Rick W.

    Im surpised no one has mentioned before, but Id go with a 12 horse
    'kicker'. This gives you; 
    Perfect trolling capabilities, emergency engine (certainly enough 
    to get "back") and hooking it up to your existing steering is a
    breeze and its got own fuel tanks. 
    Your remaining list of 'wants' is only speed. Sell the 25 and go 
    to a 50 or 60 if needed. 

    I agree with .6
    
    I have a 22 ft and use a 10 hp "kicker".  I know of people who have
    come across the Columbia River bar on their "kicker", so I think
    you shouldn't have any problem.  With your size boat, even a 10
    hp might be too large, i.e. too fast trolling speed.
    
    Ken

    I'm guilty, in my note i managed to confuse the reader.
    
    I'm mean't to say, i don;t understand the need for a 2nd
    motor. Reason, I would not be far enough out in a 15 ft.
    boat to justify it. If your that far out, you may not come
    back.
    
    Jim.

    Ok Jim,  I now understand your mail...Let me say this...
    I never go more than a couple miles out in the ocean, always
    within sight of land....and first sign of storm or strong winds
    im headin into port....(also have CB on board) I have great respect!
    I think from the responses to this question:
    
    o  Ill look for a good used 25 HP (not too much money say $500-600)
    o  Not worry about counter revolution
    o  If I dont find a 25, ill look for a small kicker for emergency
    sake   (like the idea of a 12 HP with own gas supply)
    o  If all above doesnt materialize - look for a better 50HP
    
    
    Great ideas from the responses...thankyou all
    
                 Lets GO Fishin!