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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Dinghy Motor

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roberoo
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USA
182 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/09/2007 : 13:33:33

I have a walker bay 8 for a dinghy. I want to put a simple motor on it. I have a deal on a trolling motor and thought how simple a solution this is. Simple on and off and go. The battery is not to big and I just plug in a simple charger when it is tied off.

Any thoughts pro or con?

Bob Sirekis
"Wind Between The Sheets"
83 SR/FK #3551
Erie Basin marina D-19
Buffalo, New York

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2007 : 14:03:04

It might be helpful to hear a little more about how you use the dinghy and plan to use the motor, as well as where you can "plug it it"... The thing is, when you're "out of gas", you're really out.

One nice thing is the quiet... I've seen trolling motors used on 23' Ensign sailboats, and it's quieter (although slower) than sailing!

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 08/09/2007 14:03:55

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2007 : 17:38:57

I also use a 30# thrust eletric motor on my 7'Zodiac. Except for the occasional battery recharge, it works fine for running out to the mooring and back. I use oars when cruising because the battery is too heavy to tow in the dinghy. One other drawback however is the requirement to register the zodic. Any vessel powered by "machinery", including electric motors, must be registered and state registration numbers applied to the boat.

Edited by - aeckhart on 08/09/2007 17:40:10

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2007 : 18:14:42

I would not want to cart around a Group 24 battery. If you need a motor get a 2hp Nissan/Tohatsu. Better yet, row.

Edited by - Nautiduck on 08/09/2007 18:16:47

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2007 : 18:36:33

The lightest fossil-burner around is the Honda 2 at 28 lbs... I have one--it's a little noisy (due to being air cooled), but simple, light, and bulletproof from the experiences of friends. The centrifugal clutch (in place of a shift) takes some getting used to...

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2007 : 22:52:10

I tried an electric trolling motor on my 9' Zodiac and found it to be ineffectual, for when I really needed it.
I row out to a mooring ball, which is quite easy when I'm alone, but with another person in the boat, it is a bit of a workout. with the Zodiac loaded with a weekend's worth of stuff, its a real good workout rowing out to the ball. So i tried an electric trolling motor and it was painfully slow. I found it less hassel to just row. This also keeps me within my basic 'keep it simple' view of sailing.
Less stuff to think about.
If i was going to get a motor, I'd go with a 2 or 4 HP, because you might as well have some speed and fun if you're going to go through the hassel of having another motor to contend with.

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Gambit
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USA
160 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2007 : 07:19:28

I have used a 30lb thrust trolling motor on the same dingy and it works great. I do not use a full battery, I use one of those rechargeable booster packs for jumping vehicles.

This summer I have not used it opting for the exercise of rowing. One drawback to rowing is the space it takes up and having to rely on the admiral for direction. Sometimes it feels like I am running a slalom course in reverse

I also would usually bring the oars out in case of a bad charge on the booster.

Good luck with your choice.

Edited by - on

Jmurfy
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USA
176 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2007 : 22:30:17

My 30lb thrust trolling motor on my dingy is great. Especially going upwind to my finger dock in a Chicago harbor. I see other people rowing hard while I'm using no effort what so ever.

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roberoo
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USA
182 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2007 : 19:19:31

Wow great responses. Thanks.

I probably will never use it. I bought it for the kids mainly to use around the marina. A lot of the kids use Kayaks and small dinghy's and row etc. The Admiral said she would like a motor to toy around with and I liked the convenience of on and off.

I have a couple of Snap-On Battery "Jumper" units I never have used I may try those at first.

I have to check on the registration part. I thought it was by size in NY but I need to check as the ticket is not worth the aggravation.

If we tow it it would just be for the kids again and then I usually pull a Jet ski (22 year old does not think sailing is cool, which is funny because when I bought her a few years back she referred to it as "her boat" oh well).

Again thanks for all of the suggestions.

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2007 : 21:33:48

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by roberoo
 
(22 year old does not think sailing is cool, which is funny because when I bought her a few years back she referred to it as "her boat" oh well).<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Getting kids AFTER college, why didn't I think of that

Sorry, just couldn't resist.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/12/2007 : 10:17:49

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by roberoo
 I bought it for the kids mainly to use around the marina... I liked the convenience of on and off. I have a couple of Snap-On Battery "Jumper" units I never have used I may try those at first.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Just make sure your battery arrangement doesn't offer a way for one of the kids to shock the $h!+ of of theirself--there's a lot of amperage waiting for little fingers and legs to close the circuit!

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roberoo
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USA
182 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2007 : 08:36:48

John: That was funny, Daughter did not think so when I showed her i got the "Whatever" response.....

Dave: I was planning on putting in a Battery Box and using a direct Connect and a trickle Charger to charge over night. Fortunately I have a Dinghy cover and there is room up by the bow to tie the dinghy off to the dock. (I have a fixed dock situation so there is room under the Main dock to store dinghy and jet skis). And yep I guess it does have to be registered not a big deal. only 21.00 in NY. And I think that is for 3 years.

So all in all I am going with the Trolling motor and battery. Seems simple for a 12 year old to deal with.

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