R25 engine choices

Mac,

Here's another idea - don't know if it would work but might be worth a try....

The swim platform on the ranger is slotted. I wonder if you could fashion a couple of sturdy boards with a wide section and handle at the top but just small enough to drop into the slots from above. Kind of like dagger boards but since they would be perpendicular to the direction of travel, they would just add drag. If it works, you could even adjust the drag by putting a few holes in the boards that would allow you to raise or lower them to predefined stops - e.g. a couple of cotter pins or dowels could be inserted to adjust the height.
 
Humm...great minds.....

I already tried it with boards, and bent a pole in the process when I was trying to get the boards back out while still underway. Sure is a lot of force on 'em!

I tried it when the idle was high, and the boards were not quite big enough to have enough effect. They would probably work better now that the idle is turned down.... but at this point, I think I really don't want to run the Yanmar at such a slow idle - it thumps and rattles everything. I'm leaning towards a kicker - probably only 6hp so I can lift it easily.

Mac
 
Mac,
What about mounting a little bigger engine off the platform. I'm thinking a 10 or 15hp. That way, you'd have a decent backup that should be ok for trolling. This is what I'm pondering. Need to figure out how to do fuel lines if using a remote tank though.

Tim
 
Yep...one thing led to another to another....

I decided to go with a kicker - just happened to have a Honda 9.9 in the barn, so I bought the outrageously expensive ($350) swim step motor mount and tried my kickers. The 9.9 is great for trolling - quiet yet powerful enough to push. it's probably overkill - an 8 hp might be OK (and lighter). Our little Honda 2.0 makes a racket, but does push Island Ranger at ~2 kts. Humm.....

Only problem with the kicker mount - it is too low in the water when motoring with the diesel. OK at idle, and OK when planing, but not anywhere in between. So I have to lift it up to the railing - but at 108 pounds, I can't do it unless I back up to a dock to have a place to stand. Even then it is tough..... so....

I ordered the Garhauer lift - it is on its way.

Still working on steering the boat when using the Honda 9.9. The ship's rudder doesn't do it - probably moving too slow and not having the prop push the water against the rudder makes it ineffective to steer with the 9.9. So I ordered an extension tiller to try. It is just delightful to sit on the stern seat and steer - you can see ahead throught the front windows and you can respond immediately when a fish is on. I am trying to talk myself into the TR-1 Gold, but at $2400 - ouch!

Oh...we did catch two coho yesterday....

Mac
 
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