On Sun, 02 May 2004 15:17:06 +0000, Lloyd Cimprich wrote:

I have a 15' Leavens (fiberglass ) with a 45hp Mecrury Classic 50. This boat has
a trolling motor mount and I would like to add a backup emergency motor get back
to dock if Merc fails. I have been considering a Minn Kota (not sure of
spelling) electric and would appreciate comments as to minimum thrust or
advisability of using an electric backup.

Assuming you just use your "engine" battery:
1. What if you run it down trying to start the outboard, or "dead battery" is
why you can't start the outboard in the first place?
2. If the battery's fully charged, a reasonable Minn Kota will run at maybe 60%
"throttle" for maybe 3-4 hrs. It would push your boat in calm water at maybe 2-3
knots at that setting. So in "ideal" conditions, you might get 10 miles with it.

So...as long as you're always less than 10 miles from the dock in calm water,
you should be OK.

Although I REALLY like electric motors for trolling and for dinghies, I'd have
to recommend against them for "emergency backup".

Lloyd Sumpter
"Far Cove" Catalina 36