Swimming with a 15hp Outboard

[pumpcity]

Anybody know how to swim while hanging onto a 15hp outboard motor?
Let me tell you, It's Not Easy!!
And, it's preferable if the outboard is 2 stroke instead of 4 stroke. Remember, 72 lb 15hp 2 stroke outboard motor has more bouyancy in water than in air, so maybe you're at 60 lbs instead of 72 lbs. Also, being a waterpolo player helps as well. Just make sure you're close to something to grab, like a swim step or ladder. You can stay afloat, but only for a short while. Anybody got clues on how to stay afloat longer with motor in hand?

Pumpcity

[capngeo]

I guess there’s more to the story?

[osirissail]

Maybe 10 seconds. Divers know that at most they have about 15 to 20 pounds of positive buoyancy that needs to be overcome with diving weights.
- - Ever consider attaching a float to the motor? Or a safety line from the boat to the motor. In the islands outboards are prime candidates to be stolen so most savvy sailors have chains between the dinghy and the motor which would limit the amount that an outboard that jumped off the transom could sink.

[svcambria]

One would have to ask why one was swimming with a 15 Hp outboard. Gotta guess it wasn't running at the time...

Michael

[capn_billl]

I haven't dropped one yet...(knock on wood), but I've come very close. Some guy in a go-fast always seems to have go by less than a boat length away everytime I try to put the outboard on the transom.

[osirissail]

Having had dropped one, now I always tie a 10 ft spare line - one end to the aft rail and the other to the outboard front handle - and then lower the outboard with the block and tackle off my mizzen boom. If something goes wrong the motor will go under but not to the bottom and be lost. And if I am quick enough I can haul it up above water with the "safety line" before too much damage is done.

[S/V Antares]

Simply pull the teather on your inflatable life vest and you can manage a 15 hp untill someone comes along to assist or you float off into the sunset.

[Unicorn Dreams]

I believe a PFD has 35 lbs. of buoyancy, so 2 of them would work well..

[S/V Antares]

Great idea! A hydrostatic lifevest for an Outboard. Auto inflate etc. Perhaps a strobe for those putting the OB on at night.

[Tbrad]

Ah...don't forget to register your pfd. In ohio all powered watercraft are required to show a state registration sticker.

[Stinky]

I think 15hp is probably more hp than a normal swimmer needs. Of course, if it can get you planing, the more HP the better... BTW, where do you mount it?

[pumpcity]

Well, for those of you who haven't guessed, this wasn't an intentional "swim" with the motor. More of an "oops" during transfer.
but I like the idea of a PFD for the motor, maybe one in pink or purple, very tasteful.

Afternote:
OB came out of the water not much worse for the wear, started right up. Now it's headed in for its annual checkup.

[zeehag]

lol. is why i like smaller engines. so much easier to handle solo.

sorry--the pic in my brain was tooo funny..... glad the engine wasnt running.

[Cheechako]

Anything over 4 hp and I want a motor crane. Great little devices....

[sabray]

I pulled a guy ohhh not a guy a guys battery out the other day.arrived at the dinghy dock and here is a very calm guy chin deep one hand on the dinghy one clinging to the submerged bat.we exchanged pleasantries and I offered that he perhaps should pass me the battery before he drowned. Was not letting go. I got a grip on the bat and he pulled himself out. Forgot to ask where the trolling motor was.