Getting a boost with a deployable outboard?

[Ryban]

I've been long toying with the idea of adding a bracket to the transom where I can temporarily mount my dinghy's outboard (5HP 2-stroke) for an extra boost for situations in where my Beta 14 just isn't cutting it, or for emergencies for basic maneuverability if the engine quits on me.

The first point mostly has to do with the Panama Canal transit, and ensuring I make the required 5-6kts with 6 people on board, loaded for cruising. But I'm not a naval engineer, and though I assume an added 5HP on the transom from the outboard would make me go a little faster (within hull-speed limitations), I have no experience with the practicalities of such an arrangement.

So, would I go faster, or am I wasting my time?

I should add, that there are a few other perks to this arrangement, one being increased maneuverability in tight quarters, which my boat is notoriously ill-suited at.

[a64pilot]

If your not currently making hull speed, you will go faster. If your making hull speed you may go faster, but just barely, not enough to matter.

In my opinion, if your not at hull speed, I think you will get quite a boost.

Try it out, have someone else drive your boat and you in the dinghy, hip tied and see.

[Ryban]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

If your not currently making hull speed, you will go faster. If your making hull speed you may go faster, but just barely, not enough to matter.

In my opinion, if your not at hull speed, I think you will get quite a boost.

Try it out, have someone else drive your boat and you in the dinghy, hip tied and see.

Good idea! We could hip tie our dinghy and just give it a go.