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. I have also been looking
on E-Bay for a suitable gas powered (perferably 4 cycle) outboard 4.5 -
9.9hp but am not sure if electric or gas is better.

I am used to sailing and with the back storm sails and auxilliary 6 hp
Johnson I was very confident about getting back to dock on way or another.
Actually I towed a 24' Chris Craft back to shore when its starter packed up
and left the poor people stranded in Lake Ontario with dusk rapidly
approaching. Initially I thought that the Johnson would do better but the
late fall water was too cold (and my thermostat was stuck open) and it kept
fouling the plugs. So up with the sails and off we went. When had finally
docked my 24 footer (under sail) and was setting my spring line the fellow
docked next to me remarked he had seen that I was helped in by a power boat
and wondered what problems I had encountered. I did not have the heart to
inform him that ropes were not for pushing.

TIA.