Abstract: The present invention pertains to an emergency propulsion system for both motor powered and sailing vessels which have a single propeller shaft. This emergency system may be used with inboard engines or with a sailing vessel that has a small engine used for moving said vessel and/or docking. While and when under way engine failure may be experienced. Such failure is usually very inconvenient to the user of the boat. Many times such failure can and does become a serious matter. The present hydraulic propulsion system of this invention is intended to provide a "get home" drive for trawlers or sailing vessels using a single engine. A small diesel engine that is used to provide electrical generation is also selectively employed to turn a hydrostatic pump and then through a fluid connected means drives a hydrostatic motor which drives a V-belt to the propeller shaft.