All summer long I have been wondering why people buy sailboats. When I see people motoring along-- maybe with their jib/genoa rolled out if the breeze is just right--I think that most sailors would be so much happier with a 34-foot SeaRay. I wonder how people wind up owning sailboats. Perhaps they are attracted to the romance of sailing, of being moved along by the energy of nature. It can't be the actual sailing that calls most people to own a sailboat, otherwise they would sail their boats. I wonder how many owners buy sailboats that have never sailed? Maybe they find out later that they are afraid of heeling, or they find the enormous energy in their sailplan intimidating. I know I feel that way myself sometimes. I've really noticed the motoring thing a lot this season. Earlier this summer, I had the pleasure and privilege of sailing up Narragansett Bay into Newport, which is the center of the yachting universe as far as I'm concerned, at least for those of us sailing the right-hand coast here in North America. There was only about 10 knots of breeze on the port quarter, the typical prevailing southwesterly. I rolled out everything and ghosted along at four knots, taking in the scenery and the sunshine. While doing this I passed a dozen sailboats leaving Newport to the south, probably headed to Block Island or Cuttyhunk, all motoring along with their sail covers still on. Why wouldn't they sail? There's nothing more calmly pleasurable than sailing on a close reach or close hauled in a light breeze, is there? Especially in the flat water in the bay on that fine morning. Yesterday I spent 8 hours sailing back from Block Island to Westbrook Connecticut in what had to be the best air day of the summer. The anemometer showed a steady 13-18 knots from sunup to sundown. Several times I jumped up to disable the autopilot and give way to a starboard tacker, only to discover when our boats passed that they were motoring with the jib rolled out. One guy was chugging along at the wheel of a big ketch that probably wouldn't even sail with less then 15 knots of wind, and here he was passing up the wonderful conditions, deciding instead to spend the day turning kerosene into air pollution. He smiled and waved broadly to me, and I wondered what he was so happy about as I waved back. I'm not claiming that I never motor, I do it all the time. Sometimes there's no wind, sometimes I need to pinch a mark, sometimes I need to get there before dark. But for the most part, certainly whenever possible and reasonably practical, I sail my sailboat, because I love doing it. It drives my wife nuts, but then she's a New York girl. I tell her she should have married some guy with a cigarette boat instead of me. When we have these extended and very spirited discussions about propellers here in the forum, I read with amazement at how important propellers are to many sailors, and how much money and energy we put into their selection, understanding, and purchase. To tell the truth, I wouldn't mind a better propeller myself, but only because I'd like to have a feathering or folding prop to help me sail faster. But given the choice between a new A-kite and a prop, the spinnaker would win every time. When the time comes that I find myself motoring all over my sailing grounds in a slow sailboat, I hope I will face up to reality and head down to the local Hattaras dealership to start shopping for that new trawler or convertible. If I'm going to travel around in a powerboat, it'll darn sure be faster than a 7 lousy knots. Thanks for listening. I just wanted to get that off my chest. Paul sv Escape Artist h336
Are you sure you want a sailboat?
- Thread starter Paul McGhee
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Amen Brother
Paul, Amen to everything you said. When I am out I get the same feelings watching sailboats with every sail furled and the motor going. I was out the other night in very light winds trying to claw my way upwind. Made very little progress but I had nowhere to be and it was a spectacular evening. In the distance I see boats coming downwind with sails furled and motor running and this was the point of sail that was nice that evening. Every time I see this I think of them as cheaters. If you are going to have a sailboat then sail her. Tim
Paul, Amen to everything you said. When I am out I get the same feelings watching sailboats with every sail furled and the motor going. I was out the other night in very light winds trying to claw my way upwind. Made very little progress but I had nowhere to be and it was a spectacular evening. In the distance I see boats coming downwind with sails furled and motor running and this was the point of sail that was nice that evening. Every time I see this I think of them as cheaters. If you are going to have a sailboat then sail her. Tim
Guilty - as charged...
It's true - I find myself motoring much more than I ever would 20 years ago, when the purpose of the motor was to get in and out of the marina. I guess I'm getting old. Yes - I am guilty of motoring to and from Cuttyhunk (from Narragansett Bay) twice this year as charged. It's about a 6-7 hour sail for us, and on a weekend with a very light wind on the nose it just made sense to power both ways. On a 140 mile trip to Buzzards Bay/Martha's Vineyard and back we had the sails up for about 4 hours. The wind was just too light. Again, this weekend (which was one of the most delightful this summer) we left the dock in Warwick around noon on Saturday in 2-3 knots of southerly, and motored about 12 miles directly south down Narragansett Bay to Dutch Island to anchor for the weekend. A cold front came through Sat. evening and brought 10-15 knots of easterly for Sunday, but we had other plans that didn't involve moving the boat. Monday morning had 2-3 knots of northerly so we "upped" anchor and powered back toward home. About halfway I complained to Marge about "another weekend without using the sails", so to try to break the spell I unrolled the jib and turned off the engine. We wallowed around for about 45 minutes, Marge threw out a fishing line and caught two 6lb bluefish, but we finally got tired of the power boat washes and decided to motor on back to the dock in zero wind. Of course, as soon as we were tied up, the wind turned to the south at about 10-15 and the bay became alive with sails! I'm putting about 60 hours/year on the engine, which is way more than the 20 or so that I used to. Would I change to a power boat? Never! Derek sv Destiny Pearson 422
It's true - I find myself motoring much more than I ever would 20 years ago, when the purpose of the motor was to get in and out of the marina. I guess I'm getting old. Yes - I am guilty of motoring to and from Cuttyhunk (from Narragansett Bay) twice this year as charged. It's about a 6-7 hour sail for us, and on a weekend with a very light wind on the nose it just made sense to power both ways. On a 140 mile trip to Buzzards Bay/Martha's Vineyard and back we had the sails up for about 4 hours. The wind was just too light. Again, this weekend (which was one of the most delightful this summer) we left the dock in Warwick around noon on Saturday in 2-3 knots of southerly, and motored about 12 miles directly south down Narragansett Bay to Dutch Island to anchor for the weekend. A cold front came through Sat. evening and brought 10-15 knots of easterly for Sunday, but we had other plans that didn't involve moving the boat. Monday morning had 2-3 knots of northerly so we "upped" anchor and powered back toward home. About halfway I complained to Marge about "another weekend without using the sails", so to try to break the spell I unrolled the jib and turned off the engine. We wallowed around for about 45 minutes, Marge threw out a fishing line and caught two 6lb bluefish, but we finally got tired of the power boat washes and decided to motor on back to the dock in zero wind. Of course, as soon as we were tied up, the wind turned to the south at about 10-15 and the bay became alive with sails! I'm putting about 60 hours/year on the engine, which is way more than the 20 or so that I used to. Would I change to a power boat? Never! Derek sv Destiny Pearson 422
Why own a boat?
Hello, I see an even worse thing thing near me (Mt. Sinai, NY). My boat is on a mooring, and I row a dink to / from the boat. I row between two docks to get to my boat and I pass about 50 boats at the dock. I am on my boat often, probably 3-4 times a week. There are 4 nice new looking sailboats that I pass, and I have never seen three of them leave the slip. I supposed it's possible they use them, but I have never seen the slip empty. What a shame! Barry
Hello, I see an even worse thing thing near me (Mt. Sinai, NY). My boat is on a mooring, and I row a dink to / from the boat. I row between two docks to get to my boat and I pass about 50 boats at the dock. I am on my boat often, probably 3-4 times a week. There are 4 nice new looking sailboats that I pass, and I have never seen three of them leave the slip. I supposed it's possible they use them, but I have never seen the slip empty. What a shame! Barry
Time keeps on slippin
It is about the issue of time....to unfurl and set takes 30min....also if it is 100 degrees, I need two shirts and 45 minutes........I love to sail, but I love being on the boat regardless......it is about the issue of time... as Roger MacGregor says, " the wind is free...." sometimes, it just isn't as convenient........
It is about the issue of time....to unfurl and set takes 30min....also if it is 100 degrees, I need two shirts and 45 minutes........I love to sail, but I love being on the boat regardless......it is about the issue of time... as Roger MacGregor says, " the wind is free...." sometimes, it just isn't as convenient........
The pleasures of small boats
Every time I see a big, new sailboat with a broad beam, sugar scoop stern and all of the modern conveniences, I get a feeling...; not of envy, but of gratitude for my boat. She's too small to have a real engine (8 hp outboard), so I can't take a cruise with the engine; too small to be a cocktail boat, but big enough for the family to spend a day on, sailing, anchoring, swimming. There is no reason to get on my boat unless we are going sailing. Don't think the syndrome you describe is unique to sailboats; I know plenty of powerboaters who never use their boats either. However, given the times I have motored rather than sailed back in, I can't bring myself to criticize others.
Every time I see a big, new sailboat with a broad beam, sugar scoop stern and all of the modern conveniences, I get a feeling...; not of envy, but of gratitude for my boat. She's too small to have a real engine (8 hp outboard), so I can't take a cruise with the engine; too small to be a cocktail boat, but big enough for the family to spend a day on, sailing, anchoring, swimming. There is no reason to get on my boat unless we are going sailing. Don't think the syndrome you describe is unique to sailboats; I know plenty of powerboaters who never use their boats either. However, given the times I have motored rather than sailed back in, I can't bring myself to criticize others.
Enjoy the Boat
Living and sailing (or boating if you prefer) on an inland lake means that much of the year you're not only living with dead calm winds, you're also dealing with temps near 100 degrees. I can assure you that drifting about in 90 degrees of heat with your sails flopping about as the power boats fly by is not fun, and since you're drifting with the current, you may not be able to make headway toward your intended destination. Therefore, if the choice is to stay home under the air conditioner watching the boob tube, or go to the boat, fire up the old iron sail and head out to a cove and drop anchor, swim, maybe raft up with friends and their sailboats - I can promise you that I will be making the choice to burn a little diesel and enjoy my boat. Paid too much for it, I pay too much for the slip fees, and I enjoy just being out too much to allow a lack of wind to keep me away.
Living and sailing (or boating if you prefer) on an inland lake means that much of the year you're not only living with dead calm winds, you're also dealing with temps near 100 degrees. I can assure you that drifting about in 90 degrees of heat with your sails flopping about as the power boats fly by is not fun, and since you're drifting with the current, you may not be able to make headway toward your intended destination. Therefore, if the choice is to stay home under the air conditioner watching the boob tube, or go to the boat, fire up the old iron sail and head out to a cove and drop anchor, swim, maybe raft up with friends and their sailboats - I can promise you that I will be making the choice to burn a little diesel and enjoy my boat. Paid too much for it, I pay too much for the slip fees, and I enjoy just being out too much to allow a lack of wind to keep me away.
It isn't as simple as all that...
Look, I sympathize with the basic premise, but my own experiences are showing constantly why only people with infinite time on their hands get to stand on that soapbox. The first issue is, if you've got an inboard diesel, you need to use it to keep it healthy and charge your batteries. When I moved up to a sloop with an inboard diesel this year and read all the manuals and talked to the diesel mechanic it became clear that I would have to incorporate the diesel into the day's activities on each outing. So instead of zipping out of the marina and putting up sails 5 minutes later it makes sense to take one's time motoring to a good spot and taking one's time with the sail-raising. Turning on the motor well before the harbor entrance and getting the sails down comfortably is the back end of that. The motor is part of the family now and needs its tlc time. And speaking of family, I've found my crew dictating how much motoring gets done as well. I pay attention to the moods and modes of the family and friends who are on board and find they do not last as long as I do; cutting the day short and motoring home is the merciful thing to do if your guests are reaching their limit. It may not be everybody's problem, but for some of us it just is. Finally, the water taxi at my marina stops running at 7pm on weekends and 5pm on weekdays. Until I can get a dinghy into the mix, I've got to hustle back on schedule, sail or no. Living inland with no immediate family means my sailing "weekend" is one weekend day per week. My boat will look unused most of the time, but believe me she is not forgotten!
Look, I sympathize with the basic premise, but my own experiences are showing constantly why only people with infinite time on their hands get to stand on that soapbox. The first issue is, if you've got an inboard diesel, you need to use it to keep it healthy and charge your batteries. When I moved up to a sloop with an inboard diesel this year and read all the manuals and talked to the diesel mechanic it became clear that I would have to incorporate the diesel into the day's activities on each outing. So instead of zipping out of the marina and putting up sails 5 minutes later it makes sense to take one's time motoring to a good spot and taking one's time with the sail-raising. Turning on the motor well before the harbor entrance and getting the sails down comfortably is the back end of that. The motor is part of the family now and needs its tlc time. And speaking of family, I've found my crew dictating how much motoring gets done as well. I pay attention to the moods and modes of the family and friends who are on board and find they do not last as long as I do; cutting the day short and motoring home is the merciful thing to do if your guests are reaching their limit. It may not be everybody's problem, but for some of us it just is. Finally, the water taxi at my marina stops running at 7pm on weekends and 5pm on weekdays. Until I can get a dinghy into the mix, I've got to hustle back on schedule, sail or no. Living inland with no immediate family means my sailing "weekend" is one weekend day per week. My boat will look unused most of the time, but believe me she is not forgotten!
From motor to sail.....
For those of us who dumped the speedboat once and for all this year, applause. Of course, the grain of salt is that working a 2hp Honda doesn't do much. When becalmed though, it does beat sitting. Let the wind blow.....
For those of us who dumped the speedboat once and for all this year, applause. Of course, the grain of salt is that working a 2hp Honda doesn't do much. When becalmed though, it does beat sitting. Let the wind blow.....
Motoring in great sailing weather
I thought Paul was saying he is seing a lot of motoring when conditions are good to excellent for sailing. I have to say the same. It was particularly prevalent last week end in the Lake Erie Islands. For instance, we following a beautiful, 40+ foot ketch out of the anchorage north of Kellys Island yesterday. As we rounded the northeast point, we were greeted with 15 to 20 knot SSE winds with 3-5 foot waves. We set off to tack our way back south to Sandusky Bay, since we had the time and inclination. The ketch headed off to the east, in great conditions to reach, motoring without a sail! We probably saw another 6 boats who were motoring when they could have sailed. I guess my point would be that sailing is much more comfortable than motoring with the sails and wind pressure increasing stability of the ride, and punch through the waves. Because of this added stability, we usually leave the main up while motoring, as we did once we arrived in the bay. You can sail very close on the wind and still keep the main drawing. Again, it adds a knot or two to our speed, especially when punching through the waves and wakes in the bay. And it dramatically decreases the rolling that can be so annoying and uncomfortable when motoring without the main. I think motoring into light winds on the nose, or to charge the batteries is fine. But I recommend we all look for the good times when seamanship can keep us doing what our boats were made to do - and what we are dreaming about all through the week! David Lady Lillie
I thought Paul was saying he is seing a lot of motoring when conditions are good to excellent for sailing. I have to say the same. It was particularly prevalent last week end in the Lake Erie Islands. For instance, we following a beautiful, 40+ foot ketch out of the anchorage north of Kellys Island yesterday. As we rounded the northeast point, we were greeted with 15 to 20 knot SSE winds with 3-5 foot waves. We set off to tack our way back south to Sandusky Bay, since we had the time and inclination. The ketch headed off to the east, in great conditions to reach, motoring without a sail! We probably saw another 6 boats who were motoring when they could have sailed. I guess my point would be that sailing is much more comfortable than motoring with the sails and wind pressure increasing stability of the ride, and punch through the waves. Because of this added stability, we usually leave the main up while motoring, as we did once we arrived in the bay. You can sail very close on the wind and still keep the main drawing. Again, it adds a knot or two to our speed, especially when punching through the waves and wakes in the bay. And it dramatically decreases the rolling that can be so annoying and uncomfortable when motoring without the main. I think motoring into light winds on the nose, or to charge the batteries is fine. But I recommend we all look for the good times when seamanship can keep us doing what our boats were made to do - and what we are dreaming about all through the week! David Lady Lillie
People buy Sailboats because they look better.
I think that people buy big sailboats for a lot of other reasons than sailing. In fact I bet than sailing doesn't even make the top 5! At least those people go out in their boats. I would say that 30% of the boats in the major marina's in SF have not been moved in over a year. I don't have problems with people taking out their boats and motoring around a bit but I don't understand why they go to all the trouble of putting up the sails when they never turn off the motor. Even if you have automatic everything there is still alot of work to do when you come back if you have put up your sails. But then again maybe that have someone else do it for them, which is OK with me. Anything that creates jobs in sailing is a plus in my book. Still a big sailboat is a beatiful thing to look at. It makes me smile everytime I see one. Even if they are just parked outside of PacBell Park taking in a Giants game. --Dan
I think that people buy big sailboats for a lot of other reasons than sailing. In fact I bet than sailing doesn't even make the top 5! At least those people go out in their boats. I would say that 30% of the boats in the major marina's in SF have not been moved in over a year. I don't have problems with people taking out their boats and motoring around a bit but I don't understand why they go to all the trouble of putting up the sails when they never turn off the motor. Even if you have automatic everything there is still alot of work to do when you come back if you have put up your sails. But then again maybe that have someone else do it for them, which is OK with me. Anything that creates jobs in sailing is a plus in my book. Still a big sailboat is a beatiful thing to look at. It makes me smile everytime I see one. Even if they are just parked outside of PacBell Park taking in a Giants game. --Dan
Time to motor home
Steve, I'm with ya on that lake. It got too hot with too little wind on Monday and the family had enough so it was time to motor back to the slip.
Steve, I'm with ya on that lake. It got too hot with too little wind on Monday and the family had enough so it was time to motor back to the slip.
be happy! 
I started sailing on a 16ft Prindle some 25 yrs ago. needless to say, if I was out there the sails were up. now, much older and some five sailboats later if my lazy fat ass had rather reach for a beer rather than a sheet Im still having as much fun with the ole iron genny as I was when I was flying a hull on the Prindle. some times you feel like a nut, sometimes you dont! ;D
I started sailing on a 16ft Prindle some 25 yrs ago. needless to say, if I was out there the sails were up. now, much older and some five sailboats later if my lazy fat ass had rather reach for a beer rather than a sheet Im still having as much fun with the ole iron genny as I was when I was flying a hull on the Prindle. some times you feel like a nut, sometimes you dont! ;D
No motors allowed
I'm a bit spoiled in this regard, as the pond that we moor in is the water supply for our city of 1 million. As such, no motors are allowed on the lake at all (except the fire/rescue boat). The result is sailing,kayaking and canoeing - no personal water craft, no 16 ft Lund fishing boats, no power boats period! You often see people on their boats with the sails down, but they are generally puttering, doing repairs or just enjoying the quiet. We are very fortunate to have this space available to sail, smack in the middle of the city only 20 minutes from home or office. It makes for a convienient get away on a Wednesday afternoon (sneaking out of the office early) and a quiet place to enjoy sailing without the noise of outboard motors or the smell of exhaust. best regards, Richard
I'm a bit spoiled in this regard, as the pond that we moor in is the water supply for our city of 1 million. As such, no motors are allowed on the lake at all (except the fire/rescue boat). The result is sailing,kayaking and canoeing - no personal water craft, no 16 ft Lund fishing boats, no power boats period! You often see people on their boats with the sails down, but they are generally puttering, doing repairs or just enjoying the quiet. We are very fortunate to have this space available to sail, smack in the middle of the city only 20 minutes from home or office. It makes for a convienient get away on a Wednesday afternoon (sneaking out of the office early) and a quiet place to enjoy sailing without the noise of outboard motors or the smell of exhaust. best regards, Richard
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