There's not enough wind. There's too much wind. We need to get back to the marina before dark. The batteries need charging. And the list of reasons to run the engine goes on... So just how much do you run your engine when you're out on the water? Are you a sailing purist who sails on and off the dock or buoy and will sit for hours becalmed waiting for the wind to pick up? Or are your the ultimate pragmatist who thinks that the iron genny is the fastest way to get from Point A to Point B and sailing is only pleasurable when it's convenient? Is your boat out under bare poles a lot or almost never? Share your thoughts on engines or sails then vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
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Who needs an engine?
While I do not claim to be in the same league as the Pardeys, relating to the in the manner in which they sailed on Seraffyn, I try to leave the iron genny dormant for as long as possible. The moment the deisel is not a must, it is shut down. If you like the sound of a motor don't come sailing with me! Upon returning to port, I'd rather come in wing and wing than come through the inlet under power. In my estimation, fighting to gather enough wind, or control the amount of wind you do have, sharpens your skills. Isn't that what we love about sailing?! Shelton
While I do not claim to be in the same league as the Pardeys, relating to the in the manner in which they sailed on Seraffyn, I try to leave the iron genny dormant for as long as possible. The moment the deisel is not a must, it is shut down. If you like the sound of a motor don't come sailing with me! Upon returning to port, I'd rather come in wing and wing than come through the inlet under power. In my estimation, fighting to gather enough wind, or control the amount of wind you do have, sharpens your skills. Isn't that what we love about sailing?! Shelton
Inland Sailing
I learned to sail in Panama City. I talked to my instructor about sailing on inland lakes. He said he also learned to sail on a lake. He said it will improve my sailing. I don't know about improving my sailing, but it improves your patience or you quit sailing. I have spent thirty minutes trying to sail through a gap with shifting winds. I could have started the motor, but I figured it is good practice. I sometimes sail away from the dock, if the winds are absolutely favorable. I never sail to the dock. The dock is at the end of a long narrow bay. There are numerous boats and docks. It would be foolhardy to sail to the dock. You can't count on the wind. Even when sailing away from the dock, I have the motor ready to go at a few seconds notice.
I learned to sail in Panama City. I talked to my instructor about sailing on inland lakes. He said he also learned to sail on a lake. He said it will improve my sailing. I don't know about improving my sailing, but it improves your patience or you quit sailing. I have spent thirty minutes trying to sail through a gap with shifting winds. I could have started the motor, but I figured it is good practice. I sometimes sail away from the dock, if the winds are absolutely favorable. I never sail to the dock. The dock is at the end of a long narrow bay. There are numerous boats and docks. It would be foolhardy to sail to the dock. You can't count on the wind. Even when sailing away from the dock, I have the motor ready to go at a few seconds notice.
Destination Sailing
Being a destination sailor, I usually want to get to where I am going. I will try to sail there, but when it looks like it will take too much time, I kick in the iron genny. Unfortunately, the destination sailor becomes a victim of the machine.
Being a destination sailor, I usually want to get to where I am going. I will try to sail there, but when it looks like it will take too much time, I kick in the iron genny. Unfortunately, the destination sailor becomes a victim of the machine.
See trailorsailer.com
There is a posting which lists a number of sailing quotes. One, which I believe is appropriate, is "Only fools and passengers drink at sea". Allan Villiers
There is a posting which lists a number of sailing quotes. One, which I believe is appropriate, is "Only fools and passengers drink at sea". Allan Villiers
one out of four isn't too good
There are basically four possible wind conditions for open water sailing. 1. The wind is too strong 2. The wind is too light 3. The wind is from the wrong direction (usually on the nose) 4. The wind is just right So out of four possibilities only one will get you to your target in a reasonable time without beating your passengers (usually a wife) to death from rough seas. By the way Rick "whimp" is spelled wimp without the 'h'.
There are basically four possible wind conditions for open water sailing. 1. The wind is too strong 2. The wind is too light 3. The wind is from the wrong direction (usually on the nose) 4. The wind is just right So out of four possibilities only one will get you to your target in a reasonable time without beating your passengers (usually a wife) to death from rough seas. By the way Rick "whimp" is spelled wimp without the 'h'.
Pick any two....
1. You can sail. 2. You can arrive at your chosen destination. 3. You can keep a schedule. Pick any two. To achieve all three is wonderful, but elusive or just plain lucky. Our best sails are going nowhere. Just follow the wind to someplace and back. But as soon as you choose a destination and are constrained by a schedule, you are doomed to motor.
1. You can sail. 2. You can arrive at your chosen destination. 3. You can keep a schedule. Pick any two. To achieve all three is wonderful, but elusive or just plain lucky. Our best sails are going nowhere. Just follow the wind to someplace and back. But as soon as you choose a destination and are constrained by a schedule, you are doomed to motor.
point conception
I was helping a buddy deliver a new 48-footer south, and we motorsailed all night because we wanted to make it around Conception before the winds came up the next morning. We rounded a couple hours after dawn, eased sail for a broad reach, and then I sacked out. I was awakened an hour later, and the skipper said that the winds were up and the autopilot was having so much trouble holding course that he thought we ought to put a reef in the main. I got up, sniffed the wind, and then shut off the engine. A reef was no longer required, nor was my presence on deck.
I was helping a buddy deliver a new 48-footer south, and we motorsailed all night because we wanted to make it around Conception before the winds came up the next morning. We rounded a couple hours after dawn, eased sail for a broad reach, and then I sacked out. I was awakened an hour later, and the skipper said that the winds were up and the autopilot was having so much trouble holding course that he thought we ought to put a reef in the main. I got up, sniffed the wind, and then shut off the engine. A reef was no longer required, nor was my presence on deck.
Crossing the Bar....
Last month I was in Tomales Bay on the coast of California about 40 miles north of SF in my Catalina 27, outboard driven. Getting into Tomales Bay was easy and could easily have been done under sail alone. But getting out, we were under power punching directly into the (fairly light) wind, and left the Bay to cross the bar outside. The bar had 6-9 footers, very steep. As we got into the shallowest part of the bar (about 11 ft. at high tide we were there), we climbed the front of a 9-footer, when the motor got splashed and quit. Luckily, I hit the electric starter and it fired right up again. This trip wouldn't have been doable without a motor, and I was very lucky mine kicked over again! I guess I'm also a "destination sailor". I'm out there to sail and get there. That means sailing when it makes sense, motoring when it doesn't, which seems to be more often where I find myself a lot...
Last month I was in Tomales Bay on the coast of California about 40 miles north of SF in my Catalina 27, outboard driven. Getting into Tomales Bay was easy and could easily have been done under sail alone. But getting out, we were under power punching directly into the (fairly light) wind, and left the Bay to cross the bar outside. The bar had 6-9 footers, very steep. As we got into the shallowest part of the bar (about 11 ft. at high tide we were there), we climbed the front of a 9-footer, when the motor got splashed and quit. Luckily, I hit the electric starter and it fired right up again. This trip wouldn't have been doable without a motor, and I was very lucky mine kicked over again! I guess I'm also a "destination sailor". I'm out there to sail and get there. That means sailing when it makes sense, motoring when it doesn't, which seems to be more often where I find myself a lot...
Paddle
When all else fails, paddle. I try to get in before the wind stops completely because I am the motor! Fortunately a catamaran will move in very light wind. Of the approximatly 2000 MacGregor Venture 15'Catamarans built, I suppose there are not many left. But why doesn't the web site list the Venture 15? Marlin
When all else fails, paddle. I try to get in before the wind stops completely because I am the motor! Fortunately a catamaran will move in very light wind. Of the approximatly 2000 MacGregor Venture 15'Catamarans built, I suppose there are not many left. But why doesn't the web site list the Venture 15? Marlin
to sail or motor
The funny thing is I usually motor when I race. My marina is 4 miles from the rest of the fleet. So if I am running late or the wind is on the nose etc. I motor to the race course. And at the end of the day of racing I may motor home unless the wind is at my back. Bob
The funny thing is I usually motor when I race. My marina is 4 miles from the rest of the fleet. So if I am running late or the wind is on the nose etc. I motor to the race course. And at the end of the day of racing I may motor home unless the wind is at my back. Bob
Hate that diesel. . . .
and also love it. I hate the noise and pollution but that iron genny has also saved my bacon. I thought one reason I do not like to motor is because it is an old two-cylinder Yanmar(1979). But recently I delivered two new boats, a 36 and a 46. They really were not that much better. Motoring is always a last resort with us. So I wonder how I will endure the trip out the Erie Canal and down the ICW? Not too much sailing I am afraid.
and also love it. I hate the noise and pollution but that iron genny has also saved my bacon. I thought one reason I do not like to motor is because it is an old two-cylinder Yanmar(1979). But recently I delivered two new boats, a 36 and a 46. They really were not that much better. Motoring is always a last resort with us. So I wonder how I will endure the trip out the Erie Canal and down the ICW? Not too much sailing I am afraid.
I Love My Motor
This'll cause some sailors to puff up and get all red but I have a 90hp Honda on my Mac26X. I've clocked it at 26 mph, can slalom behind it, and use the engine to get me to good sailing territory FAST. In addition to that, I can take it to the Texas coast, motor across the bay, anchor up in a foot of water next to marsh islands, throw my kayak in the water and flyfish for redfish....and then spend several nights on my floating hotel. No matter how you might argue to the contrary, I believe I have the best of both worlds.
This'll cause some sailors to puff up and get all red but I have a 90hp Honda on my Mac26X. I've clocked it at 26 mph, can slalom behind it, and use the engine to get me to good sailing territory FAST. In addition to that, I can take it to the Texas coast, motor across the bay, anchor up in a foot of water next to marsh islands, throw my kayak in the water and flyfish for redfish....and then spend several nights on my floating hotel. No matter how you might argue to the contrary, I believe I have the best of both worlds.
To Power or Not
We just moved our boat from Wickford RI to Ft Myers. While the ICW was nice, I liked it better outside. No engine power, just sail. Who cares how long it takes, if you want fast get a power boat and become one of them. Sail Now.
We just moved our boat from Wickford RI to Ft Myers. While the ICW was nice, I liked it better outside. No engine power, just sail. Who cares how long it takes, if you want fast get a power boat and become one of them. Sail Now.
Troll
I have a gas motor for my 17' cruiser, but I almost never take it to the lake with me. The trolling motor is almost always enough. Of course sailing on lakes there is not the hazard of getting swept out to sea by currents or wind. If I sail in the ocean I take the motor. On my Potter 15, the Oars are sufficient most of the time....I leave even the trolling motor at home.
I have a gas motor for my 17' cruiser, but I almost never take it to the lake with me. The trolling motor is almost always enough. Of course sailing on lakes there is not the hazard of getting swept out to sea by currents or wind. If I sail in the ocean I take the motor. On my Potter 15, the Oars are sufficient most of the time....I leave even the trolling motor at home.
Engine?
I only use an engine when there is no wind, or going into dock. On the way out, Depending on the wind direction, we usually motor just to the outside of our marina and raise the sails. If a storm comes I double reef the main and raise a tiny foresail. Having a 27 foot boat, it is much more challenging to navigate marinas and channels by sail, that is why it is more fun. We usually sail through draw bridges (if you havent tried this, I recomend it,be careful), canals, and other challenging courses. Motors are only good to wriggle your Fat keel off of sandbars and out of slips. Happy Sailing!!!~ Note: it is NOT "Happy Motoring!!!"
I only use an engine when there is no wind, or going into dock. On the way out, Depending on the wind direction, we usually motor just to the outside of our marina and raise the sails. If a storm comes I double reef the main and raise a tiny foresail. Having a 27 foot boat, it is much more challenging to navigate marinas and channels by sail, that is why it is more fun. We usually sail through draw bridges (if you havent tried this, I recomend it,be careful), canals, and other challenging courses. Motors are only good to wriggle your Fat keel off of sandbars and out of slips. Happy Sailing!!!~ Note: it is NOT "Happy Motoring!!!"
I Sail for the Quiet
Sailing a 22'er on Lake Superior requires that I use my outboard when leaving or entering the marina. However, I sail because of the peace and quiet and don't really care if I arrive on time. If I wanted punctuality, noise and gas/diesel fumes, I'd buy a "Stink Boat".
Sailing a 22'er on Lake Superior requires that I use my outboard when leaving or entering the marina. However, I sail because of the peace and quiet and don't really care if I arrive on time. If I wanted punctuality, noise and gas/diesel fumes, I'd buy a "Stink Boat".
Engine Use?
I use the outboard my motor on my C 25T as seldom as possible. When I do, it's to travel a distance which makes using sails impractical. For example, I motor from my mooring on Portage Lake, in northern Michigan, to Lake Superior, which normally takes an hour and forty-five minutes and traverses a busy canal. I also use the motor from my mooring to the marina for a pump out, another hour and fort-five minutes in the opposite direction and which also partially includes motoring through a busy canal. If I am cruising and the wind dies, in the interest of forward progress, I will use the motor until the wind picks up again. Although I generally sail about two the three times per week, I have used the motor only four times since June, for the above reasons, and today, while moving the boat down to the ramp to haul out. It was a beatiful day today but we're expecting rain and snow through the weekend.
I use the outboard my motor on my C 25T as seldom as possible. When I do, it's to travel a distance which makes using sails impractical. For example, I motor from my mooring on Portage Lake, in northern Michigan, to Lake Superior, which normally takes an hour and forty-five minutes and traverses a busy canal. I also use the motor from my mooring to the marina for a pump out, another hour and fort-five minutes in the opposite direction and which also partially includes motoring through a busy canal. If I am cruising and the wind dies, in the interest of forward progress, I will use the motor until the wind picks up again. Although I generally sail about two the three times per week, I have used the motor only four times since June, for the above reasons, and today, while moving the boat down to the ramp to haul out. It was a beatiful day today but we're expecting rain and snow through the weekend.
puxa vida!
I use a two-stroke 50hp mercury outboard in my Mac 26X, according to factory recommendations. I'd like to hear more of your experience with a 90hp. My top speed motoring on salt water is not higher than 15 knots. And I feel that the boat seems a little unstable. Regards, Celso
I use a two-stroke 50hp mercury outboard in my Mac 26X, according to factory recommendations. I'd like to hear more of your experience with a 90hp. My top speed motoring on salt water is not higher than 15 knots. And I feel that the boat seems a little unstable. Regards, Celso
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