Electric motors for sailboat

[Ivortickle]

Any recommendations or thoughts regarding adding an electric motor to my sailboat. Would be used primarily to leave and return to berth, distance around 500 yards.

 

[jssailem]

If you only care about short distance use, why not get a small electric outboard?

 

[Benny17441]

In protected waters try a Trolling motor with a 12V deep cycle battery which can double as a house battery. Look up Minn Kota Trolling motors.

 

[jssailem]

Welcome to the forum.
A Catalina 250 on an inland lake is mostly a daysailer, not a coastal cruiser. Such a plan would be to get the sails up as soon as possible. An electric outboard trolling motor would certainly serve such a purpose.

With the years of sailing experience you have such a system should be easy to install and get you out on the water.

 

[rgranger]

Or one of the small torqeedos

 

[Benny17441]

I mentioned protected waters as some lakes can develop stiff chops by wind or boat traffic.

 

[IASailor]

I got a quote for a 5 HP equivalent electric motor with batteries, etc. It was around 7k. I went with a propane outboard. It is 5HP and does just fine against the current in the Mississippi.

My thread.

The motor I purchased.