Here is a really dumb question and I have been putting off asking it. Can you use the motor with the sails in Light winds?? Thx Rookie
Motor sailing
- Thread starter bill van
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Certainly
I do it frequently. I put up the sails just as soon as I get out of the marina. Frequently, the winds are too light, so I motor with the sails up to the main body of the lake about a mile away. Probably the sails are not aiding any, but they might on occasion if you don't motor too fast. I watch the sails, if they are starting to fill, I cut the motor.
I do it frequently. I put up the sails just as soon as I get out of the marina. Frequently, the winds are too light, so I motor with the sails up to the main body of the lake about a mile away. Probably the sails are not aiding any, but they might on occasion if you don't motor too fast. I watch the sails, if they are starting to fill, I cut the motor.
bill; You'll find that motoring with the main only is much easier than main and jib. The jib, even flattened, will frequently start flogging. The main/motor combination works well as the main, even with a little self-generated wind, will stabilize the motion of the boat if water is choppy.
Fllogging?
Sorry, David, but I am just in a W-A mood today. Flogging is what you do to your crew when they are bad. I think you mean luffing, when the sail goes Flap Flap Flap.
Sorry, David, but I am just in a W-A mood today. Flogging is what you do to your crew when they are bad. I think you mean luffing, when the sail goes Flap Flap Flap.
I do...
I sometimes do it. The intercoastal waterway here changes rivers and creeks, therefore directions, as it meanders though Georgia. With the main only I can easily go to sail and back to motor as the wind dictates.
I sometimes do it. The intercoastal waterway here changes rivers and creeks, therefore directions, as it meanders though Georgia. With the main only I can easily go to sail and back to motor as the wind dictates.
Flogging vs Luffing
Flogging is a proper term for what was described. Luffing can mean anything from a slight backwind bubble to all out flogging. Flogging is normally used to describe prolonged, potentially damaging luffing.
Flogging is a proper term for what was described. Luffing can mean anything from a slight backwind bubble to all out flogging. Flogging is normally used to describe prolonged, potentially damaging luffing.
OK Rodney...I've just been...
waiting for this opportunity. Flogging and luffing are completely different and have nothing in common. As you correctly point out, flogging is a bad thing...can ruin your sail...even though many suggest you should do it when raising and lowering...dumb sh-ts. Luffing is a tell tale...very useful and lets you know how you are trimmed relative to the apparent wind...luffing is a condition that demonstrates itself on the forward part of the sail...flogging is when the leech is completely out of control. Nice try though.
waiting for this opportunity. Flogging and luffing are completely different and have nothing in common. As you correctly point out, flogging is a bad thing...can ruin your sail...even though many suggest you should do it when raising and lowering...dumb sh-ts. Luffing is a tell tale...very useful and lets you know how you are trimmed relative to the apparent wind...luffing is a condition that demonstrates itself on the forward part of the sail...flogging is when the leech is completely out of control. Nice try though.
Apparently, it depends the temperature of the air.
Everywhere else on the planet, as sail that is flogging is also luffing. However, where Dave sails, it seems the elevated temperatures change all this. Yep, where ever Dave is there is a lot of hot air. (teehee)
Everywhere else on the planet, as sail that is flogging is also luffing. However, where Dave sails, it seems the elevated temperatures change all this. Yep, where ever Dave is there is a lot of hot air. (teehee)
Straight from the sail makers
Flogging Flogging or uncontrolled flapping of sails, will damaged them faster than anything else. Flogging breaks down the finish of the cloth, causing the sail to lose shape - prolonged flogging will also weaken the cloth fibres causing the sail to lose its strength. Try to minimise flogging your sails and they will last longer. (Had to look it up on the internet and found this under "Port Nicholson Sails" So It is ok to use the motor to help the sails in light winds. Gives you the feeling of sailing and makes those on shore think your a damn fine Sailor.
Flogging Flogging or uncontrolled flapping of sails, will damaged them faster than anything else. Flogging breaks down the finish of the cloth, causing the sail to lose shape - prolonged flogging will also weaken the cloth fibres causing the sail to lose its strength. Try to minimise flogging your sails and they will last longer. (Had to look it up on the internet and found this under "Port Nicholson Sails" So It is ok to use the motor to help the sails in light winds. Gives you the feeling of sailing and makes those on shore think your a damn fine Sailor.
Rodney, I think it's
a magnetic thing
...I just wanted to make sure a differentiation was made between flogging which is a bad thing and luffing which is a useful thing... BTW, have you been able to see the Aurora Borealis from your vantage point? Supposed to be a pretty spectacular display over the next few days...I tried to check it out last night but it was too overcast...magnetism I guess.
a magnetic thing
...I just wanted to make sure a differentiation was made between flogging which is a bad thing and luffing which is a useful thing... BTW, have you been able to see the Aurora Borealis from your vantage point? Supposed to be a pretty spectacular display over the next few days...I tried to check it out last night but it was too overcast...magnetism I guess....but be careful of gusts!
Although I still feel like I'm somehow cheating when I fire up the engine, I do occassionally motor sail, but not often. Usually just to get through a narrows or to move more quickly to an area with better wind. The only word of caution is to be aware of gusts. If you begin to heel too much, the prop and intake valves may come clear of the water. Although this can be easily corrected with releasing the main sheet, the noise is very unsettling! Sigh..... the boat comes out of the water today for the winter. The only problem with owning a Mac is that it makes the winters seem that much longer waiting for boating season again! Cheers, Kirk
Although I still feel like I'm somehow cheating when I fire up the engine, I do occassionally motor sail, but not often. Usually just to get through a narrows or to move more quickly to an area with better wind. The only word of caution is to be aware of gusts. If you begin to heel too much, the prop and intake valves may come clear of the water. Although this can be easily corrected with releasing the main sheet, the noise is very unsettling! Sigh..... the boat comes out of the water today for the winter. The only problem with owning a Mac is that it makes the winters seem that much longer waiting for boating season again! Cheers, Kirk
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