motorsailing

[steven f.]

I have a Westerbeke engine in my 33 and was wondering about engine performance while heeled over. I recently read an article about a cruiser who's engine blew up while motor sailing. Would the angle keep the oil from doing its job? I have limited experience motoring under sail with a diesel since I'm new to the larger boat world. Any ideas or experiences appreciated. By the way, I keep a VERY close eye on my engine performance guages while its running, even a slight change in temp, oil press, volts is noted with due caution.

 

[Doug B]

Motoring while Heeled?

No offense intended, but if you have enough wind to heel your boat substantially, why would you ever want to crank up your iron genny? The only 2 reasons we have ever been flappin rags at the same time as poluting the atmosphere is when we cant find enough wind to sail constistantly (and as a result, we arent heeling more than a few degrees) or if we need a tiny bit of sail in a blow to help beat to weather through the chop. In this case, we arent heeling much either. Sorry to preach without addressing your question, yet......but if you have the boat over more than 10 degrees (and especially if you got the rail under) the engine will most likely not be getting lubricated the way it is intended to. My advise? Sail when there is wind. Motor when there is none or too much to make it simply reefed. Happy sailing!Db

 

[Warren Feldstein]

motor sailing

Send an email to the engine manufacturer. I would expect that it should be ok. You could be motoring in heavy seas witht he boat rolling significantly, or you could be motoring in a cross wind in a winding channel and heeling simply because of freeboard. The marine engine, and genset for that matter should be designed for this. The above is common sense only. Check it out. Sounds like a great question.

 

[Paul Akers]

Charging batteries

I've run my engine a number of times while heeled. I do charge my batteries while under sail, hence the heel.Engines are equipped with oil pumps, precicely for that reason - to keep the oil flowing. It's like when you drive your car in the mountains - something's got to keep the oil moving to the moving parts.I'd say don't be concerned, but be prudent, as you are, to watch your guages.

 

[Mark Johnson]

Check with the manufacturer...

Some engines are not designed to properly lubricate when the boat is heeled more than 15 degrees for any extended period of time. Take the safe route and check with your engine/generator manufacturer first.Mark Johnson