Navigation System

SVFlyAway · Feb 23, 2006

First, I am not getting rid of my diesel (though it isn't running well).
Maybe that is why I have this question about outboards.

Now I know that some Vega owners have repowered with an outboard. I
understand that something in the range of 9 to 10 in a four-stroke is what
is generally recommended. But has anyone tried running a Vega with a smaller
outboard, say a 4 or 5 HP (or even a Honda 2). I ask this as I carry a small
outboard for a dinghy anyway. I have a removable lifting bracket in my
garage that I can mount (with a separate mounting plate I can remove all but
a small, almost flat aluminum bracket on the transom). What I am thinking is
being able to use the little kicker as a "get-home", or at least into the
marina engine, not as primary power. I once used a Honda 2 to barely move a
35 footer (with a dinghy tow actually) when an old diesel flooded with
salt-water - it moved it enough to get into a marina actually, but it was
very slow.

So, what would one of the small 4 or 5 four-strokes do in pushing a Vega?
Any observations?

Thanks in advance,

Chris

V 2923

moondance5003 · Feb 24, 2006

Chris,
My diesel is not working right now and I have been using a 3 1/2 HP
Tohatsu 2 stroke for about 6 months. It pushes my vega to near 5
knots at just over half throttle. No complaints here. But if I were
to do it over, I would go with a 4 HP 4 stroke. The reason is better
fuel efficiency and tank hook-up and a bit more quiet. But as you
said, it is used as a kicker and not really for long distance
travel. Hope this helps.
Robert

bobnlesafloat · Feb 24, 2006

Hi Chris,

On Spring Fever we had exactly the same thought. We carry a 3.3 hp Mercury outboard for the dinghy, which we can clamp onto a plywood bracket which we've built around the bottom step of the hinged boarding ladder - we can clamp onto it whilst the ladder's folded up, then lower to 90 degrees, secure it there with a rope and the outboard sits in the water perfectly.

We've used it in anger twice; once when becalmed and the diesel inboard stopped, we made 2 knots against a foul tide to haul ourselves out of the top of the Menai Straits and then again to manouvre into a different berth in a Spanish Marina when the inboard was dismantled for repair. In the second instance it worked better than the MD6A; being the only time Spring Fever has undertaken a complicated manouvre in reverse.

Off-shore I think that if the seas were running it might struggle - swamping rather than a lack of power; but in those circumstances there ought to be some wind too, so we'd try hoisting one or even both of those white cloth thingies and use that instead.

Bob Carlisle

Chris Brown svflyaway@... wrote:
First, I am not getting rid of my diesel (though it isn't running well).
Maybe that is why I have this question about outboards.
Now I know that some Vega owners have repowered with an outboard. I
understand that something in the range of 9 to 10 in a four-stroke is what
is generally recommended. But has anyone tried running a Vega with a smaller
outboard, say a 4 or 5 HP (or even a Honda 2). I ask this as I carry a small
outboard for a dinghy anyway. I have a removable lifting bracket in my
garage that I can mount (with a separate mounting plate I can remove all but
a small, almost flat aluminum bracket on the transom). What I am thinking is
being able to use the little kicker as a "get-home", or at least into the
marina engine, not as primary power. I once used a Honda 2 to barely move a
35 footer (with a dinghy tow actually) when an old diesel flooded with
salt-water - it moved it enough to get into a marina actually, but it was
very slow.
So, what would one of the small 4 or 5 four-strokes do in pushing a Vega?
Any observations?
Thanks in advance,
Chris
V 2923

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bobnlesafloat · Feb 24, 2006

How big are these things? as I'm looking to install something that I can rest my beer can whilst looking at those paper map -type thingies..

Bob Carlisle, Spring Fever

Lori Treml ltreml@... wrote:
Hi All,

The SeaPC luna is now available.
This is the All-in-One unit with the Touch Screen. You can mount it inside
the aft bulkhead on an 'Arm" mount, which is very convenient for navigation when
you're out sailing. You can pull it out through the companionway opening and push it back in when not in use. You can then use it inside for Emailing or Internet access. This unit is Bluetooth compatible, so you can connect with a Bluetooth cell phone. It has a Virtual on-screen keyboard. You can also watch a DVD movie, if so desired.
This unit is very rugged and water resistant.
I am the reseller here in the U.S., so for more info visit my website at www.cinlor.com or email at info@....

Lori
Vega #2491

SPONSORED LINKS
Boating safety Boating supply Gsi outdoors The great outdoors Albin vega

loritreml · Feb 24, 2006

Hi Bob,

I think you're looking for something called a "Cup Holder", those beer soaked paper maps don't work very well. Could put you on the wrong course. lol

Bob Carlisle bobnlesafloat@... wrote: How big are these things? as I'm looking to install something that I can rest my beer can whilst looking at those paper map -type thingies..

Bob Carlisle, Spring Fever

Lori Treml wrote:
Hi All,

The SeaPC luna is now available.
This is the All-in-One unit with the Touch Screen. You can mount it inside
the aft bulkhead on an 'Arm" mount, which is very convenient for navigation when
you're out sailing. You can pull it out through the companionway opening and push it back in when not in use. You can then use it inside for Emailing or Internet access. This unit is Bluetooth compatible, so you can connect with a Bluetooth cell phone. It has a Virtual on-screen keyboard. You can also watch a DVD movie, if so desired.
This unit is very rugged and water resistant.
I am the reseller here in the U.S., so for more info visit my website at www.cinlor.com or email at info@....

Lori
Vega #2491

SPONSORED LINKS
Boating safety Boating supply Gsi outdoors The great outdoors Albin vega

stevebirch2002 · Feb 24, 2006

Tut tut Bob, you are getting cynical in your old age......

Cheers

Steve Birch (Technical)

elrond8177 · Feb 24, 2006

Hi Chris,
I use a 5 HP Nisson on my Vega. Since I have only a few hundred yards to get to Galveston Bay & sailing space it's much more convenient and provides more maneuverability getting in and out of the slip. I'm sure you know how 'well' the Vega does at slow speed turns. The motor is mounted on a sissor type mount to lower it into the water and raise it up to eliminate all the drag for sailing. I have run it as much as 20 to 30 minutes at a time and can make 5kts+ in good conditions. As far as running it more than that I wouldn't want to put too much strain on it and the MD6B hasn't given me much trouble.
John
Southern Comfort Too

schroath · Feb 24, 2006

Hi All,

We will be having to get by with an outboard next season and need a
mount to raise and lower it. Has anyone found one type or brand of
mount that works especially well on a Vega? The one that came with
Snipp when we bought her does not move and requires double axle and a
lot of unpleasant language to use. Any direction would be appreciated.

Jody and Rick
Villager Newspapers

pjacobs55 · Feb 24, 2006

Not on a Vega, but I've had good success with mounts made by
Garelick. They are all stainless steel, come with excellent
installation instructions, and work well.

Check out Garelick for their units.

and http://www3.telus.net/sailing/garelick71039.jpg for the mount I
bought.

Hope this helps,

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

xxxblister · Feb 24, 2006

My vega 3175 came with an ancient (80's?) Johnson 6HP 2 stroke on a
mount that lifts it out of the water. I find it very manueverable and
amply powerful. My only complaint is the shaft is somewhat short.
In a following sea it comes out of the water, then swamps. Repeat.
Otherwise it moves me at 5 knots comfortably. Plus one less hole in
the boat! You can lock it in position and steer with the rudder but I
prefer to leave it loose and steer with the outboard. It's a little
awkward but I used the motor only 3 times all last season. Since I'm
on a mooring PFFT! hoist and go, likewise in reverse upon returning.
Only when going to regattas or to haul out do I really need it.
Cheers!

SVFlyAway · Feb 24, 2006

Jody and Rick,

Garlick and Fulton are the main brands. Practical Sailor rated Fulton higher
(that surprised me).

Actually have an extra Fulton motor mount, I am going to sell-- rated for
salt-water, two-stroke to 10hp (but the engine guys says it will take a
small four). It is model number 1050 I believe. I will sell it for far below
list. I'm only selling it since I have two (maybe I could put twins on the
Vega. Then she'd sure steer!!!)

Shipping to Ohio shouldn't be too expensive. (Looks as if you are in the
same boat I am in from previous email, your diesel isn't reliable, you are
looking electric, but aren't quite ready to commit.)

Contact me directly if interested,

Chris Brown

SVFlyaway@...

_____

From: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com [mailto:AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of Jody Schroath
Sent: Friday, February 24, 2006 9:58 AM
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [AlbinVega] Outboards again

Hi All,

We will be having to get by with an outboard next season and need a
mount to raise and lower it. Has anyone found one type or brand of
mount that works especially well on a Vega? The one that came with
Snipp when we bought her does not move and requires double axle and a
lot of unpleasant language to use. Any direction would be appreciated.

Jody and Rick
Villager Newspapers

elrond8177 · Feb 24, 2006

Hi Jody and Rick,
The one we use works well for us. It's a heavy duty aluminum sissor design mounted straight off the stern. I had to add an extra aluminum plate to allow the outboard to sit low enough into the water since it is not a long shaft outboard. I may be going to a long shaft if I can scrape a few bucks together. I also have an extension handle added to the outboard to make it easier to reach. When I go to the marina I'll make a note of the make & model and let you know.
John

frank_lighthouse · Feb 25, 2006

Dear all,

Point of order here - never, never, never call a chart a map (even as a
jokingly!). I was once threatened with keel hauling by an 'old salt' for
this misdemeanour. I don't think he was serious ...........or was he?

Regards
Frank.

stevebirch2002 · Feb 25, 2006

Hi Frank

Speak to our Chairman, Mike Freeman (Vega "Jenavive&quot

who once went to
an IFY in Norther Denmark with no charts from the end of the Kiel
onwards... What he did have was a Europe Road Map and got there with
that. Hope he doesn’t mind me telling you this little ditty..

Cheers

Steve Birch (Technical)

bobnlesafloat · Feb 27, 2006

The annoyance of proper seamen (rather than dilatentes like myself) at charts being referred to as maps, is as nothing compared to the pain it causes Architects when I refer to their 'drawings' as pictures. My first offence was accidentally as a naieve young Quantity Surveyor; but now I just can't resist repeating the mistake whenever one of them pees me off.

Bob

Frank Fowler frank@... wrote:
Dear all,

Point of order here - never, never, never call a chart a map (even as a
jokingly!). I was once threatened with keel hauling by an 'old salt' for
this misdemeanour. I don't think he was serious ...........or was he?

Regards
Frank.