I'm considering buying either a 212 or a 216 and am wondering how necessary it is to have an outboard. I currently own an old Venture 21 and have been using it without an outboard no problem but it seems that I'm in the minority looking around at other sailboats in the harbor. Maybe I'm just nuts but I like not having to worry about that whole aspect of noise, maintenance and expense. Am I nuts?
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B. Smith
Good safety practices would dictate that you should have at least an alternative source of power. What happens if there is no wind and it becomes an emergency to get to shore. If not an outboard, I hope that your boat has oarlocks!!
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Jeff D.
Electric
I should think an electric trolling motor would fit your needs. Personally I would look into learning to scull your boat with a long sweep. My first 20 years of sailing I never had a motor. All you need is patience. Emergencies can best be handeled wth a cell phone these days.
I should think an electric trolling motor would fit your needs. Personally I would look into learning to scull your boat with a long sweep. My first 20 years of sailing I never had a motor. All you need is patience. Emergencies can best be handeled wth a cell phone these days.
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Rick Webb
Motors are for Sissies
I sailed Rhodes 19s and Cal 20s for years with no motors. You are definitly not nuts. One of my current boats has a motor but that is only for the wife, she gets impatient sometimes.
I sailed Rhodes 19s and Cal 20s for years with no motors. You are definitly not nuts. One of my current boats has a motor but that is only for the wife, she gets impatient sometimes.
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Clyde
It depends on where you sail.
On both the Hunter 212 and 216, outboard motor mounts are an option. On most daysailors the outboard motor mount is usually an option. If you have to use a busy boat ramp or transit a busy channel before you can sail, then having an auxiliary engine would be worthwhile, it keeps the powerboat people from yelling at you to get out of the way. If you sail in a backwater area without the typical powerboat rush hour traffic racing to the boat ramp or dock, then I’ll say you can take your time and scull back to shore if the wind dies. You can scull using a long oar or you could use your rudder, but it puts a lot of wear and tear on your rudder. With all the boating traffic on the water, eventually you will have to get an auxiliary engine so you can head your sailboat into the wake caused by all the fast moving boats or get swamped. Go with the electric trolling motor if the noise and maintenance bothers you. The electric trolling motor limits your speed and range, but you don’t have as much maintenance compared to a gas powered outboard motor. Fair Winds. Clyde
On both the Hunter 212 and 216, outboard motor mounts are an option. On most daysailors the outboard motor mount is usually an option. If you have to use a busy boat ramp or transit a busy channel before you can sail, then having an auxiliary engine would be worthwhile, it keeps the powerboat people from yelling at you to get out of the way. If you sail in a backwater area without the typical powerboat rush hour traffic racing to the boat ramp or dock, then I’ll say you can take your time and scull back to shore if the wind dies. You can scull using a long oar or you could use your rudder, but it puts a lot of wear and tear on your rudder. With all the boating traffic on the water, eventually you will have to get an auxiliary engine so you can head your sailboat into the wake caused by all the fast moving boats or get swamped. Go with the electric trolling motor if the noise and maintenance bothers you. The electric trolling motor limits your speed and range, but you don’t have as much maintenance compared to a gas powered outboard motor. Fair Winds. Clyde
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Edward Steenstra, III
216 motor brackets
I am under the impression that the 216 comes as a package with trailer, motor bracket,mast supports on trailer, etc., etc..I was told the only options were seat cushions,spinnaker,mainsail cover,rudder blade bag, head. The boat comes as a package! Have sailed on the 216 twice, was so impressed I put a deposit down on the spot! Any questions about the 216 just E- mail me. ED.
I am under the impression that the 216 comes as a package with trailer, motor bracket,mast supports on trailer, etc., etc..I was told the only options were seat cushions,spinnaker,mainsail cover,rudder blade bag, head. The boat comes as a package! Have sailed on the 216 twice, was so impressed I put a deposit down on the spot! Any questions about the 216 just E- mail me. ED.
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Clyde
Check the Hunter Web site.
On the Hunter web site, the 216 has a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) without trailer of $12,999. Under standard equipment and options, it lists the outboard motor mount and trailer and other options available. Hunter 216 Link. http://www.huntermarine.com/models/216/216-stand.htm Fair Winds. Clyde
On the Hunter web site, the 216 has a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) without trailer of $12,999. Under standard equipment and options, it lists the outboard motor mount and trailer and other options available. Hunter 216 Link. http://www.huntermarine.com/models/216/216-stand.htm Fair Winds. Clyde
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Brigg Franklin
A motor is a safety device
If you are not going to have a motor on your sailboat then don't plan to sail on any rivers with a current or any bays with a tidal current or on any waters where there is commercial marine traffic. All of these places can call for an emergency assist from the iron Jenny. Also most commercial marinas with significant traffic will frown on you sailing in and out through their other boaters. It's like driving a car without headlights, but you better not go on any roads at night.
If you are not going to have a motor on your sailboat then don't plan to sail on any rivers with a current or any bays with a tidal current or on any waters where there is commercial marine traffic. All of these places can call for an emergency assist from the iron Jenny. Also most commercial marinas with significant traffic will frown on you sailing in and out through their other boaters. It's like driving a car without headlights, but you better not go on any roads at night.
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Edward Steenstra, III
no motor
Doug, sailed for many years without a motor on a few sailboats that I have owned. I took pride in the fact that I only needed the wind to get to my destination. I also drifted for hours with the tide as the wind died down many times, as well as a few anxious moments as storms advanced towards me.For me it think it was a time and safety issue in the end as I purchased a Yamaha iron jenny. ED.
Doug, sailed for many years without a motor on a few sailboats that I have owned. I took pride in the fact that I only needed the wind to get to my destination. I also drifted for hours with the tide as the wind died down many times, as well as a few anxious moments as storms advanced towards me.For me it think it was a time and safety issue in the end as I purchased a Yamaha iron jenny. ED.
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Frank Ladd
Motor as a safety device
While I agree that a motor can be a very handy item, I do not feel it is necessary for safe operation of a sailboat. Without a motor you will need to be really careful where you go and stay out of dangerous situations. However that is still good advice for any boat. I've seen sailboats get into trouble and try to start there motor without it working. They were washed onto rocks. A sailor without a motor would have stoped the boat with an anchor or never gotten so close to the rocks in the first place. I'm a weekender who has to be back at work on Mondays. That why I want a good motor. If I just needed it to manuver through the marina I'd use an electric trolling motor or a large oar. There is a site called Oarclub that talks about this issue as well.
While I agree that a motor can be a very handy item, I do not feel it is necessary for safe operation of a sailboat. Without a motor you will need to be really careful where you go and stay out of dangerous situations. However that is still good advice for any boat. I've seen sailboats get into trouble and try to start there motor without it working. They were washed onto rocks. A sailor without a motor would have stoped the boat with an anchor or never gotten so close to the rocks in the first place. I'm a weekender who has to be back at work on Mondays. That why I want a good motor. If I just needed it to manuver through the marina I'd use an electric trolling motor or a large oar. There is a site called Oarclub that talks about this issue as well.
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Edward Steenstra, III
Hunter 216 package
Have seen the Hunter 216 offered two ways: one as a package with everything included, and another on their website as Clyde describes with many options.Perhaps the package is a boat show special as that is where I put my deposit down on one.Questions on the 216? Email me ED.
Have seen the Hunter 216 offered two ways: one as a package with everything included, and another on their website as Clyde describes with many options.Perhaps the package is a boat show special as that is where I put my deposit down on one.Questions on the 216? Email me ED.
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Rick Webb
Ask Tristan Jones
Tristan Jones sailed a small craft on the lowest body of water in the world, the Dead Sea in Israel and the highest, Lake Titicaca in the Andes. During this intrepid six-year voyage, he traveled a distance equal to twice the circumference of the world. Without using a motor.
Tristan Jones sailed a small craft on the lowest body of water in the world, the Dead Sea in Israel and the highest, Lake Titicaca in the Andes. During this intrepid six-year voyage, he traveled a distance equal to twice the circumference of the world. Without using a motor.
If you have the time...
...and you can set your own pace and you won't get in anybody else's way, then forget the motor. I sailed my first boat (a Missile) for five years without a motor, but that was mostly on small lakes with very light traffic. Unfortunately, most of us have to contend with limited time on the water, heavy boat traffic, narrow channels, strong currents, bridges and uncooperative weather so a motor becomes a necessity. Take a good hard look at your sailing syle and then decide. Good luck. Peter H23 "Raven"
...and you can set your own pace and you won't get in anybody else's way, then forget the motor. I sailed my first boat (a Missile) for five years without a motor, but that was mostly on small lakes with very light traffic. Unfortunately, most of us have to contend with limited time on the water, heavy boat traffic, narrow channels, strong currents, bridges and uncooperative weather so a motor becomes a necessity. Take a good hard look at your sailing syle and then decide. Good luck. Peter H23 "Raven"
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