Powering a Cal 20

[Gordon Noice]

How large of a trolling motor would get a Cal 20 in & out of a calm harbor? I really don't want to use a conventional outboard if I can avoid it.

 

[Bruce74447]

The question is not how much motor will you need to get in and out of port on a calm day, but rather, how much motor will I need to safely get in and out of port in a howling gale? If the wind is calm you won't be sailing anyway, right ? Your boat is designed to provide you fun when it is blowing and chasing other baby boats away. Settle for a good 4-8 horse so you aren't beating everything up getting in and out of the docks. Bruce

 

[G Noice]

Thanks, Bruce. The thing is, regardless of if it's howling or light puffs, our harbor is sheltered from the trades by high-rise condos. I can tack all the way to the slips but just need to jockey in & out of mine. I am also leaning toward electric as an ecologically responsible alternative. I found an interesting forum regarding trolling vs outboard: http://bbs.trailersailor.com/forums/articles/index.cgi/noframes/read/23

 

[Bob]

Trolling motor

My lake bans gas engines, so electric trolling motors is about the only way to go. I have a 40 pound thrust Minn Kota, which works well enough. It is equivalent to about a 3/4 HP gas engine, so really only works in light airs. Also, the battery will run down pretty quickly if I try to power home at full throttle over a long distance. I have a small solar charger which is just enough to keep the battery from discharging when it is idle, but not much more. Bob

 

[G Noice]

Thanks, Bob. I'm going with a Minn Kota Rip Tide 54# with a class 24 AGM. Aloha!