I agree...leave it down for now
Most of the time I raise the engine for sailing. However, if I think I might need it in a hurry I leave it down. Sometimes I'll leave it down idling in neutral, or even down and idling in gear. It all depends. This last situation actually happens quite often when heading home after a day on the water. The marina is several miles downwind and the entrance is a narrow opening in a breakwater. In a fresh breeze With following seas, sailing is faster and more comfortable than motoring. However, the closer I get to home, the rougher it gets because of the increasing fetch and the waves reflecting off the breakwater. Just outside the marina entrance is not the place to try and put a cold engine in the water, so I do it a couple miles out and let the engine warm up while I'm sailing the rest of the way. If something goes wrong at the entrance (e.g. someone trying to dome out) I can immediately power my way out of trouble if I have to. Drag and fuel consumption under these conditions are negligible and even of they weren't, the benefit in terms of the added sense of security makes it worthwhile. Plus, as a new owner that's three less things you'll have to do (lower motor, start it and warm it up). There'll be lots of other things to keep you occupied. The bottom line is this: If you think you are (or might be) in a situation where you may need the motor in a hurry, it should be down, and running if necessary. If in doubt, leave it down. Nobody will think less of you for having it in the water, Most people won't notice and even fewer will hear it idling. Once you're used to the boat you can start raising the motor more. One more thing. I'm not trying to be "salty" by using terms like "fresh breeze" or "fetch". They just happen to describe very specific things in very few words (unlike my post!). Congrats on the new boat and happy sailing. Peter H23 "Raven"
