Just curious. Those of you out there with outboards. When you are sailing (i.e. with the motor OFF), do you maintain the outboard in operating position or keep it out of the water. What differences in performance under sail have you noticed if the motor is left in the drink during sailing? Steve
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Out of water
Hey, On my Catalina 22 I raise itup and tilt it forward. It takes about 15 seconds to raise it, and maybe 15 to put it back in the water. Why leave it in? Barry
Hey, On my Catalina 22 I raise itup and tilt it forward. It takes about 15 seconds to raise it, and maybe 15 to put it back in the water. Why leave it in? Barry
out of the water
In light winds you can notice a lot of difference in speed. In higher winds the difference disappears but the boat seemed to handle better with the motor out of the water. With a swing keel or daggerboard and off the wind pulling up everything might add 2 knots or more.
In light winds you can notice a lot of difference in speed. In higher winds the difference disappears but the boat seemed to handle better with the motor out of the water. With a swing keel or daggerboard and off the wind pulling up everything might add 2 knots or more.
Yikes!
I always hoist my motor up, except once, I left it down, with a good wind, moving well, and the water pressure lifted the motor right up and OFF the transom *yks Sure was glad I had it secured with a safety line.
I always hoist my motor up, except once, I left it down, with a good wind, moving well, and the water pressure lifted the motor right up and OFF the transom *yks Sure was glad I had it secured with a safety line.
Always up
We always raise the motor ASAP after leaving the dock and leave it up until it is required. It's all about reducing drag and as was mentioned previously the boat handles better. Craig S/V Wind Toy 1977 H25
We always raise the motor ASAP after leaving the dock and leave it up until it is required. It's all about reducing drag and as was mentioned previously the boat handles better. Craig S/V Wind Toy 1977 H25
bring it up
It will certainly make a difference. The rudder will feel more responsive, and even if you aren't racing, it's hard not to appreciate a little extra speed that is gained so easily. Also, since my outboard is placed relatively far starboard so as not to get in the way of the rudder, I worry that when I'm heeled on a port tack the motor will get dunked.
It will certainly make a difference. The rudder will feel more responsive, and even if you aren't racing, it's hard not to appreciate a little extra speed that is gained so easily. Also, since my outboard is placed relatively far starboard so as not to get in the way of the rudder, I worry that when I'm heeled on a port tack the motor will get dunked.
leave it down
just be sure to hang a small danforth with 8ft of chain off the other side of the stern to help balance the rudder! *zzz
just be sure to hang a small danforth with 8ft of chain off the other side of the stern to help balance the rudder! *zzz
Outboard Drag
I usually leave my outboard in "operating" position but put it in neutral to spin freely. It will spin in gear, but the noise would indicate some mechanical drag, and I'm not certain whether that's bad for the motor. There doesn't seem to be a degradation in performance except in the lightest winds, during which I tip or raise the motor.
I usually leave my outboard in "operating" position but put it in neutral to spin freely. It will spin in gear, but the noise would indicate some mechanical drag, and I'm not certain whether that's bad for the motor. There doesn't seem to be a degradation in performance except in the lightest winds, during which I tip or raise the motor.
Depends
I have and E-Z steer linkage connecting the motor and the rudder. To Uncouple them I have to hang over the transom. If the seas are rough I leave the motor down - if relatively calm I'll disconnect the linkage and lift the motor. In a 8-15 Kts I don't notice much change with the motor down. I want to work on the linkage while it stored on the hard for the winte rto see if I can get better steerage with the link inplace and the motor up or a easier disconnect means.
I have and E-Z steer linkage connecting the motor and the rudder. To Uncouple them I have to hang over the transom. If the seas are rough I leave the motor down - if relatively calm I'll disconnect the linkage and lift the motor. In a 8-15 Kts I don't notice much change with the motor down. I want to work on the linkage while it stored on the hard for the winte rto see if I can get better steerage with the link inplace and the motor up or a easier disconnect means.
I agree with Dan
but in the winter you can balance the helm better by putting two cases of beer in a sack and dragging it instead of the anchor and chain.
but in the winter you can balance the helm better by putting two cases of beer in a sack and dragging it instead of the anchor and chain.
I stand approved ,Tom!
beer is a much better idea! learn something new everyday.
BTW, what kinda sack do you recommend? seems like an ole tater sack would provide maximum ventilation.
beer is a much better idea! learn something new everyday.
BTW, what kinda sack do you recommend? seems like an ole tater sack would provide maximum ventilation.Sure as heck
Wouldn't take long to get the beer cold... especially up here, in Puget Sound in the winter! Thanks for your answers, guys!;D
Wouldn't take long to get the beer cold... especially up here, in Puget Sound in the winter! Thanks for your answers, guys!;D
Outboards up or down
Motor down cost me around 1 to 1 1/2 knots of speed and collects seaweed which then slows you down even more. Up and out is the best, quieter too
Motor down cost me around 1 to 1 1/2 knots of speed and collects seaweed which then slows you down even more. Up and out is the best, quieter too
Always up
I take any opportunity to remove any part of my boat from salt water. Speed and handling advantages aside, if you leave it in, you have to paint it with anti-fouling paint.
I take any opportunity to remove any part of my boat from salt water. Speed and handling advantages aside, if you leave it in, you have to paint it with anti-fouling paint.
Outboard and E-Z Steer
I don't have to disconnect my linkage at anytime. My dealer installed it so I can't help much. It's got a couple of kinks in it so maybe that's how he did it.
I don't have to disconnect my linkage at anytime. My dealer installed it so I can't help much. It's got a couple of kinks in it so maybe that's how he did it.
George, E-Z steer
George, how do you keep the motor from flopping around if you don't disconnect the linkage? With mine, it looks like if I don't disconnect it, and raise the motor, I cannot lock it the motor in place or the linkage will bind when I turn the wheel. So I would have to raise the motor, disconnect the linkage from the rudder fitting and strap it to the motor in order to lock the motor in place to keep it from flopping side to side.
George, how do you keep the motor from flopping around if you don't disconnect the linkage? With mine, it looks like if I don't disconnect it, and raise the motor, I cannot lock it the motor in place or the linkage will bind when I turn the wheel. So I would have to raise the motor, disconnect the linkage from the rudder fitting and strap it to the motor in order to lock the motor in place to keep it from flopping side to side.
Alternative to EZ Steer
A cheap and easy and very effective control method for rudder - outboard steering is a soft link. http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/softlink.html Very easy to connect/disconnect.
A cheap and easy and very effective control method for rudder - outboard steering is a soft link. http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/softlink.html Very easy to connect/disconnect.
I always tilt up.........
If you don't think drag affects the boat someday throw a bucket with a line attached overboard when you are on a broad reach doing about 6 kts or better. That bucket will just about pull you over the side!! The outboard may not be as much as the bucket but you see my point. Also I can't help but think leaving it down and the prop spinning all day would perhaps wear the gears and what all down there. David
If you don't think drag affects the boat someday throw a bucket with a line attached overboard when you are on a broad reach doing about 6 kts or better. That bucket will just about pull you over the side!! The outboard may not be as much as the bucket but you see my point. Also I can't help but think leaving it down and the prop spinning all day would perhaps wear the gears and what all down there. David
Merc 4 cylce tilt
I have a 4 hp/4 cycle merc. on my dingy and in the owners manual it states to turn the motor with the tiller on the low side (port turn) when tipped to avoid oil leaving the crankcase. I'm sure as these engines age and pass from owner to owner (no manual) they will suffer damage, (then they become "black anchors" again). I must admit I am very pleased with this motor which is far superior to its 2 cycle brother.
I have a 4 hp/4 cycle merc. on my dingy and in the owners manual it states to turn the motor with the tiller on the low side (port turn) when tipped to avoid oil leaving the crankcase. I'm sure as these engines age and pass from owner to owner (no manual) they will suffer damage, (then they become "black anchors" again). I must admit I am very pleased with this motor which is far superior to its 2 cycle brother.
its slow
Having the outboard down while under sail is obviously slower. One can easily recodnize this when in a boat under 25ft in 5 kts or less. I always raise the motor even if its blowing out of hell. Im just one of those cruisers thats always in race mode.
Having the outboard down while under sail is obviously slower. One can easily recodnize this when in a boat under 25ft in 5 kts or less. I always raise the motor even if its blowing out of hell. Im just one of those cruisers thats always in race mode.
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