DaySailer.org Forum

Hi All--

After many happy years sailing w/o a motor, I'm taking the plunge and getting an outboard. I have a rubber pad on the transom already. Have read other postings regarding power (I don't need much for my purpose) but would welcome advice on shaft length. Can I get away with a short (15") or should I pay more for a longer one? Thanks, David

David:

Other people will give you an idea of the shaft length you need. I want to point out to you another issue.

Is your DS rigged the "traditional" way, with the mainsheet running through two blocks at the port and starboard aft corners, like this?


My DSI is rigged this way, and the motor, tilted up when not in use, got in the way of this mainsheet triangle running across the back. I put a non-lifting motor mount on the back to get the engine away from the line.

Carlos

Short Shaft works OK for us on a DS II hung from the transom. Rarely, in chop, we'll cavitate but only rarely.

We lake sail only (no currents or tides to fight) and our simple little 2.2 HP does just fine. If that engines dies, we'd probably replace it with an electric... or if an engine it would be something small with its own integral gas tank. A larger engine with an external tank bouncing around the cockpit and hoses to get in the way would be a real pain.

I have been thinking about going electric too. I already have a wheelchair AGM deepcycle for lights and stuff. Adding a solar panel would make me energy independent. How cool is that?

I have a 40 pound thrust trolling motor and only lake sail as well, works great. I screwed eye straps to the vertical sides of the bench seats port and starboard and use the lip that's molded into the cockpit sole as a brace point fo the battery, and run two bungee cords around the battery box to hold it in place, it's never moved even on a brisk wind day. The boat already had steel motor mount brackets bolted to the transom when I bought it. If I were sailing on salt water, would definitely go with a gas motor, the electric could never handle a strong current.

Any idea what kind of speed you can get out of an electric? I may take it on the river...

I got 3.3 knots from my 55# thrust Minkota. It was okay for moving in and out of the harbour but sucked going against a wind.

I bought my DS about three years ago from a guy in Vancouver. He sailed on the Columbia a lot, and said that the Nissan 6HP was the only thing he trusted in that current. I don't know if an electric would be sufficient.

When you read what speeds people are getting with these I'd consider how effective they might be against wind, current, and waves all at the same time. When you really need an outboard it will often be at a time when these conditions apply.

If I were doing only inland lake sailing with plenty of warning about thunderstorms I think an electric trolling motor would be fine, though.

Carlos

I use a 40# trolling motor. Fine for docking or getting through bridges or out of a localized calm patch. I like the fact that even in light winds, I can sail faster, so I'm not tempted to overuse the motor .

I definitely like the fact that the motor is quiet.

If I felt I had the money, I would get one of the Torqeedos. They use a differnt battery technology, which gives more power for less weight. From what I read in reviews and other forums, they seem to be competitive to the smallest outboards, except perhaps for range.

To me, the fact that they are quiet, powerful enough for my pupose, and the promise of requiring much less maintenance than a regular outboard would make them a likely choice, if I ever get around to upgrading.