Gas power for sail

[Raggi_Thor]

John Welsford (New Zealand Backyard boatbuilder) has done a conversion,
http://www.jwboatdesigns.co.nz/projects/kane/roger.htm

I think you have to go for some lifting mechanism and closing the well with a smooth fitting hatch, that is so much cheaper than a folding propeller...

[ErikG]

you might be right, but with a well you still have the storage issue, and to me that's a big issue on a small boat.

[Raggi_Thor]

Well, then, how much extra drag will a standard outboard propeller unit make, compared to a saildrive with a folding propeller? The converted outboard can be placed directly behind the keel and will probably be in teh wake.
I am thinking of a converted outboard, but with the original propeller...

[ErikG]

Just my kind of thougt Raggi Thor.
Well I've got a few ideas, I'm going to search for a scrapped engine, ripp it apart and see how and where a leg can be made shorter.
I'll need to team up with a mechanic eventually as I'm no good at making metal stuff myself.

[Raggi_Thor]

Erik, are you sure you want a gas (petrol/benzin) engine?
What about an electric engine and a movable battery pack?
here is a danish description of an el engine in a Granada 23:
http://www.granada23.dk/b%C3%A5dregi...stallation.htm

[ErikG]

I've studied the eletric option a bit yes. But as a dad with three kids I'm not in a position where I can let myself be dependent on sun or wind to get to shore in an emergency.

Besides a decent sized batterybank weighs quite a bit...

[mackid068]

Electric is not the best option in this day and age, unfortunately. Small gas outboard or small diesel inboard is the best option.

[ErikG]

However it will start o get interesting as the fuelcells get into commercial production. Problem is getting the gas i guess...

[mackid068]

Well, it's either that, or "row, row, row your boat."

[ErikG]

Rowing... Hmm, maybe I should try to put oarlocks onto my 26 footer?

I one had to paddel it 100m to shore as I didnt have a spare "breaking pin" for the outboard (it broke as I engaged the gear), and there was absolutely no wind what so ever.

Took me quite a while...

[chandler]

Aren't you from the land of Saab? They make several marine diesels and they aren't as heavy as they used to be.

[mattotoole]

Originally Posted by mackid068

Electric is not the best option in this day and age, unfortunately. Small gas outboard or small diesel inboard is the best option.

Well, that depends on what your requirements are. If you need your engine mainly for getting in and out of harbors, electric power may be perfect. Think Harbor 20 but bigger. You can also have built-in regeneration under sail.

[mackid068]

Well, maybe. Land of Saab, Volvo and safety innovations. Regarding rowing, it COULD work .

[Raggi_Thor]

SAAB = Svensk Aero AB , Swedish Aero "AB"= AksjeBolag ="LTD", they make very fine cars, but are owned by GM, I think.

SABB is a Norwegian manufacturer of marine diesel engines. The old ones have a very nice sound and are heavy, the new ones are marinized versions of some kind. Is it "Iveco"? Is that really a Ford engine?

[Stuart C]

Ihave recently acquired at870 with this motor option you are talking about.It is a tohatsu 9.8 hp which has been modifyed.Basically there is ali plate glassed into the boat the original out board leg is used with fins removed and a geared prop installed,the gearbox is bolted to plate from bottomwith rubber boot around,on the inside the gear spindle protrudes through the plate with impellor,the powerhead sits on top with 4 bolts secured.there is an a ali box in between with the water devision inside, really quite simple and light 20kg.it is not saildrive leg but the original leg from outboard.