We got increasingly frustrated by our small petrol (gas) outboards that we use very infrequently on our dinghies and Chat 18 catamaran. Never quite knowing whether they would start, or how long they would run. Usually because the small jets would clog up, a problem aggravated by the ethanol fuel now used in the UK, USA and elsewhere. So earlier this year we bit the bullet and bought a used Torqeedo 1103 electric outboard. It was on ebay, from "one careful lady owner" - actually the advert said "only used on a fresh water trout farm" which we hoped was much the same thing. And we have been very pleased with it this summer, using it on Sagitta's tender, sometimes for long distances, yet never seeing the charge drop below 80% So we then tried using it on our Chat 18. And immediately discovered two problems, probably common to other small daysailing boats. First, the battery was much larger than the integral petrol fuel tank. So, when tilted up on the swingdown bracket, the Torqeedo hit the tillerbar. That meant we had to use the transom mount, which in turn meant the leg had to be angled back in use to clear the immersed rudder blade. Very inefficient and too close to the surface. And second, when tilted up and turned sideways the tiller control arm would detach - something that doesn't happen with a petrol outboard. So we had to remove it, and then reattach it whenever we wanted to motor. Fortunately Torqeedo has realised that many people have these problems and so supply reasonably priced, extra long cables, not just for the battery but also for the tiller arm. Accordingly we bought a 1.5m (5ft) battery cable and a 5m (16ft) tiller cable. This video shows the results of the first motor, one calm winter evening. I still have to re-route the cables through the back of the cockpit and more permanently mount the tiller arm. The deeper propellor is more efficient and there is no aeration when cornering or in waves. Top speed was very close to 5 knots, about hull speed on an 18ft boat. In reverse speed was about 3 knots. Although it's more awkward to lift the outboard leg without the battery in place it does now fit comfortably below the tillerbar when raised for sailing. So we're very happy so far! For once there is audio on this short video. But even if you turn the volume to high you won't hear the outboard - another bonus! More on the Chat 18 here https://sailingcatamarans.com/index.php/designs-2/2-catamarans-under-25ft/475-chat-18-daysailing-catamaran And Torqeedo here https://nestawayboats.com/

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Think you know what’s under your boat’s surface? Think again! 🛥️ Bolsa core might seem like a cheap fix, but it’s a water-absorbing nightmare that can turn your dream boat into a soggy mess. Switch to foam core for durability, water resistance, and peace of mind. Don’t let hidden flaws sink your adventure! #multihullsailing #cruisinglife #catamarans #mcconaghyboats #shorts

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🌊⚓ Every year, thousands dream of sailing away, but only a few make it a reality. They invest time and money to buy, prepare, and set sail. ⛵✨ For others, a lack of planning leads to a costly boat sitting idle 🤦‍♂️💰 Invest wisely by getting help from an experienced cruiser who has lived this lifestyle before and make your dream a reality! 🌅 #BluewaterCruising #SailingZatara #WorldAdventure #DreamBig #PlanForSuccess #DreamToReality #PlanAhead #BuyTheRightBoat #Sailing #Sail #Yatching

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Evening walks don’t get better than this! #sailingfamily #liveaboard #sailinglife

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WATCH EPISODE 1: https://youtu.be/4hemLW9PmfU Subscribe to our channel to follow along with the series! Season Premiere - August 5th at 4 PM EST. [About the Series] Chasing the Dream is a video project undertaken by @DavidWaltersYachts in partnership with @quantumsails and Italia Yachts that aims to tell the story and share the experience of individuals with their sights set on achieving remarkable dreams. In this inaugural series, we follow along with the crews of the Italia Yachts 13.98 Artemis and the 9.98 Vichingo as they set out to compete in two of the most iconic offshore challenges; the Annapolis to Newport and Chicago to Mackinac races. The six-part video series, professionally produced by 410 Films in Annapolis, will take you behind the scenes and into the perspective of the crews as they plan, prepare, and compete. The first episode will be released on Thursday, August 5th @ 4 PM on the David Walters Yachts YouTube channel. Subscribe today and follow along as we share this experience with you! [Episode 1 Preview] Team Artemis sets its sights on the Annapolis to Newport Race 2021. A longtime bucket list race for several first-timers in this iconic race and a return to familiar waters for others. The team has spent nearly two years preparing the Italia 13.98 with the support of Quantum Sails for what is sure to be an exciting race. DAVID WALTERS YACHTS www.davidwaltersyachts.com sales@davidwaltersyachts.com (954) 527-0664 ITALIA YACHTS USA www.italiayachts.com erik@davidwaltersyachts.com (410) 279-3027 QUANTUM SAILS www.quantumsails.com awaters@quantumsails.com (443) 926-6293

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