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/

0

0

0

34

0

0

0

0

10,017

passeiolanchaubatuba 5 PRAIAS TOP EM UBATUBA! 1- Praia do Lamberto, lado sul, pequena e águas calmas. 2- Praia da Ribeira, sul, águas calmíssimas. 3- Praia da Enseada, boa estrutura, ideal para famílias com crianças. 4- Praia Vermelha do Norte, boa pra surf. 5- Praia do Estaleiro, localizada no Norte, ideal para famílias. #ubatuba #ferias #viagem #litoralnorte #temporada #turismo #taubate #sjc #saopaulo #goiania

0

0

0

888

The Ocean is our home, our playground, our office. It's where we race, explore, learn and dream. But beyond that, it is also the heart of our planet, producing much of the oxygen we breathe, regulating our climate and supporting life on Earth. Today, and every day, let's remember why protecting the Ocean matters. And who better than Sir David Attenborough to help us celebrate the blue heart of our planet? 🌍

0

0

0

526

Square Knot is also known as a reef knot. It is easy to tie, but when you join two lines together be aware because it easily slips and comes undone. Watch more How to tie videos: https://www.sailingeurope.com/blog/sailing-knots Step1: Form a half knot Take two ropes – you have a left one and a right one and cross them to form a half knot. Step 2: Cross them again Cross them the second time – right over left. Step 3: Repeat and twist Then again, cross left over right and twist. Step 4: Pull and tighten Pull both sides and make sure both parts of the line exit the knot together.

0

0

0

1,079