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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We are sailing into the night with an almost full moon and barely no wind. Actually we are motoring. Heading to West Palm a more or less 250Nm journey from Jacksonville and we do 5-6Nm per hour. #shorts

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#sailing #travel #boatlife #dog #cat #shorts

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The pearl of the Mediterranean sea and one of the most sophisticated tourist destinations in the world. Its fantastic bays, Mazzarò, Giardini Naxos and Isolabella with the Blue Grotto are the ideal place to visit, away from the crowds, on a cruise enjoying the beautiful sun of Sicily to swim, snorkel, or simply to sip a glass of Sicilian wine or Spumante. On our Yacht, Boat, Sailboat or Catamarans, all the comforts and crews that are the host in making you discover the most beautiful corners where to swim in a crystal clear sea, chosen in 2023 as the scenery for “ The White Lotus ”. The best things to do ? All our proposals are unmatched. Look and book one of the many options; “Half Day”, “Full Day” or the two hour cruise "Chic Shot". A little romance? ”Aperitif at Sunset” or ”Dinner on Board” for unforgettable moments in the privacy of your boat. More experiences and emotions? Distract yourself with the “Local Fishing Game”, or test your skills in the “Big Fishing Game”. All at once in the magic of "Etna & Sea''; the unbelievable combined tour on Etna with Off-Road Vehicle, Wine Tasting in a cellar on Volcano Etna and return in the afternoon to Taormina by boat to swim and last glass of wine in the gulf. The top to synthesise everything into a single excursion. Still other cruises depart from the harbor of Giardini Naxos for exclusive routes as “Siracusa Bays” and “Ciclopi Islands”. And if your stay in Taormina is about to end and your next destination is the Aeolian Islands, nothing more exclusive than getting there by a Private Boat Transfer. Visit our website and look at all tours https://www.sicilyspot.com/ Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel Sicily Private Spot to try all the experiences of a fantastic holiday in Sicily. Welcome on board ! @sicilyspot4168

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Now that the revolution in nearby Almirante - Changuinola Panama has been quelled the shops are re stocking and the violinist play to celebrate the return to normalcy

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