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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En nötväcka passar på att övernatta i en fågelholk i Ås utanför Östersund natten mellan 22-23 december. Fågelholken är utrustad med en kamera med IR-belysning

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_______________________________________________________ CATAMARAN INNOVATORS SINCE 1984 Lagoon was formed in pursuit of connection – with ourselves, our loved ones and the world around us. By bringing the human experience to the 7 seas, we’ve been able to unleash an unbridled sense of curiosity and instinctual need for quality since 1984. Something we wouldn’t have accomplished without a collective passion for spectacular destinations and even better journeys getting there. As confirmed sailors, we all know that our boats have to be fast, comfortable and safe: seaworthy. We build them based on our love of the sea and the constant aim of good-quality work. We design them as if we were the future owners. As shipbuilders and sailors, it is part of our logic. This year, Lagoon is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. For this special occasion, the brand invited customers to Lagoon Exclusive Days in Bordeaux. The European press and over 400 customers came from around the world to discover the full Lagoon product range, from the Lagoon 40 to the SEVENTY 8, and to explore the exceptional production facilities for Lagoon catamarans. This was a behind-the-scenes look and total immersion in the world of Lagoon, celebrating 40 years of innovation and striving for excellence. Subscribe to Lagoon YouTube Channel : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWVdVCBpjeIGtaJGgjyiT6g Website : https://www.cata-lagoon.com/en Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/lagooncatamarans/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/lagooncatamarans/

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