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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https://www.instagram.com/pie_marine/ https://www.piemarine.com NAOS 800 provides high cruising performance even with small engines thanks to its light structure, aerodynamic and hydrodynamic design support. Aerodynamic feature, the hardtop adheres to the water and maintains your balance by using the differences in the wind speeds passing over and under at high speeds. Hydrofoil body structure, minimizes water friction and provides fuel savings and speed advantage. A speed of up to 50 knots is achieved with a 2x115hp engine. It can reach speeds up to 50 knots with engine sets between 60-115 HP. And it is quite successful in terms of fuel consumption. With this engine, the consumption has been reduced to 1.5LT/ hour. Electronic control system Prodoris, all electrical and electronic components of your boat are controlled instantly. Electronically controlled bilge pumps, your boat is always protected against sinking. 4 independent battery systems, installation, one for two motors, independent batteries for high current draw systems such as windlass hydrophore, each system can work with support from the other, all batteries are electronically controlled. Integrated GPS system, you can instantly track the position of your boat, and you can easily find your direction in the sea with navigation.

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Whether you're an experienced sailor or a novice looking to experience the joy of sailing, Sunsail's skippered sailing holidays provide an excellent opportunity to explore beautiful destinations and enjoy the thrill of being out on the water while leaving the navigation to a professional skipper. Subscribe to Join our vibrant community of explorers and yacht enthusiasts https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQYGpYavHqODb7b4RTtaa6g?sub_confirmation=1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunsailUK Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunsailholidays/

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