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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Golden hour hits differently from the wooden deck of a classic pinisi sailing through remote tropical waters. There’s something about the warm breeze, the rhythm of the waves, and a sky melting into pinks, golds, and soft orange that just stops time. Bare feet on sun warmed teak. Salty air in your lungs. Nothing but sea, silence, and soul level calm. No crowds. No traffic. Just sunset therapy, the kind you can’t book at a spa. ✨ This is what slow travel is all about. Can you picture yourself here? 📌 Subscribe to follow the adventures, or start dreaming up your own. #LuxuryTravelUSA #SunsetTherapy #GoldenHourGlow #SailingEscape #PinisiExperience #WanderlustUSA #USATravelers #TravelOver50 #BucketListJourney #SlowTravelMoments #NatureLoversUSA #OceanEscape #MeaningfulTravel #RetireWellTravelMore #TravelWithPurpose #SailingAdventure #OffTheBeatenPath #SoulfulTravel

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EN Discover the BALI 4.4 through the eyes of a devoted owner! 🌊 In this exclusive interview, Philippe Joy reveals why he chose a Bali catamaran, in particular the 4.4 ⛵ Visit the BALI 4.4: https://www.bali-catamarans.com/catamarans/bali-4-4/ Discover our boats: https://www.youtube.com/@BaliCatamarans Get to know the BALI brand: https://www.bali-catamarans.com/ Follow our news: https://www.instagram.com/bali.catamarans/ Explore the world of BALI: https://www.facebook.com/BaliCatamarans FR Découvrez le BALI 4.4 à travers le regard d'un propriétaire passionné ! 🌊 Dans cette interview exclusive, Philippe Joy nous dévoile pourquoi il a opté pour un catamaran de la marque Bali, en particulier le modèle 4.4. ⛵ Visiter le BALI 4.4 : https://www.bali-catamarans.com/catamarans/bali-4-4/ Découvrir nos bateaux : https://www.youtube.com/@BaliCatamarans S'imprégner de la marque BALI : https://www.bali-catamarans.com/ Suivre nos actualités : https://www.instagram.com/bali.catamarans/ Explorer le monde BALI : https://www.facebook.com/BaliCatamarans

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⚓ En 2011, elle tombe à la mer en pleine nuit, seule, au large du cap Corse. Sans gilet, mais avec son téléphone encore fonctionnel, elle réussit à appeler sa mère et à prévenir les secours. Elle reste plus de deux heures dans l’eau, accrochée à une bouée lumineuse, avant d’être sauvée. Une nuit folle, entre ténèbres et instinct de survie. Elle confiera plus tard : « La mer m’a rendue ce que j’avais perdu. » 🚤 Une navigatrice libre, forte, indomptable… et profondément liée à l’océan. #FlorenceArthaud #Citation #JoyEnMer #Navigation #FemmesFortes #Voile

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