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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Sailing from Gloucester Mass, Mighty Sparrow sailed around the world without stopping to become the smallest boat to do so from an American Port.

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We run aground and use of dinghy to pull us around so we can power off #retiredlife #retirement #retiredcouple #boatlife

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On avait tellement hâte de vous présenter la jolie vidéo réalisée par @francoisdourlen pour souligner la dernière ligne droite avant le départ de la @route_du_rhum destination Guadeloupe ! On vous laisse vous plonger dans l’univers de @francoisgabart en préparation pour ce grand événement 🌊✨💙🚀🎥! . . . . #svrlazartigue #routedurhum #goteamsvrlazartigue #Kresk4Oceans #courseaularge #trimaran #sailing #OffshoreSailing #Sailors #skippers #Voile #boat #offshore #sport #Ultimclass #sailingpassion #skipper #CleanBeauty #beauteresponsable

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Would you master the art of fast ocean passage-making or enjoy the simplicity of a minimalist luxury lifestyle at sea? Rate this yacht from 1–5 stars and comment below! Outremer 51 © Outremer Yachting Length overall: 15.27 m or 50 ft 1 in Beam: 7.45 m or 24 ft 5 in Draft: 0.95 m or 3 ft 1 in to 2.35 m or 7 ft 9 in Displacement: 10,000 kg or 22,046 lb Engines: 2 x 40 hp or 50 hp Fuel capacity: 440 L or 116 US gal Water capacity: 370 L or 98 US gal Sail area: 125 m² or 1,345 sq ft Cabins: 3-4 Berths: 6-10 persons The Outremer 51 is a masterclass in offshore efficiency, designed for sailors who prioritize safety and speed during long-distance world cruising. Built in France with a focus on weight optimization and structural rigidity, it remains one of the most successful performance catamarans in the history of multihull sailing. The retractable daggerboards provide exceptional upwind tracking while allowing for access to shallow lagoons that are inaccessible to most yachts of this size. The deck layout features the signature Outremer helm seats with tillers for a direct and exhilarating steering sensation, alongside a protected central steering wheel for heavy weather. Below deck, the interior is refined and functional, utilizing lightweight materials to ensure the vessel remains agile without compromising the comfort required for permanent live-aboard use. Known for its high average speeds and exceptional build quality, this model is a favorite for transoceanic rallies and serious explorers. A well-specified model on the secondary market is valued at approximately 1 million US dollars. #Outremer51 #SailingCatamaran #BlueWaterCruiser #HarbourMasters

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