una pequeña entrada #shorts VT

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leaving St.Martin Sailing to St.Barts first,then the Leeward Islands WHERE THE ISLANDS TOUCH THE CLOUDS

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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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This spotless 33′ Grady White Express is powered by a pair F300 Yamahas, with only 350 hours on them. The spacious cockpit provides ample room, catering to both fishing enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxing hangout space. Notable features include a convenient transom door, a foldaway upholstered transom seat, and a refrigerated fish box. There’s a BRAND NEW 6 kW diesel genset on board (less than 3 hours of use), a Smart plug shore power cable, a factory-installed hardtop, and an enclosure with a drop curtain. Safety and navigation equipment include an EPIRB, dual VHF radios, along with two large-screen Raymarine units that integrate GPS, fishfinder, and Radar functionalities – cleverly designed to fold away when not in use. The boat is equipped with 3 Yamaha gauges, Bennett trim tabs paired with a gauge, a Simrad auto-pilot, bow thruster, remote spotlight, and windlass. Exterior cushions re-stuffed and replaced summer 2023. The boat also comes with tuna spears for the serious anglers. Belowdeck, you’ll find a mid cabin and a forward double berth. The galley boasts ample storage space, along with modern conveniences like a microwave, refrigerator, Corian countertops, and a 2-burner electric stove. Adding to the interior’s appeal are the cherrywood dining table and teak and holly sole. All interior cushions were replaced summer 2022. A spacious head includes a shower complete with a vacuflush toilet.