They’re quiet, environmentally friendly, cost effective, more maneuverable, lighter in weight and mechanically reliable… just to name a few characteristics. About the only important negative is range, for boaters trying to use a single battery for longer cruises.
I have sailed a 2003 Com-Pac SunCat since new in many locations around the country including the Great Lakes, Florida Keys, and North Channel in Canada. My original mode of propulsion was a 5-hp Nissan four-stroke. I found this inconvenient, heavy and not very maneuverable in tight situations. I found myself often leaning dangerously over the transom when deploying and retracting the motor during solo sailing adventures. The thrust was asymmetrical (due to the outboard’s location on one side of the rudder), and it was an eyesore on the curved transom of my beautiful sailboat.
My imagination went to work as I challenged myself to design and build a retractable electric propulsion system that gave me excellent range, little or no maintenance, great reliability, vibration-free power, superior torque, no noise or smelly exhaust, seamless forward and reverse control, less weight and excellent maneuverability. Additionally, I needed to avoid propeller drag during sailing and I didn’t want the new system to take up usable cockpit space in my small sailboat. Finally, power access had to be immediate, simple and controllable since I enjoy sailing in adventurous singlehanded conditions.
The system I came up with has made my sailing more relaxing and enjoyable over the last four years. (And yes, I’ve tested it under a variety of conditions and it has withstood everything I have asked it to do over this time period.) So, being happy with the system, I’d like to share the design with any small-boat owner who might like to come up with their own version of my idea.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A HEAD FOR RUBATO
I dislike port-a-potties. I'm not too fond of poop in any form, really, being non-scatological by nature.
THE ARTFUL SAILOR
Ain' nothin' new about using sails as nautical billboards. The ancients painted all sorts of signs and symbols on their sails.
Twin Keels
OUT WIHUEIRIJE with Howard Rice
Cedar Key 2022 Windy Boat Meet
Cartop Cruising
A New Trailer
THE BIGHTS
PLAN STUDY: Fancy Free
If you're looking for a simple and inexpensive cruising sailboat with traditional character, our FANCY FREE should fill the bill. The sharpie-dory hull with flat-bottom, hard-chine form is ideal for the amateur.
BOAT REVIEW: Rhodes 22 Revisited)
Overlooked by the masses, admired by owners—there are good reasons the Rhodes 22 has been in production for over a quarter century.
Another Favorite Mod
The always creative Tom Luque sent us details on one of his favorite modifications
BLOODY TUESDAY
“Although the author if indeed he even used his real name) calls this story fiction, we arent so sure. You be the judge. Eds
CRUISING ISLE ROYALE
I sle“ Royale on Lake Superior is one of my favorite places to cruise. Established as a National Park in 1931, Isle Royale is located about 20 miles off the North Shore of Lake Superior near the Minnesota/Canadian border.
