do racing sailboats have motors

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Do Sailboats Have Motors? Types, Speeds & More EXPLAINED

Sailboats are designed to harness the wind and travel where ever they want to go, right? But many people don’t realize that many modern sailboats are also motorboats—they’ve got sails for sailing and engine power for motoring. Why? Let’s take a closer look.

Table of Contents

Do sailboats have engines, maneuvering in crowded spaces, motoring through calms or upwind, motorsailing, can you sail without an engine, outboard motor, diesels inboard engine, electric inboard motor, maximum hull speed and beyond, sailboat motor faqs.

The answer is a familiar refrain that you may have heard before—it depends! Small sailboats and sailing dinghies typically sail without the aid of an engine. These are easily rowed should it come to it, and clubs and races often organize tows to and from the racecourse. 

However, the bigger the boat, the more likely it is to have a motor of some kind. The reasons to have a motor are many, but there are certainly plusses to doing without. 

Why Have a Sailboat Engine At All?

There is a romanticism to sailing everywhere and never running an engine. When you dream of the old days, with beautiful wooden schooners and sailing ships plying the seas for trade and exploration, a motor never enters the fantasy. They didn’t have them back then! 

And if Blackbeard never turned the ignition key, why should you! Well, probably because a lot has changed in boating in the past few hundred years. Here are a couple reasons why having an engine onboard a sailboat is pretty nice.

For one thing, most of us boat differently than they did back then. Chances are, you pull into a crowded marina after a day of sailing. If you visit new ports, you may anchor in the harbor, but sometimes you take a dock to explore the town. 

And that brings up the first reason to have a motor—safe close-quarters maneuvering. While it is possible to maneuver a sailboat alongside a dock and safely tie up, it requires having a face dock and wide-open space to maneuver.

Even still, it is, without a doubt, easier and safer to approach a dock under power. Having an engine means having a reverse gear, which is the closest thing you can get to having a brake pedal on the water. Reverse power enables you to slow down and to stop! 

And if you keep reversing, it enables a boat to back up. Many marinas are set up in a way that requires you to do this. It’s not impossible to back a boat up under sail, but it can’t be done without several crew members and some open space to maneuver. 

For these reasons and others, boat operators are restricted from sailing when there won’t be enough room to maneuver. Some marinas even ban docking under sail, and it’s often not allowed when passing under bridges or through narrow canals or locks.

The next advantage to having a motor on your sailboat is the ability to motor when the sailing isn’t good enough. Small boats and dingies can usually make way in light wind, but heavy cruising boats are an entirely different story. 

If the wind drops below ten knots, many boats have trouble making way under sail. Even if they can sail, their skippers and crew might not be ecstatic to be cruising at two or three knots. 

For example, imagine you planned a day trip to an island across your home bay. The island is only 18 miles away. You set out in the morning with a wind forecast of 10 to 15 knots. If you’re able to make six knots (usually a very attainable number), the trip should take you three hours. 

But after leaving the dock and hoisting the sails, you notice that the wind is not filling in as forecast. Instead of 10 to 15, you are experiencing 5 to 10, or even lighter. The sails aren’t filling with air, and your speed over the ground (SOG) is only three knots. It’s now going to take you six hours to make your trip.

But, unfortunately, the tide is changing in another hour, and an adverse current will be forming. That will slow your boat down another knot, meaning your SOG will go down to two knots. So the trip is actually going to take even longer–now nine hours! 

This news comes as a disappointment because that means you won’t arrive until after dark. You’ve never entered the channel at the destination, so you need good light to get in and see the markers. 

This is just an example of a time when a crew might choose to use their engine. They can turn the ignition and put the motor in gear, and charge on through those light winds at six knots. The three-hour trip will take a predictable three hours, and the wind tide will have less effect on the SOG. 

The same is true should the wind happen to be on the nose. A sailboat cannot go sail directly into the wind, so if they need to go in that direction, they can tack back and forth or motor directly into the wind. Again, the motor provides an option that the crew did not have before.

The scenarios described above are doubly true when discussing a heavy cruising boat. These boats require more wind to get them moving, and they sail poorly upwind. Therefore, tacking back and forth is usually a less desirable option in such a boat. 

But it is possible to both sail and motor. In sailor terms, this is called motor sailing.

Motorsailing is very effective thanks to a trick that happens with the apparent wind. The apparent wind is the wind that the boat experiences—it’s higher when you sail into the wind since the speed of the boat is added to the speed of the wind. 

So if you are sailing into five knots of wind, the boat might be making two knots of speed. The apparent wind, and therefore the wind passing over the sails, is seven knots. Most boats sail poorly in seven knots of wind.

But if the skipper turns the motor on and puts the engine in gear, the boat will be making five knots or so of speed. Now, the apparent wind on the sails is more like ten knots, and most boats can sail pretty well in ten knots of wind.

Some boats are designed to be great motorsailers. A motorsailer is a boat that doesn’t sail great on its own. Instead, the sails work with the motor to reduce fuel consumption and increase the boat’s overall speed. 

Now you have some idea why sailing with an engine is a great idea—but do you need one? 

Of course, it is possible to move a sailboat without an engine. With good planning and an experienced crew, any sailboat should be able to maneuver and make way under sail. 

Skippers would still need a plan of action when it comes to tight marinas and anchorages. For example, will they have a long skulling oar onboard? Will they only use open face docks where they can dock under sail? Will they only pick up moorings or anchor? 

What about when the wind dies? Sailing without a motor will require a greater amount of flexibility. In real-world sailboat travel and cruising, a motor gives you options you would otherwise not have. Can it be done? Of course, it can. Is it easy? No, not really.

For example, there are trips that you cannot make at certain times. When crossing from South Florida to The Bahamas, the Gulf Stream current necessitates careful weather planning. As far as the weather is concerned, the best sailing winds are most likely to come from the north. But north winds are exactly when you should not cross since the wind against current builds up dangerous and uncomfortable seas. 

Most sailors wait in South Florida for southerly or westerly winds. Sometimes, this means waiting a few weeks for the one or two days when this might happen. What if you’re sitting there, waiting for weather, and instead of a day of 10 to 15 from the south, you were blessed with 48 hours of “light and variable” winds? 

If you had no motor, “light and variable” appearing in the forecast would not make you happy. But if you’re ready to cross to The Bahamas, you have a strong motor, and the weather gods are smiling, “light and variable” might be the best thing that could happen. Nothing is more beautiful than crossing the Gulf Stream on flat-calm glassy water without a breath of wind.

Types of Sail Boat Engines

Most sailboats have either a small gasoline outboard engine or an inboard diesel engine. Diesels are the preferred option for several reasons, but outboards can be an economical option on smaller boats.

Outboards are common on smaller sailboats that are 25 feet long or less. They are usually small, portable models of eight horsepower or less. 

One of the significant advantages of this size engine is that it is easy to take on and off the boat for maintenance or storage. They’re also relatively inexpensive to replace. For example, if the boat needs a new motor, you can usually find a new or used one and install it on the boat in a matter of minutes. 

The downside is that sailboats are not well-designed to be powered by outboards. A few designs use these motors successfully, but generally, the tall transoms and deep cockpits found on sailboats make it hard to use an outboard. Many have to be retrofitted with an ugly and less-that-ideal bracket to even mount the outboard. 

Besides being awkward to use and operate, the boat doesn’t do very well under outboard power, either. The propeller will likely pitch out of the water when the bow goes down a wave in any kind of rough sea. This will result in a loss of steady power and reduce boat speed and maneuverability. In rough conditions, this could be catastrophic. 

Outboard motors can easily be rigged to be operated by remote control from the cockpit helm controls. Unfortunately, finding this on a sailboat is rare. Instead, designers slap them on the back of the boat like an afterthought. What you’re left with is a difficult control situation, where you have to lean over the transom of the boat to put the motor in gear or move its tiller or throttle. 

Some catamarans use outboards that are mounted in wells on the bridge deck. Since the catamaran’s design allows this, these outboards tend to be larger and can power larger vessels. There are 36-foot or more catamarans that have a pair of outboards for power.

Compared to the small gas outboards, an inboard diesel engine is an enormous monstrosity. But by having a propeller shaft coming out of the bottom that is always underwater, the design solves the dangerous shortcomings of outboards. 

Diesels are also placed in the boat for perfect weight distribution. They are usually mounted under the cabin sole or the stairs to the cockpit. And since the boat’s interior is designed around them, they can grow as the boat grows. A bigger boat can get a bigger engine, whereas outboards are generally limited in size due to their mounting location.

Both diesels and outboard can provide decades of service when well maintained. But diesels take the cake as the most reliable option. Diesel fuel vapors are also less explosive than gasoline fumes, making it the safer option to carry on vessels with enclosed cabins. 

And finally, diesel engines are easy to work on and understand. The types of motors installed in the average cruising boat are the sort of small three to six-cylinder diesels that you might find in a farm tractor or forklift. Parts are often easy to get, and finding someone who can fix one is usually pretty straightforward.

The downside of the diesel inboard is its cost and complexity. For example, a new diesel inboard will cost you at least $10,000 for a small one, plus the labor to install it. On the other hand, an outboard will cost around $2,000 and will require no installation at all.

A diesel inboard will have a complete control panel at the helm, allowing you to start and stop the motor and control the gear and throttle from the helm. You will steer the boat with the regular helm, which turns the rudder.

A big plus, however, is that the rudder is mounted right behind the prop. This means that you can use bursts of power from the engine to force water over the rudder, making maneuvering easier during docking.

Inboard boats are typically considered to be a little more challenging to dock than an outboard-powered one. But once you get the hang of the basics, they provide you with a lot more options and easier control in tight spaces.

Imagine sailing with no motor noise at all. As with land vehicles, electric-powered sailboats are getting a lot of attention right now. At this point, fully electric yachts from the factory are few and far between. But many owners have retrofitted older boats with inboard electric motors.

As with all-electric vehicles, the trick is balancing how much power the motor consumes and how much energy the battery bank can store. Some hybrid boats solve the problem with a diesel-electric generator. New lithium battery technologies are constantly improving, so the day will undoubtedly come when you can get a sailboat to run on nothing but electricity.

The question will always be, what do you want from your sailboat motor? This goes back to the original question, why do sailboats have motors? If you believe it’s there to get you on and off the dock—and not much else—then an electric engine with a moderate battery bank is more than adequate. If, however, you want to motor into the wind for hours or travel on no-wind days, you’d likely be very limited by an electric-only sailboat.

There are also electric outboard motors, but these are generally smaller and not yet appropriate for cruising sailboats. Further, they share the same problems and limitations as a gas outboard motor, so the benefits are limited.

Does a sailboat have a motor? As you can see, the answer is generally yes. But there are some historic vessels out there, like replica galleons and schooners built over 100 years ago, that do not and never did have engines. 

Intrepid travelers like Lin and Larry Pardy have circumnavigated the globe multiple times in engineless vessels. Not having a motor keeps the boat simple and makes cruising more affordable. 

Does your sailboat need a motor? That’s a question only you can ask. As a beginner, maneuvering under sail alone can be intimidating. A motor allows you to bail when the sailing is no good and will probably enable you to enjoy sailing and boating more often. In the end, the choice is yours.

Do all sailboats have a motor?

It depends on the type of sailboat. Small sailing dinghies that you can easily row do not usually have motors. But most cruising and racing sailboats do, simply because it enables the boat to be docked easily. A motor can also keep the boat moving when the wind is calm. In some conditions, it can also help the sails work by motor sailing.

How are sailboats powered?

Sailboats, by definition, are powered by the wind. Nonetheless, most sailboats you see today also have motors. These are called auxiliary engines because the engines are not the primary means of propulsion. Instead, the boat is designed to sail—but when it can’t for some reason, it motors as a powerboat would.

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

Sail GP: how do supercharged racing yachts go so fast? An engineer explains

Head of Engineering, Warsash School of Maritime Science and Engineering, Solent University

Disclosure statement

Jonathan Ridley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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Sailing used to be considered as a rather sedate pastime. But in the past few years, the world of yacht racing has been revolutionised by the arrival of hydrofoil-supported catamarans, known as “foilers”. These vessels, more akin to high-performance aircraft than yachts, combine the laws of aerodynamics and hydrodynamics to create vessels capable of speeds of up to 50 knots, which is far faster than the wind propelling them.

An F50 catamaran preparing for the Sail GP series recently even broke this barrier, reaching an incredible speed of 50.22 knots (57.8mph) purely powered by the wind. This was achieved in a wind of just 19.3 knots (22.2mph). F50s are 15-metre-long, 8.8-metre-wide hydrofoil catamarans propelled by rigid sails and capable of such astounding speeds that Sail GP has been called the “ Formula One of sailing ”. How are these yachts able to go so fast? The answer lies in some simple fluid dynamics.

As a vessel’s hull moves through the water, there are two primary physical mechanisms that create drag and slow the vessel down. To build a faster boat you have to find ways to overcome the drag force.

The first mechanism is friction. As the water flows past the hull, a microscopic layer of water is effectively attached to the hull and is pulled along with the yacht. A second layer of water then attaches to the first layer, and the sliding or shearing between them creates friction.

On the outside of this is a third layer, which slides over the inner layers creating more friction, and so on. Together, these layers are known as the boundary layer – and it’s the shearing of the boundary layer’s molecules against each other that creates frictional drag.

A yacht also makes waves as it pushes the water around and under the hull from the bow (front) to the stern (back) of the boat. The waves form two distinctive patterns around the yacht (one at each end), known as Kelvin Wave patterns.

These waves, which move at the same speed as the yacht, are very energetic. This creates drag on the boat known as the wave-making drag, which is responsible for around 90% of the total drag. As the yacht accelerates to faster speeds (close to the “hull speed”, explained later), these waves get higher and longer.

These two effects combine to produce a phenomenon known as “ hull speed ”, which is the fastest the boat can travel – and in conventional single-hull yachts it is very slow. A single-hull yacht of the same size as the F50 has a hull speed of around 12 mph.

However, it’s possible to reduce both the frictional and wave-making drag and overcome this hull-speed limit by building a yacht with hydrofoils . Hydrofoils are small, underwater wings. These act in the same way as an aircraft wing, creating a lift force which acts against gravity, lifting our yacht upwards so that the hull is clear of the water.

While an aircraft’s wings are very large, the high density of water compared to air means that we only need very small hydrofoils to produce a lot of the important lift force. A hydrofoil just the size of three A3 sheets of paper, when moving at just 10 mph, can produce enough lift to pick up a large person.

This significantly reduces the surface area and the volume of the boat that is underwater, which cuts the frictional drag and the wave-making drag, respectively. The combined effect is a reduction in the overall drag to a fraction of its original amount, so that the yacht is capable of sailing much faster than it could without hydrofoils.

The other innovation that helps boost the speed of racing yachts is the use of rigid sails . The power available from traditional sails to drive the boat forward is relatively small, limited by the fact that the sail’s forces have to act in equilibrium with a range of other forces, and that fabric sails do not make an ideal shape for creating power. Rigid sails, which are very similar in design to an aircraft wing, form a much more efficient shape than traditional sails, effectively giving the yacht a larger engine and more power.

As the yacht accelerates from the driving force of these sails, it experiences what is known as “ apparent wind ”. Imagine a completely calm day, with no wind. As you walk, you experience a breeze in your face at the same speed that you are walking. If there was a wind blowing too, you would feel a mixture of the real (or “true” wind) and the breeze you have generated.

The two together form the apparent wind, which can be faster than the true wind. If there is enough true wind combined with this apparent wind, then significant force and power can be generated from the sail to propel the yacht, so it can easily sail faster than the wind speed itself.

The combined effect of reducing the drag and increasing the driving power results in a yacht that is far faster than those of even a few years ago. But all of this would not be possible without one further advance: materials. In order to be able to “fly”, the yacht must have a low mass, and the hydrofoil itself must be very strong. To achieve the required mass, strength and rigidity using traditional boat-building materials such as wood or aluminium would be very difficult.

This is where modern advanced composite materials such as carbon fibre come in. Production techniques optimising weight, rigidity and strength allow the production of structures that are strong and light enough to produce incredible yachts like the F50.

The engineers who design these high-performance boats (known as naval architects ) are always looking to use new materials and science to get an optimum design. In theory, the F50 should be able to go even faster.

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Do Sailboats Have Motors? | The Science Behind Sailboat Propulsion

Do Sailboats Have Motors? The Science Behind Sailboat Propulsion

When you think of sailboats, you might think of vessels with tall masts and billowing sails, harnessing the power of the wind to glide gracefully across the water. But a question that comes up, especially among those new to the boating world, is: “Do sailboats have motors?” Let’s dive into the science behind sailboat propulsion and how technology has impacted sailboats.

The Traditional Wind-Powered Sailboat

Sailboats are designed to be propelled by sails. The sails capture the wind’s energy, converting it into forward motion. The art and science of sailing involve understanding wind directions, adjusting sails accordingly, and using the rudder to steer the boat. It’s a skill that’s been honed over centuries and remains a passionate pursuit for many boaters.

But, Do Sailboats Have Motors?

Yes, many modern sailboats are equipped with auxiliary engines or motors . While the primary propulsion system is still the sails, these motors serve several essential functions:

• Maneuvering in Tight Spaces . While sails are perfect for open waters, they can be challenging to use in tight spaces like marinas or crowded harbors. Motors provide the precision needed to navigate these areas safely.
• Facing Calm Conditions. There are times when the wind might not be in your favor. On days with little to no wind, having a motor ensures you’re not stranded in the middle of the water.
• Dealing with Emergency Situations. In an emergency, such as a sudden storm or equipment failure, having a motor can be a lifesaver, getting you to shore quickly.

The Science Behind Sailboat Motors

Sailboat motors are often referred to as auxiliary engines. They are typically smaller and more fuel-efficient than those found on motorboats and are designed to complement the sail, not replace it. These motors can be inboard, built into the boat’s hull, or outboard, attached to the boat’s exterior.

The choice between inboard and outboard often depends on the boat’s size, design, and intended use. Outboard motors are the superior choice for a number of reasons, including:

• Lightweight and Efficient. Outboard motors are typically lighter than their inboard counterparts. This means that they don’t add significant weight to the stern (rear) of the boat, ensuring the boat remains balanced.
• Easy Maintenance and Repair. One of the standout advantages of outboard motors is their accessibility. Since they are mounted externally, conducting regular checks, maintenance, and repairs is easier.
• Versatility in Depth and Draft. Outboard motors can be tilted up or down, allowing sailors to adjust the propeller’s depth in the water. This is particularly beneficial in shallow waters or when beaching a boat, as you can lift the motor to avoid hitting the seabed or any underwater obstacles.
• Space Conservation. For smaller sailboats where space is at a premium, an outboard motor ensures that the internal space is still available for storage or other uses.
• Cost-Effective. Outboard motors tend to be less expensive than inboard motors, both in terms of the initial purchase and maintenance costs.

So, the next time someone asks you, “Do sailboats have motors?”, you can confidently answer, “Yes, many do!” Whether you’re a weekend sailor or embarking on longer voyages, understanding the science and benefits of your sailboat’s motor will ensure you make the best choice for your needs.

In the market for a new outboard motor for your sailboat? Contact us today . We’re here to help you find the best engine for your sailing needs.

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Do Sailboats Have Motors?

Table of Contents

Most sailboats over the length of 16 feet have some form of auxiliary power. That may be an electric motor or gas-powered outboard. But the larger a sailboat, the more need there is for an engine.

The purpose of a motor on most sailboats is for maneuvering when in the harbor or marina. Sailors also use a motor when loading their sailboat onto their trailers. Of course, all of the above can be done without a motor, but it takes a lot of skill. However, a powered boat sure is nice to have when you’re making a run for safe harbor or when the wind stalls.

What is a sailboat with a motor called?

Most modern sailboats have motors. The type of motor depends on the age of the boat, the size of the vessel, and its purpose. However, there is a class  sailboat called a motorsailer . It has an engine that can move it along at speed without the sails, or only the sails can propel it.

Many older motorsailer designs don’t do very well at either task. Newer designs, however, range from a mere 26 feet to 100 feet or more, and sail and motor equally well, due to modern boat designs and engineering techniques.

Sailors tend to be purists, and although motors are necessary for safety, they want them to be as unobtrusive as possible. Even today’s motorsailers are on board with this philosophy. As we age, hanging over the rail retrieving a loose sail gets less and less exciting, and the appeal of a motor sailor becomes greater.

Do all sailboats have a motor?

No, because many real small sailboats don’t need one, and a paddle will suffice as auxiliary power. Prams, dinghies, small sailboats, and beach cats don’t generally need a motor. This is because they are primarily sailed from the beach. However, small sailboats can benefit from the use of today’s modern electric motors.

Unlike older electric boat motors that require a heavy battery for power, modern electric outboard motors have self-contained batteries. This fact makes using them a breeze. The problem with them is the battery doesn’t have enough juice to last more than a few hours.

That is okay if you are in a dinghy, but in a larger sailboat that may go out past the horizon, you want a motor that will get you back home.

What types of motors do sailboats have?

There are four distinct types of marine engines and thrusters, too.

1. Gas outboard engines

As already mentioned, gas outboards are used primarily for boats less than 30 feet in length. They are convenient because they cause no motor odor in the cabin , and you can replace them quickly if they fail. These motors range from three horsepower up to over 50 horsepower for some sailboats. Gas outboards have been used on sailboats for over 50 years, and they will continue to be used for years to come.

2. Diesel engines for sailboats

Diesel engines are the power of choice for sailboats . They are reliable, efficient, and relatively quiet. Diesel sailboat motors range from a tiny nine-horsepower unit, for smaller boats, up to about 125 horsepower, which is enough power for all but larger motorsailers and sailboats.

Until the 1970s, the most common inboard diesel for sailboats was Universal’s Atomic 4. However, since they closed their doors, several companies have worked to fill the marine engine niche. These companies include John Deer, Kubota, Yanmar, and Westerbeke, who still makes parts for the Atomic 4. All of them make marine diesel engines for small and large sailboats.

3. Electric motors for sailboats

Electric outboard motors have been mentioned for use on prams, dinghies, and other small craft. However, due to trial and error, electric motors have been designed to power sailboats larger than dinghies and trailer sailors. Like diesel motors, electric motors are placed in the lower section of the boat and connected to a shaft and propeller . Connected to a large bank of batteries that can be recharged with solar panels, a wind generator, or a hydro generator, an electric motor is used for maneuverability around the harbor and marina.

Using a purely electric motor for a sailboat has limitations due to the inability to store or generate enough power to motor for hours at a time. Due to this small storage capacity, they can only be used for a short time before they need to be recharged.

4. Hybrid electric power for sailboats

Combining the attributes of diesel power with the clean energy of electricity , hybrid-electric power plants, aka diesel-electric power, is the best of both worlds. With this type of power in your sailboat, power is almost free and endless. Note I said, virtually, because the diesel tank does need to be filled occasionally.

Hybrid electric power uses an electric motor to power your boat and a small diesel engine to charge the bank of batteries. When combined with solar panels and other methods of battery recharging, hybrid-electric power is becoming standard on new production sailboats and as conversions on older sailboats.

5. About those thrusters

The motor no one sees, bow thrusters are a great aid when docking or putting your boat on a trailer. Once only seen on sailboats over 50 feet in length, bow thrusters are a significant aid when docking and maneuvering around other craft in the harbor. They are now available for boats as small as 25 feet in length.

Types of sailboats

Motorsailers were mentioned above, but hull types have not been, and there are three main types of hulls for sailboats. They are the monohull , which means just what it says; the boat has one hull and usually just one motor. However, some large motorsailers often sport two engines.

Catamaran sailboats have two hulls, and many of those over 30 feet in length has two engines. Two engines are great for the redundancy of systems. Still, it is an added expense because it costs more to maintain two motors than one.

The next type of sailing vessel you will see in small and extremely large versions is the trimaran, which has three hulls. However, three hulls do not equate to three engines, and they generally have only one inboard motor for boats over 30 feet. Smaller trimarans use outboard motors for power or no power at all.

The cost of owning a sailboat

Small sailboats that can fit on a trailer and get hauled to the water have a low cost to own. In addition, general maintenance is not very expensive . Any care that you need to do is usually within the scope of sailboat owners with moderate skills with tools.

However, when you get into the realm of diesel engines, hybrid power systems, and bow thrusters, maintenance takes on a new dimension. Most boat owners can do the maintenance necessary to keep their engines running, such as oil changes, checking fluids, and filtering fuel .

However, when the time for servicing comes, a mechanic will be necessary. They run a minimum of $100 an hour unless you are lucky enough that you can call a friend.

Maintaining a sailboat is expensive – we can help

At Boatsetter, we work with sailors who rent their sailboats to people around the world. Our boat rental community allows you to rent only your boat, or you can join the party as captain of your ship as you impart your sailing knowledge to your paying guests. Renting your sailboat is one way to offset some of your annual costs with the added benefit of getting paid to be captain for the day. 

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Do Sailboats Have Motors?

Sailboats, with their billowing sails and ageless charm, have captured the imaginations of adventurers and seafarers for centuries. These vessels evoke the romanticism of wind-powered voyages across vast expanses of water, relying solely on the whispering breeze to carry them forward. Yet, the world of sailboats is not confined to a bygone era of pure wind propulsion.

Intriguingly, many envision sailboats as entirely dependent on the capricious winds to set their course. However, this perception only scratches the surface of the multifaceted world of sailboat propulsion. Sailboats have evolved to embrace modernity without sacrificing their intrinsic character. They now boast propulsion options that integrate both the timeless elegance of sail power and the efficiency and control of motor power.

This article embarks on a voyage of discovery through the realm of sailboat propulsion. We will unravel the various options available, from traditional sails billowing with the wind’s grace to powerful motors that can navigate unforgiving waters when the winds fall silent. By the end of this journey, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between sail and motor power in the world of sailboats.

The Essence of Sailing

At its heart, sailing is a dance with the elements—a harmonious partnership between man and nature. Sailboats, in their purest form, are designed to rely primarily on wind power for propulsion, embracing the age-old art of harnessing the invisible forces of the atmosphere.

The key to sailing lies in the sailboat’s rigging—a meticulously designed system that includes the mast, sails, and rudder. The mast stands tall and proud, serving as the vessel’s backbone. Attached to it are the sails, which unfurl like the wings of a great seabird. It is these sails that capture the wind’s caress and transform it into forward motion. The rudder, positioned beneath the water’s surface, acts as the boat’s steering mechanism, allowing the sailor to chart their course amidst the boundless expanse of water.

Sailing is a symphony of precision and artistry. It’s about feeling the wind’s gentle or forceful embrace, adjusting the sails accordingly, and directing the boat’s graceful glide across the water’s surface. The essence of sailing lies in the connection to nature, the mastery of technique, and the sheer beauty of setting one’s own course powered by the breath of the wind.

Auxiliary Motors in Sailboats

Auxiliary motors, commonly referred to as “auxiliary engines” or simply “auxiliary,” are secondary propulsion systems installed on sailboats alongside their primary wind-driven sails. These motors serve a crucial role in providing additional power and maneuverability to sailboats, especially when wind conditions are unfavorable or when precise control is needed in confined areas.

Sailboats are equipped with auxiliary motors for several reasons:

• Maneuverability : In situations where wind alone isn’t sufficient to navigate, such as docking or navigating through narrow channels or crowded marinas, auxiliary motors provide the precise control necessary to ensure safe passage.
• Safety : They serve as a safety feature in case of emergencies, like equipment failure or a sudden loss of wind. Having a reliable engine can help a sailboat avoid dangerous situations, navigate away from hazards, or return to port.
• Windless Conditions : When wind conditions are calm or when sails aren’t effectively capturing the wind, auxiliary motors become essential for maintaining progress and preventing the boat from becoming stranded.

There are two primary types of auxiliary motors used in sailboats:

• Inboard Motors : These engines are installed within the hull of the sailboat and are more common on larger sailboats. Inboard motors offer increased power and reliability but may require more maintenance.
• Outboard Motors : Outboards are external engines that can be attached to the stern (back) of the sailboat when needed. They are more common on smaller sailboats and offer convenience, as they can be removed for maintenance or used as a backup for dinghies or tenders.

The presence of auxiliary motors does not diminish the sailing experience; rather, it enhances it by providing added safety and flexibility while preserving the time-honored art of sailing.

Inboard Motors and Their Placement Within the Sailboat’s Hull

Inboard motors are a type of auxiliary engine commonly found on sailboats. These engines are installed inside the hull of the sailboat, typically positioned amidships (in the middle) or toward the stern (back) of the boat. Inboard motors are permanently integrated into the sailboat’s design, with only the propeller shaft and propeller extending outside the hull.

Advantages of Inboard Motors:

• Reliability : Inboard motors are known for their reliability. They are generally more robust and have greater longevity compared to outboard motors.
• Power : Inboard engines tend to provide more power than outboards. This extra power can be beneficial for larger sailboats, especially in adverse conditions or when motoring against strong currents or winds.
• Quiet Operation : Inboards are typically quieter than outboards, which can contribute to a more peaceful and enjoyable sailing experience.
• Improved Weight Distribution : Inboard motors are usually positioned near the boat’s center, contributing to better weight distribution and improved handling.

Disadvantages of Inboard Motors:

• Maintenance : Inboard motors may be more challenging to access for routine maintenance and repairs due to their location within the hull.
• Cost : Inboard motors are often more expensive to purchase and maintain compared to outboards.
• Space Requirements : Installing an inboard motor requires allocating space within the hull, which can reduce available interior space.

Sailboat Types That Commonly Feature Inboard Motors:

• Cruisers : Sailboats designed for extended cruising often have inboard motors. The added power and reliability are advantageous for long-distance sailing.
• Larger Sailboats : Bigger sailboats, such as those used for offshore racing or cruising, frequently employ inboard engines due to their higher power output.
• Sailboats with Fixed Keels : Sailboats with fixed keels, which are more common in larger vessels, often have inboard motors because they can accommodate the necessary space.

Inboard motors are favored for their reliability and power, making them suitable for sailboats that prioritize these aspects over the convenience of outboard motors. They are especially prevalent on cruising sailboats designed for extended journeys where power and reliability are paramount.

Outboard Motors, Which Are Mounted Externally on the Stern of the Sailboat

Outboard motors are a type of auxiliary engine commonly used on sailboats. These motors are mounted externally on the transom (stern) of the sailboat, with the entire unit, including the engine, propeller, and gear case, located outside the boat’s hull. Outboards are a popular choice for sailboats, particularly smaller ones, due to their convenience and versatility.

Benefits of Outboard Motors:

• Ease of Maintenance : Outboard motors are known for their accessibility, making routine maintenance and repairs relatively straightforward. They can be easily removed and serviced when necessary.
• Portability : Outboards are lightweight and portable, which simplifies installation and removal. This portability is advantageous for trailering sailboats and using the motor on different vessels.
• Maneuverability : Outboards provide excellent maneuverability, as their location at the stern allows for easy steering and control.
• Tilt and Trim : Many outboard motors come equipped with tilt and trim features, allowing the operator to adjust the motor’s angle and depth in the water. This feature is useful for optimizing performance and efficiency.
• Versatility : Outboard motors can be used for various purposes, including motoring in and out of harbors, navigating through shallow waters, and serving as an emergency backup in case of windless conditions.

Situations Where Outboard Motors Are Useful:

• Small Sailboats : Outboard motors are commonly found on smaller sailboats, such as daysailers and trailerable sailboats. Their compact size and ease of handling make them a practical choice for these vessels.
• Trailering : Sailboats that are regularly trailered benefit from outboard motors because of their portability. The motor can be easily attached and detached when launching and retrieving the boat.
• Shallow Waters : Sailboats that navigate through shallow or restricted waters, such as lakes and rivers, often use outboard motors. Their ability to be tilted up out of the water minimizes the risk of grounding.
• Emergency Situations : Outboard motors can serve as reliable backup propulsion in case of windless conditions or mechanical issues with the sail rigging.

While outboard motors are favored for their convenience and versatility, they are especially well-suited for smaller sailboats and those used in specific conditions, such as shallow waters or trailerable vessels. The choice between inboard and outboard motors ultimately depends on the sailboat’s size, intended use, and the preferences of the boat owner.

How the Presence and Type of Motorization Vary Across Different Sailboat Categories

The presence and type of motorization in sailboats can indeed vary significantly based on the boat’s category, purpose, and design. Here’s how it typically varies across different sailboat categories:

• Auxiliary Motors : Most cruising sailboats are equipped with auxiliary motors, either inboard or outboard. These motors are essential for maneuvering in and out of harbors, navigating in calms or adverse weather, and ensuring safety during extended passages.
• Motor Type : Cruisers often have inboard motors due to their reliability and power. Inboard motors are more suitable for long-distance cruising where reliability is paramount.

Racing Boats:

• Auxiliary Motors : Racing sailboats may or may not have auxiliary motors, as weight and aerodynamics are critical in racing. Some racing sailboats, especially smaller ones, may not have motors at all.
• Motor Type : When present, racing sailboats usually feature lightweight outboard motors. These motors are typically used for safety and maneuvering purposes rather than as a primary means of propulsion.
• Auxiliary Motors : Smaller sailing dinghies often rely solely on sail power and do not have auxiliary motors. These boats prioritize simplicity, low weight, and the purity of sail-driven experiences.
• Motor Type : In cases where dinghies do have auxiliary motors, they are typically lightweight and portable outboard motors. These motors are used for emergency backup or maneuvering in tight spaces.

Day Sailers and Trailerable Sailboats:

• Auxiliary Motors : Day sailers and trailerable sailboats often have outboard motors for the convenience of trailering and launching. They are designed for versatility, allowing sailors to use the motor when needed and sail when conditions permit.
• Motor Type : Outboard motors are the standard choice for these sailboats due to their ease of use and portability.

The choice of motorization in sailboats is influenced by the intended use and design priorities. Cruisers, which often embark on long journeys and prioritize reliability, typically feature inboard motors. Racing boats prioritize speed and minimal weight, so if they have a motor, it’s usually an outboard for safety and maneuverability. Dinghies favor simplicity and pure sailing experiences and may not have motors at all. Day sailers and trailerable sailboats value versatility, making outboard motors a practical choice for their flexibility.

Ultimately, the presence and type of auxiliary motor should align with the sailboat’s purpose and how sailors intend to use it, whether for cruising, racing, day sailing, or other activities.

Sailboat Maneuvering and Safety

Auxiliary motors play a crucial role in sailboat maneuvering and safety, especially in various scenarios:

Maneuvering in Confined Spaces:

• Harbor Navigation : Sailboats often need to navigate in and out of crowded harbors, marinas, and anchorages. In these tight spaces, where wind and currents can be challenging, auxiliary motors provide precise control and prevent collisions with other boats, docks, or buoys.
• Mooring and Docking : Motors are invaluable for precise mooring and docking, allowing sailors to approach docks or mooring balls with precision and avoid accidental grounding or collisions.

Emergency Situations:

• Avoiding Hazards : In emergencies, such as rapidly changing weather conditions, motors provide a reliable means to quickly navigate away from hazards like rocks, shoals, or other vessels.
• Loss of Wind : If wind conditions become unfavorable or drop to a near standstill, a motor can help prevent drifting into dangerous areas, such as shipping lanes or shallow waters.

Safety When Sails Are Lowered:

• Loss of Sail Power : When sails are lowered or reefed in heavy weather, a sailboat’s primary source of propulsion is lost. In such situations, an auxiliary motor ensures that the boat maintains steerage and control.
• Sail Handling : Motors can assist with sail handling tasks, such as furling or dousing sails, especially when conditions are adverse or when a sailor is single-handed.
• Assisting Crew Overboard : In the unfortunate event of a crew member falling overboard, an auxiliary motor can be used to maneuver the boat for a swift and safe rescue operation.
• Towing and Anchoring : Motors are valuable for towing dinghies or other vessels, retrieving anchor rode, or positioning the boat relative to anchor sets.

In essence, auxiliary motors are a safety net for sailboats, providing control and maneuverability when sail power alone may not suffice or when unpredictable situations arise. They enhance the safety of both the boat and its crew by offering a reliable means of propulsion and control in various conditions. As such, they are a valuable asset for ensuring a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.

Eco-Friendliness of Sailboats and How Motor Use Impacts the Environment

Sailboats are generally considered more environmentally friendly than motorized vessels due to their primary reliance on wind power, which produces no direct emissions. However, it’s important to recognize that auxiliary motors, when used, can have environmental impacts. Here’s a discussion of these aspects:

Eco-Friendliness of Sailboats:

• Wind Propulsion : Sailboats are inherently green vessels. They use the wind to move, a renewable energy source that doesn’t produce greenhouse gas emissions or contribute to air or water pollution.
• Low Environmental Impact : Sailboats have a low environmental impact when sailing, as they don’t rely on fossil fuels during that time.

Motor Use Impact:

• Fuel and Emissions : When auxiliary motors are employed, they typically run on gasoline or diesel fuel, contributing to emissions and air pollution.
• Noise and Disturbance : Motor noise can disrupt the tranquility of sailing, disturb wildlife, and impact the enjoyment of nature.

Responsibility of Sailboat Owners:

• Minimizing Motor Use : Sailboat owners have a responsibility to minimize motor use whenever possible. This includes maximizing sailing time, even in light winds, and using the motor only when necessary for safety or maneuvering.
• Regular Maintenance : Well-maintained motors are more fuel-efficient and produce fewer emissions. Regular maintenance and tuning are essential.
• Clean Fuel and Oil : Using clean, low-sulfur fuels and environmentally friendly lubricants can reduce environmental impacts.
• Disposal of Waste : Properly disposing of waste oil, filters, and other hazardous materials is crucial to prevent pollution.

Sailboat owners should be conscious of their environmental impact and strive to sail more, motor less. While auxiliary motors are a valuable tool for safety and maneuvering, minimizing their use contributes to a greener and more sustainable boating experience. Additionally, adopting eco-friendly practices in other aspects, such as waste disposal and maintenance, further reduces a sailboat’s environmental footprint. Ultimately, responsible sailing is about enjoying the beauty of the water while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Sailing Traditions and Values

Pure, wind-driven sailing carries with it a rich tapestry of traditions and values that have endured for centuries. Here’s a reflection on these aspects:

• Connection to History: Sailing is steeped in history and tradition. For millennia, humans have harnessed the power of the wind to explore, trade, and discover new lands. This deep historical connection is often palpable when sailing without motors, as the experience closely mirrors the journeys of our ancestors.
• Sense of Accomplishment: Sailing without auxiliary motors provides a profound sense of accomplishment. When you rely solely on the wind’s power and your understanding of its nuances to navigate the waters, every successful voyage becomes a personal triumph. The mastery of sailing skills, like reading the wind, trimming sails, and maneuvering efficiently, adds to this sense of achievement.
• Connection to Nature: There’s a unique connection to nature that comes from wind-driven sailing. You become acutely attuned to the elements—the feel of the wind on your face, the sound of the sails billowing, and the gentle rocking of the boat. It’s a serene, almost meditative experience that allows you to become one with the natural world.
• Environmental Stewardship: Sailing without motors aligns with a commitment to environmental stewardship. It’s a demonstration of respect for the environment and a desire to minimize the impact of human activity on the planet. It’s about harmonizing with nature rather than overpowering it.
• Slowing Down: In a world that often feels rushed and hectic, sailing without motors forces you to slow down. It encourages a more deliberate pace, fostering reflection and mindfulness. This deceleration is a balm for the soul in our fast-paced modern lives.
• Community and Camaraderie: Sailing has a strong sense of community and camaraderie. Whether you’re racing with fellow sailors or sharing stories at a marina, sailing fosters connections and friendships that span generations.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Sailing without motors requires adaptability and problem-solving skills. When the wind changes or dies down, sailors must adjust their tactics, making sailing both a mental and physical challenge. This adaptability fosters resilience and resourcefulness.

In an age of technological advances and the constant hum of engines, there’s something profoundly timeless and grounding about wind-driven sailing. It’s a reminder that, despite our modern conveniences, we can still connect with the natural world and honor the enduring traditions that have shaped our maritime heritage. It’s a celebration of self-reliance, the beauty of the wind, and the enduring values of exploration and adventure.

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Top 5 FAQs and answers related to do sailboats have motors

Do all sailboats have motors.

No, not all sailboats have motors. Some sailboats, known as “pure” or “unpowered” sailboats, rely solely on wind power for propulsion and do not have auxiliary motors. However, many modern sailboats are equipped with auxiliary motors for maneuvering in harbors, calms, or emergencies.

Why Do Some Sailboats Have Motors?

Sailboats have auxiliary motors for several practical reasons. Motors provide maneuverability in tight spaces, assist with docking and leaving harbors, and help in situations with little or no wind. They also serve as safety backups during emergencies.

What Types of Motors Are Used in Sailboats?

Sailboats typically use two main types of motors: inboard and outboard motors. Inboard motors are fixed within the boat’s hull, while outboard motors are mounted on the stern. The choice between the two depends on the sailboat’s design and purpose.

Are Motors Common on Racing Sailboats?

Racing sailboats often prioritize weight reduction and sailing performance, so they may not have motors. However, even some racing sailboats have small outboard motors that can be easily removed to reduce weight during races.

Can I Sail Without Using the Motor on a Sailboat?

Yes, you can sail without using the motor on a sailboat. In fact, many sailors prefer to sail purely by harnessing the wind’s power. Sailing without a motor is a fundamental and time-honored tradition for those who relish the challenge and beauty of wind-driven navigation.

In conclusion, this article has explored the intriguing world of sailboats and their auxiliary motors. We’ve delved into the essence of sailing, the beauty of wind-driven navigation, and the timeless traditions it embodies. Additionally, we’ve shed light on the role of auxiliary motors, which provide practicality and maneuverability, especially in confined spaces and emergencies.

Sailboats are unique vessels, capable of harnessing both wind and motor power, making them versatile companions for seafaring adventures. Whether you’re drawn to the serenity of pure sailing or appreciate the backup and convenience of motors, sailboats offer a world of possibilities.

As you embark on your own maritime journeys, remember that the allure of sailboats lies not only in their propulsion but also in the connection to nature, the sense of accomplishment, and the enduring values they represent. Embrace the freedom to choose between wind and motor, and let the open waters be your canvas for exploration and discovery.

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Do Sailboats Have Motors? Exploring Propulsion Systems in Sailboats

Sailboats are amazing vessels that can harness the power of the wind and take you to places you’ve never been before.

But do sailboats have motors? And if so, why do they need them?

In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more, and help you understand the different types of motors that sailboats can have.

The Short Answer

Why do sailboats have motors.

Sailboats have been around for thousands of years, and for most of that time, they did not have any motors. Sailors relied on their skills and knowledge of the wind and the currents to navigate the seas. They also used oars, paddles, or poles to move their boats when there was no wind or when they needed more control (about which we’ll talk later in the article).

However, in the modern era, sailing has become more than just a way of transportation or exploration. It has also become a recreational activity, a sport, and a lifestyle. Many sailors enjoy the challenge and thrill of sailing without using any motor power, but others prefer the convenience and safety of having a motor on board.

Here are some of the reasons why sailboats have motors:

Maneuvering in Crowded Spaces

One of the main reasons why sailboats have motors is to maneuver in crowded spaces, such as marinas, harbors, canals, locks, or bridges.

Sailing in these areas can be very difficult and dangerous, especially for larger or heavier boats that have less maneuverability. A motor allows a sailboat to steer more precisely, stop more quickly, and reverse direction if needed.

Many marinas and harbors have rules that prohibit sailing within their boundaries, and require boats to use their motors instead. This is to prevent accidents and collisions with other boats, docks, or structures.

Some sailboats have a motor that can be tilted up or down, which allows them to adjust their propeller depth depending on the water level.

Motoring Through Calms or Upwind

Another reason why sailboats have motors is to motor through calms or upwind. Sometimes, the wind can be too light or too variable to sail effectively, or it can be blowing from the wrong direction.

In these situations, a motor can help a sailboat to maintain its speed and course, or to reach its destination faster.

Motoring through calm or upwind can also be necessary for safety reasons. For example, if a sailboat is caught in a storm, it may need to motor away from the danger zone or find a safe harbor. Or if a sailboat is in distress, it may need to motor towards the nearest help or rescue.

Motorsailing

A third reason why sailboats have motors is to motor-sail.

Motor sailing is when a sailboat uses both its sails and its motor at the same time, to increase its speed and efficiency. Motor sailing can be done for various reasons, such as:

• To overcome adverse currents or tides
• To reduce the angle of the heel or the motion of the boat
• To balance the load on the sails and the rudder
• To reduce the wear and tear on the sails and the rigging
• To extend the range and endurance of the boat

Motor sailing can also be done for personal preference or comfort. Some sailors like to motor sail because it makes their boat more stable and quiet, or because it allows them to use less sail area and still maintain a good speed.

It’s worth noting that not all sailboats rely solely on their motors for propulsion. Sailing enthusiasts often take pride in their ability to sail and dock using the wind and tides alone. However, having a small motor on board is common for docking purposes and ensuring safety in situations where wind conditions are unfavorable or for maneuvering in crowded harbors.

Types of Sailboat Motors

Sailboats can have different types of motors, depending on their size, design, and purpose. The most common types of sailboat motors are:

Outboard Motor

An outboard motor is a motor that is mounted on the outside of the boat, usually on the transom (the back part of the boat). They’re typically used for smaller sailboats, such as dinghies , catamarans , or trailer-able boats.

For sailboats under 25 feet in length, it is common to find outboard motors installed. These compact gasoline engines offer convenience, and ease of maintenance, and can be easily attached and detached from the stern of the boat.

They also do not take up any space inside the boat, and they do not produce any fumes or noise in the cabin.

Outboard motors can be powered by gas, diesel, or electricity.

• Gas outboard motors are the most common and affordable, but they also require more maintenance and fuel.
• Diesel outboard motors are more reliable and efficient, but they are also more expensive and heavier.
• Electric outboard motors are the most eco-friendly and quiet, but they also have limited battery life and power.

Outboard motors can range from 3 to 50 horsepower, depending on the size and weight of the sailboat. The power of the outboard motor is usually expressed in terms of thrust, which is the force that the motor can produce to move the boat.

The thrust of an outboard motor depends on several factors, such as the propeller size, shape, pitch, gear ratio, and water conditions.

Inboard Motor

An inboard motor is a motor that is mounted inside the boat, usually in a compartment below the cockpit or the cabin.

Inboard motors are typically used for larger or heavier sailboats, such as cruisers, racers, or bluewater boats. Inboard motors are more powerful and efficient than outboard motors, and they can also handle rougher seas and longer distances.

They also have a lower center of gravity, which improves the stability and balance of the boat.

Inboard motors can be powered by gas, diesel, or electricity.

• Gas inboard motors are less common and less desirable for sailboats because they are less reliable and more flammable than diesel or electric motors.
• Diesel inboard motors are the most popular and preferred for sailboats because they are more reliable, efficient, and durable than gas or electric motors.
• Electric inboard motors are the most eco-friendly and quiet, but they also have limited battery life and power.

Inboard motors can range from 9 to 125 horsepower, depending on the size and weight of the sailboat. The power of the inboard motor is usually expressed in terms of torque, which is the rotational force that the motor can produce to turn the propeller.

The torque of an inboard motor depends on several factors, such as the engine size, type, and speed, the transmission type and ratio, and the propeller size, shape, and pitch.

Electric Motor

In recent years, there has been a shift towards using electric motors in sailboats as an alternative to traditional gasoline or diesel engines. Electric motors offer quieter operation, zero emissions, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.

This eco-friendly approach aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness within the boating community.

An electric motor is a motor that is powered by electricity, either from batteries or from solar panels. Electric motors can be either outboard or inboard, depending on their location on the boat.

Electric motors are becoming more popular and available for sailboats, because they offer several advantages over gas or diesel motors, such as:

• They are more eco-friendly and sustainable because they do not produce any emissions or noise
• They are more reliable and maintenance-free because they have fewer moving parts and fluids
• They are more efficient and cost-effective because they use less energy and fuel
• They are more convenient and user-friendly because they can be controlled remotely or automatically

However, electric motors also have some disadvantages and challenges, such as:

• They have limited battery life and power, which can limit the range and speed of the boat
• They have high initial costs and installation, which can be prohibitive for some sailors
• They have limited availability and compatibility, which can make it hard to find or replace them

Electric motors can range from 1 to 50 horsepower, depending on the size and weight of the sailboat. The power of the electric motor is usually expressed in terms of kilowatts (kW), which is the amount of energy that the motor can produce or consume per hour.

The power of an electric motor depends on several factors, such as the battery type, size, and capacity, the solar panel type, size, and output, and the controller type and settings.

How Do Sailboats Move Without Wind?

One of the most common questions that people have about sailboats is how they move without wind. After all, sailboats are supposed to use the wind as their main source of power, right?

Well, yes and no. Sailboats can use the wind to move in different directions, but they can also use other forces and methods to move without wind.

Here are some of the ways that sailboats can move without wind:

Using the Current

The current is the movement of water in a certain direction, caused by factors such as tides, winds, or temperature differences. The current can affect the speed and direction of a sailboat, depending on how it aligns with the boat’s course. A sailboat can use the current to move without wind, by positioning itself in a favorable current that goes in the same direction as the boat’s destination.

However, using the current to move without wind can also be risky and challenging, because:

• The current can be unpredictable and variable, depending on the location, time, and weather
• The current can be too strong or too weak, depending on the depth, width, and shape of the waterway
• The current can be counterproductive or dangerous if it goes in the opposite direction or creates hazards such as eddies, whirlpools, or rapids

Therefore, a sailboat that uses the current to move without wind must have a good knowledge of the local water conditions, and a good navigation and steering system.

Using the Oars, Paddles, or Poles

Another way that sailboats can move without wind is by using oars, paddles, or poles. These are manual tools that can be used to propel a sailboat by applying force to the water. Oars are long wooden sticks with flat blades at one end, that are attached to the boat by oarlocks. Paddles are similar to oars, but they are not attached to the boat, and they have blades at both ends. Poles are long wooden or metal sticks with pointed ends, that are used to push against the bottom of shallow water.

Using oars, paddles, or poles to move without wind can be effective and simple, because:

• They do not require any fuel or electricity
• They do not produce any noise or pollution
• They can be easily stored and deployed

However, using oars, paddles, or poles to move without wind can also be inefficient and exhausting, because:

• They require a lot of physical strength and endurance
• They have limited speed and range
• They can be impractical or impossible in deep or rough water

Therefore, a sailboat that uses oars, paddles, or poles to move without wind must have a fit and willing crew, and a suitable water depth and condition.

Using the Motor

The most obvious and common way that sailboats can move without wind is by using the motor. As we have discussed earlier, most sailboats have a motor that can be used for various purposes. A motor can provide a sailboat with consistent and reliable power, regardless of the wind condition.

Using the motor to move without wind can be convenient and safe, because:

• It can increase the speed and efficiency of the boat
• It can enable the boat to reach any destination or direction
• It can help the boat to avoid or escape from danger or trouble

However, using the motor to move without wind can also be costly and problematic, because:

• It can consume a lot of fuel and money
• It can cause a lot of noise and pollution
• It can break down or malfunction

Therefore, a sailboat that uses the motor to move without wind must have a sufficient and accessible fuel supply and a regular and proper maintenance system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most sailboats have a motor in them, either outboard or inboard. The motor is used for maneuvering in crowded spaces, motoring through calms or upwind, or motor-sailing.

A sailboat with a motor is usually called a sailboat unless it is a special type of sailboat that is designed to use both sails and motor equally well. This type of sailboat is called a motorsailer.

Sailboats tend to be safer than motorboats. They have a keel or a centerboard that prevents them from capsizing easily. They can use the wind as their main power source. Also, they have a mast and sails that can be seen and heard from afar, which makes them more visible and audible to other boats.

Sailboats are wonderful and versatile boats that can offer a lot of fun and adventure. But do sailboats have motors? The answer is yes, most sailboats have motors, but not all sailboats need them. The type and size of the motor depend on the age, design, and purpose of the sailboat.

Some sailboats use motors only for maneuvering in tight spaces or when there is no wind. Others use motors to supplement their sailing performance or to travel long distances without relying on the wind.

Sailboats can have different types of motors, such as outboard, inboard, or electric. Each type of motor has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the power, efficiency, reliability, cost, and environmental impact. Sailboats can also move without wind, by using other forces and methods, such as the current, the oars, paddles, or poles, or the motor.

We hope that this article has helped you to understand more about sailboats and motors. If you are interested in sailing or buying a sailboat, you may want to check out some of our other articles on  sailing terms for beginners ,  what to wear sailing in cold weather , or  how much a sail costs .

Happy sailing!

Saiful Emon is the founder and editor of Sun Sea Skis , a sailing blog for adventure seekers. He loves sailing, traveling, and sharing his experiences with others. He also writes about fitness, wellness, business, and marketing in his spare time!

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Introduction to Sailboat Racing [Rules and Classes Explained]

True, when you first witness a sailboat race, you might believe it’s too confusing and chaotic (it can be both). But, like with anything new, you may ease into it gradually. This is intended to allow you to take several actions at once.

Racing a sailboat is a lot of fun. It blends the excitement of sailing your own boat with the raw rivalry of trying to beat another boat of comparable size. Racing also teaches you boat handling and sail trim in a manner that cruising cannot: by comparing your speed and handling to those of other boats.

Let us jump into the article to learn more about sailboat racing.

Basic Insights Into Sailboat Racing

Sailboat racing may be separated into three parts: start , headwind , and tailwind . During a sailboat race, it is important to ensure that the beginning of the race must be strong. The start determines the overall outcome of the race and thus is considered very crucial for the race. It brings great advantage to the competitor and this is often very underrated.

As soon as the countdown is complete, it is necessary to make sure that the competitor has crossed the starting line effectively. Generally, warnings are given at 5mins and subsequently at 4mins and 1min .

Another very important aspect to consider is the path . The competitor must be able to determine a clear path to sail through and the direction of the race course must also be perceived correctly to ensure a favorable outcome. Free lanes enable the competitor with ideal angles to the wind with which they can easily navigate without having to go against disturbed wind or wind shadows from rival boats.

The Starting Line

Oftentimes, the first leg of the race will be upwind, after the starting line is crossed. At this point again, it is important to note that starting strong is crucial for an upwind race as more free lanes are accessible the further ahead the competitor is in the convoy.

The necessary determinants to be noted and kept in consideration throughout the race for effective upwind sailing strategies are the following factors: wind direction, wind speed, and rivals. But the last aspect can be tricky as everyone’s goal is ultimately to win.

Competitors need to base their choices for sailing downwind on the same findings, but with a few minor variations. Being at the forefront and tagged by rivals can be seen as a mode of suffering when the competitor must keep sailing in the wind shadows of all the boats behind. Here, there’s an advantage to be thought of if the competitor can position themselves at the rear. Any lane can be chosen at proper intervals to make up for the lost ground.

However, usually, down winds result in shorter wins and losses than up winds . This is because there is less transverse separation during down winds when compared to up winds.

Different Types of Sail Racing Classes

Sailboat racing can be done in different ways. Each race lasts for about 45min to 1hr and is conducted on a course marked by buoys mounted by the racing committee. One can also take part in “ distance races “. In this case, the “ natural ” surroundings will typically provide the race course.

‍The points of sail during the race depend on the predominant wind direction factors on the day of the race, which is the other major variation besides the length. While racing on the course, the race committee places the buoys in such a manner that the race course is adapted to the wind , this mostly enables the competitors to accurately identify which sail has to be deployed for the upcoming leg .

At the race course and during the distance races, the sailboats that participate are usually of various types and are commonly very diverse. As a result, the organizing committee frequently employs intricate “ handicap ” mechanisms to even out variations across boat types . The system is often country-based and it has been developed based on the most common types of boats in a country. The RC , ORC , and IRC systems are the most widely used on an international scale .

These systems compute a factor that should be multiplied by the exact time required to sail one nautical mile using complex formulas . They are based on the dimensions of the boat’s length, weight, sail size, types, and design of the boat along with the materials used .

To find the adjusted race time that can be used to compare with other competitors, this f actor is multiplied by the amount of time it took you to complete the race and the distance of the race .

It is very necessary to remember that these systems are not entirely accurate and they cannot be completely relied on. They can only be used to a certain extent for performance comparison . Hence it is advised that one must compete in races where the competing boats are similar to accurately assess the racing skills of the competitor.

Main Rules in Sailboat Racing

These races are administered and authorized by the International Racing Rules of Sailing . It lays down rules and safety measures to sail safely across the race course along with the entire fleet, whose goal is to sail successfully during the race as well.

A rulebook is laid down with fundamental rules providing explanations and specimens about ensuring how to maintain and regulate according to the laws during a variety of circumstances that can arise between competing sailboats during the course of the race.

The most fundamental rule is that vessels with their starboard side windward must give way to vessels with their port side windward . This implies that the port-tack boat must either tack or bear away to pass behind the stern of the starboard-tack boat when two boats on opposite tacks come together . The leeward boat always has the right of way over the windward boat when there are two boats on the same tack.

Although this is the case, it is essential to note that the boat with the right of way must always ensure to leave other sailboats adequate space and time to avoid collision and accidents . While trying to maintain contact with other competitors, one must be very safe and secure as a significant level of rule interpretation can be enforced.

Violation of any rule can cause you to self-forfeit from the race . Hence it is advised to make amends and surrender upon having committed a conscious foul. Most admitted fouls are looked over following a penalty turn of 360 degrees or 720 degrees . Sailing instructions can be seen as a guide in all circumstances to find more detailed information about the same. A few rules can also be helpful when it comes to knowing what to be worn during the race apart from obvious determinants like the weather and climate conditions.

Main Equipment Used In Sailboat Racing

The sport of sailing is generally very physically taxing and hence requires e xtraordinary energy throughout the course of the race especially while rounding marks and sailing downwind.

When the atmospheric temperature falls due to wind-chill effects , it makes much colder winds frequently. In such circumstances, making use of a windproof outer layer will guard against the wind chill and this material is also breathable . Such measures must be ensured to avoid being cold and clammy. Wearing boots can also ensure to keep yourself warm and comfortable.

Looking into the technical aspects , sailboats need to ensure they are fully equipped with communication and navigation devices such as VHF, GPS, Sat Phones , and so on.

Different Types Of Sailboat Races

Sailboat racing is a diverse and dynamic sport that encompasses a wide range of different race types , each with its own unique rules, tactics, and strategies . Understanding the different types of sailboat races is crucial for sailors looking to compete at a high level and succeed in this exciting sport.

One of the most common types of sailboat racing is fleet racing, which involves a large number of sailboats competing in a single race. In fleet racing, the sailboats start together and sail a predetermined course, with the first boat to cross the finish line being declared the winner. Fleet racing often requires a high degree of tactical maneuvering, as sailors must navigate around other boats and adjust their tactics to account for wind shifts and other factors.

Another popular type of sailboat racing is match racing, which involves two sailboats competing head-to-head in a series of races. In match racing, the emphasis is on tactical maneuvering and outsmarting your opponent, rather than simply being the fastest boat on the course. Match racing typically involves a complex set of rules and regulations governing how boats can interact with each other on the course, and sailors must be highly skilled at reading wind shifts, controlling their boats, and outmaneuvering their opponents.

Team racing is another type of sailboat racing that involves multiple sailboats competing against each other in a team format. In team racing, each team consists of multiple boats, and the team with the best overall performance across all of its boats is declared the winner. Team racing often requires a high degree of coordination and strategy, as sailors must work together to achieve a common goal and coordinate their tactics to maximize their chances of success.

In addition to these main types of sailboat racing, there are also a variety of specialized race types that are popular in different parts of the world . For example, ocean racing involves sailing across the open ocean over long distances and requires a high degree of skill and endurance. Inshore racing , on the other hand, takes place in protected bays and harbors and often involves short, fast races with frequent wind shifts and other challenges.

Regardless of the type of sailboat racing, one thing remains constant: the need for skilled and experienced sailors who can navigate their boats through a wide range of conditions and challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a beginner just getting started, mastering the different types of sailboat racing can be a highly rewarding and exhilarating experience, and can lead to a lifetime of excitement and adventure on the water.

Classes Of Sailboats Commonly Used In Racing

Sailboat racing is a highly competitive and dynamic sport that encompasses a wide range of different classes of sailboats, each with its own unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. Understanding the different classes of sailboats used in racing is crucial for sailors looking to compete at a high level and succeed in this exciting sport.

One of the most common classes of sailboats used in racing is the dinghy , which is a small, lightweight boat typically sailed by one or two people. Dinghies are highly maneuverable and responsive and can be sailed in a wide range of conditions, from light winds to strong breezes. Popular dinghy classes include the Laser , the 420 , and the Optimist , each of which has its own unique rules and specifications.

Keelboats are another popular class of sailboats used in racing, and are typically larger and heavier than dinghies, with a fixed keel that helps to provide stability and control. Keelboats come in a wide range of sizes and designs, from small one-design boats like the J/24 to larger performance-oriented boats like the TP52. Keelboats are often sailed by a crew of several people and require a high degree of coordination and teamwork to sail effectively.

Multihulls are another popular class of sailboats used in racing and are characterized by their multiple hulls providing greater speed and stability than traditional monohull sailboats. Multihulls come in a variety of different designs and sizes, from small catamarans to large trimarans , and are typically sailed by a crew of several people. Multihulls can be highly competitive and exciting to sail, but also require a high degree of skill and experience to handle effectively.

In addition to these main classes of sailboats, there are also a variety of specialized classes that are popular in different parts of the world. For example, in Australia and New Zealand, the 18-foot skiff is a highly competitive and popular class of sailboats, characterized by its large sail area and high speed. In Europe, the Dragon is a classic one-design keelboat that has been popular for decades and is known for its elegant design and excellent performance.

Regardless of the specific class of sailboats used in racing, one thing remains constant : the need for skilled and experienced sailors who can navigate their boats through a wide range of conditions and challenges . Whether you’re racing a dinghy, a keelboat, a multihull, or some other type of sailboat, mastering the unique characteristics and challenges of your boat is key to achieving success on the water.

To become a successful sailboat racer , it’s important to not only master the technical skills needed to sail your boat effectively , but also to develop a deep understanding of the rules, tactics, and strategies that govern sailboat racing . By immersing yourself in the world of sailboat racing and learning from experienced sailors, you can build the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this exciting and challenging sport.

In conclusion, participating in a race can be very enjoyable in both cases. The first case is where someone is learning the art of sailing or like in the second case where one could be trying to gain some prior expertise on the sea.

If winning the race is one’s main aim then the key thing to remember is to make sure that you tack at the right moments. To trim the sails to completely catch the wind and last but not least, to communicate well with the rest of the crew.

About the author

I worked as an officer in the deck department on various types of vessels, including oil and chemical tankers, LPG carriers, and even reefer and TSHD in the early years. Currently employed as Marine Surveyor carrying cargo, draft, bunker, and warranty survey.

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Do sailboats have motors? Does it require one?

Sailboats are one of the famous boats, and it symbolizes journey and adventure. They also are associated with being carried along by the “breath of life,” as its primary form of momentum is gained through the wind in its sails. Now, let’s see what else power the sailboat and whether they have motors or not.

Sailboats have motors, but not all sailboats have them. Nowadays, most sailboats are using electric motors rather than traditional diesel or gas ones. Motors on sailboats are mostly used during an emergency or at the marina, and generally, no one uses them often or for regular sailing.

All sailboats will not have motors; only some will have motors, and generally, if a sailboat exceeds some length (maybe 6 or 7 meters), it will have a motor in it. People will often not use these motors; they will use the sails to move in the sea or ocean.

Mostly motors will be turned off while sailing because if the boat is moving in the water with the help of sails, then turning on the motor and increasing the propulsion will not increase the speed much; instead, it will cause some slightly concerning sounds and fuel wastage.

A sailboat with motors is known as Motorsailer, which is typically a pleasure yacht, that derives propulsion from its sails and engine(s) in equal measure. Wikipedia

Why does a sailboat need a motor if it has a sail?

After knowing that some sailboats will have motors, now, you might be wondering what is the use of the motor in a sailboat without using it while sailing in the water.

The main use of a motor in a sailboat is for docking the boat at the marina or to move in the water if there is no wind. Some marinas banned the use of sails in the marina because solely docking the boat with the wind at a marina can cause any damages if the wind suddenly changes or decreases.

From the above picture, you can see how the boats are closely packed at the marina, and if a boat is solely docked in the marina with the help of wind and if the wind increases, then the boat can hit other boats on its way and can cause any problems for others.

And if the wind decreases while docking, then the boat can’t move in the water, and it can cause any problems for the other boaters who are moving in or out of the marina.

Due to these issues, many marinas banned the use of sails in the marina in recent years, so sailboats are pretty much forced to have an engine. It is happening because we are not controlling the boat, with the help of wind we are controlling the boat. So, entirely depending on the wind can cause any damages.

So, if the boat has a motor, then you can dock the boat quickly and easily without causing anything bad. That is one of the reasons why sailboats need motors. And the other reason is that if there is no wind, you can’t move in the water.

All the time, we cannot presume that there will be some wind to carry the boat. Sometimes if you are in a hurry and if there is no wind to sail or move the boat, then it is hard to move the boat. So, sometimes having a motor in the boat will help a lot.

Are motors on a sailboat the same as normal boat motors?

Now that you understand the motor’s uses in a sailboat, you might wonder if we can use the same motor (outboard or inboard) that is used on a normal boat for a sailboat.

Motors on a sailboat are the same as normal boat motors (outboard or inboard), but only diesel or gas motors are the same. And electric motors are much bigger in size than compared to the normal boat electric motors because big boats require more power, so they are big.

Typical sailboats have a small, either outboard motor attached to the transom, or an inboard, that has a sterndrive. Up until 1870, there were no motors on a sailboat. And not many had them until the 1930s ( source ). Today most sailboats over about five or seven meters in length have a motor.

Most smaller sailboats will have long shaft outboard engines, and some of them will be mounted on the stern. Larger boats from 26–27 foot onwards will have an inboard motor with a reversing gearbox and either a straight shaft in older boats or a Sterndrive in most modern ones.

Nowadays, electric outboard motors are becoming more popular than diesel or gas ones in sailboats, and these are a little larger than a trolling motor. Since most sailboats have solars on it, so having an electric outboard will benefit it a lot.

It is beneficial to have two batteries, along with a solar/wind charger. With this set up the range could be as high or higher than a gas or diesel motors if used sparingly and gently. A single battery will have an approximate range of 30 NM (55 km) with a 15 hour charge time ( source ).

Italian explorer Christopher Columbus set a world record in the late 1400s by only sailing with the wind. History

How fast can a sailboat sail (travel) without a motor solely on a sail?

Sailboats are known to its maneuverability to sail normally along with the winds, and mostly, it won’t go fast. Let’s see how fast a sailboat will travel solely on the wind.

On average, most sailboats travel at around 5 or 6 knots (roughly 6 miles), and on average, most sailboats can achieve a full speed of 8 knots (around 9 miles). However, they can’t exceed the hull speed so that the speed will vary for each sailboat.

However, many factors will affect boat speed, such as wind conditions, current, and many other factors. And with the increase in the sailboat length, the hull speed (top speed) of the boat will increase.

The maximum speed (Hull speed in knots) comes from the formula 1.34 times square root of the waterline (in feet) . Waterline is the boat’s overall length (from bow to stern) that is submerged in water.

If the waterline length is 25 feet, then the boat’s maximum speed (hull speed) will be the square root of 25 times 1.34, which is equal to 6.7 knots. Meaning the maximum speed of the boat, which it can travel is 6.7 knots per hour. Still, you can try increasing the speed by removing the extra weight in the boat, and design also changes the speed.

With that being said, the boat speed also depends on its overall length, so the top speed (hull speed) will vary for each boat if the boat length varies. And the other factors such as wind conditions and current will be the same for many boats.

These are some of the factors that affect boat speed, and there are some more factors as well. Check my article on Essential factors that affect the boat speed (opens in a new tab) to know how the hull design and different types of water will affect the boat speed.

Bottom line

Sailboats have motors, and although not all the sailboats will have motors. Among all the types of motors nowadays, often sailboats use electric outboard motors rather than diesel or gas motors.

The motors are used to dock the boat at the marina or to move the boat if there is no wind. One of the main reasons is why they have motors is nowadays many marinas have banned the use of sails in the marina in recent years because it can cause any damages (disturbances) if there is no wind or less wind.

My name is Mahidhar, and I am passionate about boating. Every day I learn some new things about boats and share them here on the site.

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Do Sailboats Have Motors? Does It Require One?

Without a doubt, one of the most famous types of boats is sailboats. They symbolize journey and adventure and give us all that special feeling of venturing off into a new world.

In movies, they symbolize freedom and mystery, and they are often associated with being carried along by the breath of life, simply because their primary form of power is the wind in their sails.

However, wind is not the only thing that can power a sailboat, they can have motors too, but do they have motors all the time and do they even actually need one?

Do Sailboats Need Motors?

To answer this question, yes sailboats do have motors, but not all sailboats have them. In the present day for the most part sailboats are using electric motors instead of traditional diesel or gas ones.

Motors on sailboats are usually only used in an emergency or at the marina. Typically, no one will use a motor on a sailboat for regular sailing.

Only some sailboats will have motors, and typically if they exceed around 6 or 7 meters in length they will have a motor in them. Although people do not often use these motors, they will just use the sail to move in the sea or ocean.

Most motors will be turned off while sailing as if the boat is moving in the water with the aid of the sails then turning on the motor and increasing propulsion will not actually do very much, so it is actually rather pointless to do so.

Instead of actually doing anything to a positive effect, it will just cause some unpleasant and concerning sounds and will eat up fuel for no real reason.

Cruising sailboats will typically always have a motor of some form. Coastal cruisers and blue water boats will typically have an inboard engine, while smaller day trip sailboats will typically only have an outboard motor.

Dinghy sailboats will usually only utilize the wind as propulsion, as well as the sailboats who have owners that prefer motorless.

Sailboats have been around for thousands of years, and it has only recently become more commonplace for them to be fitted with engines. Small sailboats will typically not have a motor, but larger sailboats often will.

The Types Of Sailboat Motor You Can Have

This leaves us with questions, mainly, ‘what kind of motor can a sailboat have?’ Well, there are two configurations of motors found on sailboats; inboard and outboard motors.

How effectively the motor moves its vessel through the water is dependent upon the sea state, the wind direction, and the current. A sailboat will require a particular amount of speed to maintain the steering.

It is possible for a motorized sailboat, whether inboard or outboard, pounding into the wind against the current to lose its ability to hold its course, though.

So, what are the options. You could have an outboard motor, this is a motor that is visible to the naked eye from your boat. Outboard motors are attached to the transom by using a special motor mount. This allows the outboard motor to be raised or lowered as you wish.

Outboard motors come in a range of varying horsepower, and by knowing your vessel’s hull speed, or the maximum speed that the hull is made to travel at through the water, then you can choose the appropriate horsepower.

You can get diesel or gasoline outboard motors, which are available in two-stroke or four-stroke configurations.

The downside of outboard motors is that it is unable to keep the propeller fully in the water in some conditions, steep waves can cause outboard propellers to rise up to the water surface and cavitate which would mean a loss of power for the vessel and trouble for you.

Alternatively, you could have an inboard motor, which is a motor that is installed inside the sailboat itself. It is not visible to the naked eye from the boat.

Besides the sound of the motor, the only evidence that it even exists is the water coming out of the exhaust at the stern. These motors are typically water cooled, and the wastewater will exit the boat at the exhaust.

The propeller of these engines will operate on a shaft that runs through the hull of the boat underneath and connects up to the motor.

These are larger motors than outboard motors of the same horsepower, this can create ballast and stability for your boat. By having the propeller deeper in the water, cavitation is no longer an issue.

Yet, the issue with these engines is that as they are installed prior to the decks’ installation, cutting the deck away to replace them is an unfortunate fact of having this set up.

What About Wind Powered Sailboats?

Of course, you can still have a sailboat without a motor, and there are many world cruising sailboats that do not have a motor. The crew of vessels like such have the skills necessary to maneuver their boat within anchorages and marinas, not to mention oodles of confidence too.

Having this experience and knowledge is necessary to navigate a sailboat solely by the power of wind, and it is very admirable. Besides, having a well-designed boat in hull and sail configuration and having engine-less sailors who rely on a number of tools to assist them in their motorless pursuits is all part and parcel of this style of sailing.

A skulling oar is also a necessity for any motorless vessel. By sweeping the oar behind the stern of the boat in an eight shaped motion, forward momentum can be achieved on top of steering. This is often how a sailboat with no motor may enter a slip or maneuver a tight anchorage without wind.

Sailboats With No Wind

Whether you have a motorless sailboat as a world cruiser or just a small training boat, you will be a sitting duck if you are stuck in windless conditions.

Training and racing sailboats will stay in port on windless days. But the same cannot be said for world cruisers, these people could easily find themselves stuck in the middle of the ocean with no wind, twiddling their thumbs, and this can easily become a dangerous situation if it goes on too long.

When you are crossing an ocean, the crew will provision or stock the boat for the estimated duration of your journey. If you get becalmed for too long, food and water can easily become an issue.

Although it has been known that rescue has been required in situations like these, it is not normal. A majority of motorless sailors find that they do not often need to wait more than a few days for wind to return. As even the slightest breeze will move an experienced sailing-vessel through the water.

This means that the key to sailing without a motor is patience, the journey is oftentimes as enjoyable as the destination and motorless sailors certainly know this. However, if you are not one for patients, perhaps get a motor, as sitting waiting for wind for hours or days might not be the best idea for you.

Advantages Of Not Having An Engine

Having an engine takes a lot of the stress and skill out of sailing, so while you do not need the skill to set up and rely on winds, or the patience of waiting during calm periods, there are other downsides to choosing an engine, but there are plenty of pros in deciding to sail engine free!

For one, the cost of the engine can be very high, both the initial outlay and maintenance is very important and comes at a significant cost too. This means several hundred dollars a year just to keep the motor running, services, and winterized.

Learning to sail without an engine being needed means saving a few hundred dollars a year, which instead you could put towards other boat related funds.

Then you cannot forget the cost of fuel either. Okay, sure, sails will need replacing and repairs done to them as well, but fuel is by far more expensive.

It’s like trying to compare having your curtains tailored to your car’s fuel consumption. Fuel will always trump in costs, and this is another reason why going engine free can be a better choice.

As your engine will likely double as a generator to aid in the running of other systems onboard your boat, you will likely be reliant on those systems as well, be it a refrigerator or air conditioning.

Adopting a sail only approach may make you think twice about having the expense of other systems to worry about too, and instead you might find yourself enjoying a more simple life on the water.

There is much to be said for engines when sailing, and they can be really useful. However, engines are not the be all and end all of boating, and some still choose to go engine free, not only is it peaceful and potentially cheaper, but you can also brag about your skills. We certainly would be bragging.

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Lightweight and Small Outboard Motors for Sailboats

• By Ed Sherman
• Updated: April 22, 2019

When you’re facing strong winds and you need to get somewhere fast, it’s time to break out a small outboard such as an aluminum genny. A dependable outboard that has enough horsepower to get you to the racecourse and back, yet is light enough not to be a drag on your race results, is invaluable. Most racing sailors don’t need as much horsepower as they might think.

An eight-horsepower outboard, for example, will push a 30-foot, 6,000-pound boat along at 6.5 knots. Anything bigger will weigh more than 90 pounds and isn’t suitable for lifting on and off the stern. Here’s our roundup of some of the best outboard motors for sailboats, and some help in deciphering what’s right for your boat.

We focus our attention on engines available under nine different brand names. Two of the best-known names, Johnson and Evinrude, have dropped out of the small-engine end of the market as part of parent company Bombardier Corporation’s restructuring of these two companies. Currently they’re advertising the availability of six- and eight-horsepower four-stroke models in 2003. Another dropout in the mini-engine market is Suzuki. Their smallest two-stroke is a five-horsepower unit and in the four-stroke configuration, a 9.9 horsepower. Brand and corporate shuffling aside, of particular interest is whether the companies that are building nine horsepower- and-below engines have incorporated four-stroke technology into the lower horsepower range, since it’s now beginning to dominate the mid-sized and larger outboard engine market. The answer to that is yes, to a point.

Two or Four Stroke Outboards for Sailboats

Outboards are either two or four-stroke engines, and the four-strokes have definitely gained favor in recent years for several reasons: they’re quiet, they use much less fuel, and they run more cleanly. Since no oil is mixed with the fuel, the classic two-cycle smokescreen isn’t a factor. In a four-stroke, the piston reciprocates inside the cylinder four times for each power stroke (that is, each time fuel combusts). Rather than opening ports cut into the sides of the cylinder, intake and exhaust valves controlled by a camshaft allow a fuel/air mix to enter the combustion chamber with the suction created by the piston as it moves inward in its cylinder. Exhaust gases are forced out of the cylinder as the piston moves outward.

By carefully designing the camshaft, engineers minimize the amount of time that the intake and exhaust valves are both open, considerably reducing the amount of unburned fuel that exits with the exhaust stream. The end result? Fewer emissions and greater economy.

But they do have at least one distinct disadvantage for the racing sailor, and that’s weight. For example, four-stroke engines in the five-horsepower category are about 20 percent heavier than comparable two-stroke engines of the same horsepower. The good news, however, is that only amounts to between 10 and 15 pounds, depending upon the engine. Four-stroke engines cost more, also, but the improved technology may be well worth it.

If you’re totally weight and price conscious, you’ll want a two-stroke engine. But, if you think you can lose the weight elsewhere, a clean, quiet four-stroke without the hassle of mixing fuel could be the answer. In fact, Mercury/ Mariner’s newest six-horse four-stroke engines are actually 18 pounds lighter than their older two-stroke equivalents–a testament to the benefits of improved design and technology.

Environmental regulations are pushing manufacturers towards four-strokes as well. Four-strokes meet emission control standards, and US Environmental Protection Agency regulations mandate that new outboard and personal watercraft engines reduce engine hydrocarbon emissions by 75 percent by 2006. Environmentally conscious sailors should look for either a C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) “very-low” or “ultra-low” designator, or a specification indicating 2006 EPA compliance.

How Much Horsepower Do You Need?

The amount of power you’ll need depends on several key factors. The first consideration is the weight of your boat. The second is the boat’s wetted surface. Full-keel boats not only weigh more but also have more surface area to push through the water. My rule of thumb here is to start with a two-horsepower engine for small centerboard and keelboats less than 1,000 pounds, and add one horsepower for every 1,000 pounds of displacement. For more exact, albeit complex formulae, I suggest The Propeller Handbook by Dave Gerr (McGraw-Hill 2001).

Compare your boat’s dimensions against what existing classes have found to work; for example, a Melges 24 at 1,650 pounds is typically rigged with a three-horsepower short-shaft engine, while a J/80 at 2,900 pounds can still squeak by with a long-shaft, three-horsepower engine. A 1,790 pound J/22, on the other hand, typically uses a four-horsepower long-shaft engine. On the larger end of boats using outboards, you’ll find the outboard version of the J/29, at 6,000 pounds, requires a 7.5-horsepower long-shaft engine.

If you are intending to do some cruising, or even long deliveries to regattas, an option that’s available on some engines is a high-thrust propeller. On larger boats, this option can save weight over a bigger engine and really make a difference when trying to punch through a strong tide or headwind. High-thrust props cost more and are less fuel efficient–but they can save weight and give you more power.

Once you’ve determined how big an engine you’ll need, the next step is to begin comparing features in the given horsepower range you’ve selected. There are nine manufacturers included in our roundup, but some of their brands are identical products with different labeling. In the smaller sizes, the Mercury and Mariner brands are identical. As for the Nissan and Tohatsu engines, Tohatsu builds them all. Yamaha, Suzuki, and Honda all offer competitive products as well, but they’re all independent brands.

What to Look For in Lightweight Outboard Motors

In the small engine sizes, specific features to look for can be reduced to several key items. For some, having an integral fuel tank will be important. The smallest engines have integral tanks that hold only a quart or two of fuel–good enough for an hour or two of operation. No manufacturer lists fuel consumption because the size boat the engine is pushing and the wind and wave conditions vary widely. Compare the size of the tanks, and whether you can attach a remote tank for longer trips. The extra weight and space of a separate fuel tank will be a burden on smaller ultra-light boats.

The availability of long- and short-shaft versions in the horsepower size you need is also important. Honda for example offers 20 and 25-inch transom height (long or short shaft) right down to their smallest BF2 (two-horsepower) model. Mercury and Mariner only offer a 15-inch short-shaft version on their 3.3- and 2.5-horsepower engines. Shaft length is measured from the top of the bracket to the tip of the shaft–make sure your shaft is long enough to position the propeller and cooling water intake deep enough below the waterline to avoid cavitation when the boat pitches through waves.

Other specifications that are worth comparing are whether the engine is equipped with a simple forward and neutral gearshift or if the unit has a full functioning forward-neutral-reverse gear unit. If you’re going to be doing long deliveries to regattas, or in the larger sizes for a racer/cruiser configuration, consider whether or not a charging system is part of the engine package, and if so, it’s output. Will it be adequate to keep your battery recharged and power things like a tiller pilot and running lights? Also, on the larger engines check to see if electric starting is available, or offered as a standard feature. Having it can be the difference between pain and pleasure.

If you are racing in a strict one-design group, check any class rules that apply to outboard engines. Issues related to brackets, storage of the engine and/or alternative weight might be issues, so be sure to check with your class before making any final decision.

Ed Sherman is the author of Outboard Engines, Maintenance, Troubleshooting and Repair, International Marine/McGraw Hill and a contributing editor to Sailing World.

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Inboard vs. Outboard Motors – Sailboat Needs

As a general rule, sailboats over 18 feet will have a motor of some type. They typically have an outboard motor if they are under 25 feet and an inboard diesel if they are above 25 feet. Newer boats are starting to come with electrical engines.

When there is no wind, a motor on your sailboat will be a huge help. There are many ways to add one, and which one should you get? Keep reading to find out more about boat motors.

If you have a motor and need to know how to mount it on your sailboat, click here to read my other article abou t installing an outboard!

Are Inboard Motors Better Than Outboards?

There are many factors to consider when deciding which engine to use, inboard or outboard. They both have advantages and disadvantages. As a whole, inboards are better when your boat is 30 feet or greater. If the boat is less than 30 feet, an outboard motor can be used.

Inboard motors are motors that are concealed down in the boat’s hull somewhere. For sailboats, the engine is normally under the cockpit and accessed from under the steps that lead down into the cabin. On most sailboats, especially older models, the inboards are diesel engines.

Sailboats use diesel because a diesel engine will last a lot longer than a regular engine. They have more power from less fuel as well. Diesel fuel has 20% more energy than regular gas. Diesel has a higher density which means it burns slower. You do get more speed and horsepower out of regular gasoline. Due to gasoline having a much lower density, it will burn faster creating more energy and HP.

The Hunter I used to sail on in the Destin, FL area would only have to be filled about once a year. The engine was only turned on when the wind was dead or we were trying to get in and out of the docks, but that is still a good amount of motoring. Imagine only having to fill your car once a year.

How much power should be your next question? Take a look at the next section to see how much horsepower you need.

How Much Horsepower Does A Sailboat Need?

As a general rule, you should calculate 1 horsepower(HP) per 550 pounds of weight. For example, a Catalina 22 weighs 2150 pounds. Take 2150 divided by 550 and you get 3.9. Always round up to avoid not having enough power. 4 HP is the right size engine for a Catalina 22.

I used to own a Catalina 22 and it had a 4-hp motor on it. The engine size was perfect for the size of the boat. Now, I couldn’t go 40 mph but the speed was good enough for me. When you are motor sailing speed is usually not a concern. Cruising slowly is the best in my opinion.

Let’s look at a 30ft boat. This is a very common size in the sailing world. A 30-foot Hunter Cherubini’s displacement is 9700 pounds. Displacement is another term for the weight of a sailboat. 9700 divided by 550 equals 17.63. I would round that up to 18 HP.

This is not an exact formula. It is a very good estimate compared to the other articles I have read about what size engine is needed for a boat. Usually, with a 30-foot boat, you will have an inboard engine instead of an outboard.

What Is The Most Dependable Outboard Motor – Top 6

When it comes to picking an outboard there are a lot of options. The average life span of an outboard is 1500 hours before maintenance or possible replacement. Take a look at the list below for some dependable options.

1. 2022 Tohatsu 6 HP MFS6DWDS

This is a great portable option. This is the most considerable single-cylinder option from Tohatsu. The shaft length is short at 15 inches. Some other features are, saltwater rated, 6 trim positions, low oil pressure warning indicator, and more. $1560.00

2. 2022 Mercury 3.5 HP Outboard Motor

The Mercury brand is a great one. We all know it and it’s very common to see all types of boats with a Mercury motor. This one has a 20-inch shaft, visual oil level indicator, 4 trim positions, and 360 degrees of steering. $1070.00

3. Suzuki 4 HP DF4AS3 Outboard Motor

Suzuki’s 4 HP motor is a good option for smaller boats. It has a short 15-inch shaft with a large easy-to-shift lever. It weighs 52 lbs which is a lot for this size of the motor. It has a fold-down tiller handle and 90 degrees left and right steering. $1245.00

4. Honda 5 HP BF5DHLHNA Outboard

Honda is a great engine creator. We all know the brand and love it. This motor comes with a 20-inch shaft. A 15-inch shaft is available. It also has a digital CD ignition for easy starting and low oil warning. There is even an option for a 6-amp charging system. $1742.00

5. Mercury 9.9 HP ELHPT EFI ProKicker Motor

This motor has an electric start! Making this a great option for convenience. It is on the larger size of power with 9.9 HP. It also has a power tilt button for easy positioning. It comes with a 20-inch long shaft as well. If you have plenty of money I recommend this one. $3720.00

6. Mercury 5 HP Propane Outboard Motor

That’s right, this outboard runs on propane! I have never experienced one of these but the clean burn is intriguing. Some of the other features are rated for saltwater and six trim positions. $1645.00

7. Suzuki 2.5 HP DF2.5S4 Motor

This little guy is a good option for the price if you don’t need a lot of power. It is only 29 lbs and has a 5-year warranty. The shaft length is 15 inches for those shallow waters. $819.00

8. HONDA 2.3 HP BF2.3DHLCH Outboard

For a smaller option with a good brand try this one. It has a 20-inch long shaft and 2.3 HP. The 5-year warranty means this will be your outboard for years to come. $978.00

9. Torqeedo Travel 1103 CL Electric Outboard

If you prefer no gas then this is the one you want. It weighs 39 lbs, has 3 HP, and is 29 1/4 in length. The best use is for a dinghy but if you had a small sailboat it could be great for motoring in and out of port. The price is a little high. $2999.00

Here is a link to my other article, How Do You Prepare An Outboard Motor For Summer – 6 Steps

When it comes to deciding which outboard motor to get just think about how fast you want to go and how big your boat is.

Are Outboard Motors Easy To Work On? Personal Experience

Outboard motors are very simple to understand making them easy to work on. If you ever have to deal with a broken down outboard motor, depending on the size, you should have no trouble figuring out the issue.

I had a Mercure 8hp motor on my sailboat and had to work on it a few times. One time it stopped shifting while caught in some high winds. Fortunately, popping off the top I saw that the shifter connection had come detached. I was able to attach it quickly and get the boat moving away from the rocks.

After returning to shore I made sure that would not happen again.

Outboard motors are basic engines that need basic maintenance to keep them running. If you have worked on any small engines before, this should be no problem for you to figure out especially since everything is on the internet these days.

Boatlifehq owner and author/editor of this article.

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Loss of ship's power and stiff current may have led to bridge collision, experts say

Scott Neuman

Jackie Northam

The container ship Dali after it ran into and collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday in Baltimore. Win McNamee/Getty Images hide caption

The container ship Dali after it ran into and collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday in Baltimore.

Details are still scant on what might have caused a giant container ship to collide with Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday, sending the span crashing into the water.

While authorities have said a "momentary loss of propulsion" could have caused the incidents, videos appear to also indicate a loss of electrical power aboard the nearly 1,000-foot ship as it careened into the structure's support.

The Singapore-flagged, Grace Ocean-owned vessel, Dali was departing Baltimore harbor destined for Colombo, Sri Lanka , at 1:27 a.m. EDT Tuesday, when the collision with the bridge span occurred.

More from WYPR in Baltimore:

• Construction worker says friends, colleagues missing in bridge collapse
• Federal government pledges full support to rebuild FSK bridge, reopen port

For the latest from member station WYPR in Baltimore head to wypr.org

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore issued a statement Tuesday saying that the ship's management company, Synergy Marine Pte Ltd, reported "that just prior to the incident, the vessel, Dali had experienced momentary loss of propulsion" and that "As a result, it was unable to maintain the desired heading and collided with the Francis Scott Key bridge."

If propulsion was lost on the Dali just as the vessel was maneuvering in a tight channel in Baltimore's Patapsco River, it may well have triggered a cascade of events leading to the collision, experts tell NPR.

The Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore collapses after a ship crashed into it

"Generally, believe it or not, today's ships do not have much redundancy, especially these big ships," says Basil Karatzas, the CEO of Karatzas Marine Advisors.

Matthew Collette, a professor of naval architecture at the University of Michigan notes, "there's one propeller on the ship. It is the only engine that can turn the propeller."

However, Collette speculates an electrical failure suggested by the video of the accident could have been a contributing factor. The lights on the ship could be seen switching on and off several times before it struck the bridge.

The Picture Show

Photos: baltimore's key bridge collapses; search and rescue efforts continue.

He says the engine has redundant systems, but the fuel system requires electricity to keep fuel feeding it. A ship the size of the Dali "would have either three or four independent diesel generators" to provide electricity and another above the main deck ready to "automatically start in a blackout condition," Collette says.

"But it's not instantaneous. It might take 30 seconds or 60 seconds" to start them and restore power to the ship, he says. Without electrical power, both the engine and the steering system could have been disabled in the critical moments leading to the collision, he says.

While, the steering system is triply redundant, Collette notes, each of the backups is dependent on electricity to run pumps that then pressurize the hydraulics and activate the ship's massive rudder.

At the time of the collision, an ebb tide was also running, meaning that the current would have been flowing out of the harbor — the same direction the vessel was traveling. When a tide is running with the ship, it makes maneuvering more difficult, according to Collette. Compounding that difficulty, the collision occurred just one day past a full moon , when tidal current velocities are especially strong .

In its statement, the Singapore port authority said the Dali dropped its anchor before the collision.

"It's standard practice in this situation to try to anchor the ship," to stop it, Collette says. "If they have room and they have channel depth."

"That's an evolution that's going to be taking minutes," he says.

The ship reportedly had aboard two harbor pilots — personnel with specialized knowledge of the port who assist with navigation — to assist in transiting the narrow channel leading to the Chesapeake Bay. With an engine and/or a steering failure, there is little else the crew could have done to prevent catastrophe, Karatzas says.

"I suppose they were praying just to get power," he says.

The collision also occurred at night, which could well be another factor, according to Jonathan Roach, a container market analyst at London-based Braemar ACM shipbroking.

The entrance to the harbor is "quite narrow," he says. "And, it's quite late at night. It's dark. You have to make allowances for that."

Correction March 27, 2024

An earlier version of this story said the container ship Dali is owned by Maersk. The vessel is owned by Grace Ocean and was being chartered by Maersk when it crashed into Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge.

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Chris Baraniuk

Why the Baltimore Bridge Collapsed So Quickly

Just shy of half past 1 in the morning, the MV Dali , a giant container ship, was sailing gently out of the port of Baltimore when something went terribly wrong. Suddenly, lights all over the 300-meter-long vessel went out. They flicked on again a moment later, but the ship then began to veer to the right, toward one of the massive pylon-like supports on the Francis Scott Key truss bridge—a huge mass of steel and concrete that spans the Patapsco River.

The Dali ’s lights went out a second time. Then the impact came. The ship plowed into the support, with large sections of the bridge’s main truss section instantly snapping apart and falling into the river. It took just 20 seconds or so for the structure to come down.

Now, a major US port is in disarray, and several people who were working on the bridge at the time of its collapse are missing. A rescue operation is underway. President Biden has called the disaster a “terrible accident.” Ship traffic is currently stuck on either side of the crash site, and a major roadway through Baltimore has been cut off.

“It’s a dreadful tragedy and something you hope never to see,” says David Knight, a bridge expert and specialist adviser to the UK’s Institution of Civil Engineers. But commenting on footage of the bridge collapse , he says he is not surprised by the manner in which it crumpled.

Large steel structures may seem invulnerable, but steel, explains Knight, is relatively lightweight for its size. As soon as it is pushed or pulled the wrong way with enough force, it can fold like paper. In this case, the Francis Scott Key Bridge was a “continuous,” or unjointed, bridge that had a 366-meter-long central truss section. (Truss bridges use steel beams, arranged in triangular shapes, to support their load.) The central truss was made up of three horizontal stretches, known as spans, with two sets of supports holding these above the water. It was the third-largest structure of its kind in the world.

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“When you take a support away, there is very little in the way of robustness,” says Knight. “It will drag down, as we saw, all three spans.” The separate approach spans remain standing. There is nothing in Knight’s view that immediately suggests any structural problem with the bridge. An engineering firm, Hardesty & Hanover, confirmed to WIRED that it performed an inspection of the bridge in 2019, and that other inspections have been carried out since, but did not provide any additional details on the state of the structure. WIRED has approached H&H for further comment. In June last year, the US Federal Highway Administration rated the condition of the bridge as satisfactory .

The immense force of the container ship impact should not be underestimated, adds Knight. Such vessels require a lot of power and time—perhaps many minutes—to come to a complete stop. The Francis Scott Key Bridge was completed in 1977. In more recent decades, bridge engineers have commonly incorporated defenses to reduce the potential damage by ship strikes when bridges are erected in similar locations, Knight says. These include hydraulic barriers and additional concrete around the base of bridge supports, for instance. However, even with such fortifications in place, heavy strikes can still cause devastating damage.

It is not clear why lights turned off and on again on the Dali , a Singapore-flagged ship built in 2015. “That is an indication of a massive problem,” says Salvatore Mercogliano, a maritime historian at Campbell University in North Carolina and a YouTuber who has analyzed the crash .

At the time of the accident, two pilots—mariners who board a ship to help it navigate particular stretches of water, including in and out of ports—from Baltimore were on board. The Dali was broadcasting its position publicly via the automatic identification system (AIS) and was traveling at a speed of over 8.5 knots. It then slowed to around 6 knots in the moments before the crash, according to AIS data .

Both pilots and all crew members on the Dali are accounted for. There are no reports of injuries, the ship’s management company, Synergy Group, said in a statement on March 26.

ABC News reports that the crew of the vessel made a desperate mayday call in an attempt to warn transport officials that the crash was about to occur. A report from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, seen by ABC, says the Dali “lost propulsion” and that the crew were aware they had “lost control” of the ship. Maryland governor Wes Moore told reporters that , thanks to the mayday call, officials were able to stem the flow of traffic over the bridge, an intervention that he says “saved lives.”

Mercogliano says it is very difficult for ships of this size to make rapid adjustments to their trajectories. Video footage shows a sudden outpouring of smoke from the vessel’s stack, indicating a change in engine activity of some kind. What is particularly disturbing is that, in this case, the vessel ends up plowing straight into one of the key supports for the bridge, clearly off course. No information as to why this happened has become public.

Photographs of the aftermath show the bow of the ship pinned beneath fallen sections of the bridge . The anchor chain is visible, meaning that at some point the anchor was dropped, though it is not certain whether this happened before or after impact. The chain appears to be at an angle, however, which Mercogliano says could be a sign that it was dropped shortly before the crash and dragged for a brief time.

Lawyer James Turner of Quadrant Chambers in London specializes in, among other things, ship collisions. He says that there would have been no automated systems on board a merchant ship of this kind able to prevent the impact. Information from radar, AIS, and visual observations would have been available to the crew, however.

But data-collecting systems may now reveal exactly what happened. As on airplanes, commercial ships have data and audio recorders on the bridge, which are often a key source of information for investigators post-incident. “The master will hit a button and that ensures that the last two hours of audio recording are preserved, as well as all the data from the various parts of the ship, like the engine and steering and so on,” explains Turner. “That can be downloaded and queried.”

He adds that estimates of the ship’s speed at the time of the incident as recorded by AIS are likely “99.99 percent accurate.”

For now, the focus of responders will be on locating survivors from the fallen bridge. Two people have been rescued, one of whom is in the hospital. Six construction workers remain missing .

The disaster has come at a difficult time for shipping, with drought afflicting the Panama Canal and Houthi attacks striking multiple vessels in the Red Sea in recent months. Somali piracy is on the rise again , also. The grounding of the Ever Given in the Suez Canal is very much still within recent memory—it occurred a mere three years ago.

The Port of Baltimore insists in a statement that it has not been shut down—road vehicles are still operating within the port—however, all ship traffic in and out is suspended until further notice. AIS data reveals around a dozen commercial vessels at anchor outside the port, their entry now blocked by the stricken bridge and the Dali . It will take some time for the US Army Corps of Engineers to remove the steel pieces of the bridge, which present a significant threat to passing vessels, from the river.

“Whatever ships are in the port are now stuck,” says Mercogliano, who notes that Baltimore is an important port in terms of car deliveries and coal exports.

Overall, he argues, maritime operations are extremely safe today, though the volume and velocity of trade mean that when things go wrong it can be especially serious.

“We move goods a lot faster than ever before, and there’s very little margin for error,” he says. “When there is a mistake, the mistakes tend to be very large.”

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March 27, 2024 - Baltimore Key Bridge collapse

By Kathleen Magramo , Antoinette Radford, Alisha Ebrahimji , Maureen Chowdhury , Elise Hammond , Tori B. Powell and Aditi Sangal , CNN

Our live coverage of the Baltimore bridge collapse has moved here .

Here's what you should know about the Key Bridge collapse

From CNN staff

Officials recovered the bodies of two construction workers who were on Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge when it collapsed early Tuesday morning after a 984-foot-long cargo ship collided into a pillar.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore called the collapse Wednesday " a global crisis ."

"The national economy and the world's economy depends on the Port of Baltimore. The port handles more cars and more farm equipment than any other port in the country," Moore said.

Here's what you should know:

• The victims: The six people who are presumed dead were from Mexico Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, according to Col. Roland L. Butler Jr, the superintendent of Maryland State Police. Two bodies were recovered and have been identified as Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes from Mexico and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera from Guatemala. The two workers were filling potholes on the bridge and were later found trapped in a red pickup truck in about 25 feet of water, Butler said. The FBI is handling notifying the victims' families, Butler said.
• Recovery efforts: Authorities are pausing search efforts for the four other workers who are presumed dead, because additional vehicles are encased in concrete and other debris, making it unsafe for divers, Butler said. Once salvage operations clear the debris, divers will search for more remains, he said.
• The investigation: The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the fatal incident, according to the agency's chair Jennifer Homendy. During a Wednesday news conference, Homendy said there were 21 crew members and two pilots on board the Dali cargo ship when it crashed into the bridge. She also said a senior NTSB hazmat investigator identified 56 containers of hazardous material, and that some containers are in the water. The agency received six hours of voyage data from the ship and the investigation could take 12 to 24 months to complete, Homendy said. She emphasized that NTSB will not analyze information collected or provide conclusions while on scene of the collapse.
• Looking forward: Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said rebuilding the bridge will not be "quick or easy" but that it will get done. He said there are four main focus points ahead: reopening the port, dealing with supply chain issues until its reopening, rebuilding the bridge and dealing with traffic issues until the bridge is rebuilt. Biden  pledged the full support  of the federal government in the response and recovery efforts. His administration has already conveyed a sense of urgency to open up federal funding to remove debris and ultimately rebuild the bridge. Maryland has submitted a request to the Biden administration for emergency relief funds "to assist in our work going forward," Moore said Wednesday.

It's almost impossible to place people on the bow of ship due to the unstable structure, fire official says

 From CNN's Sarah Engel

Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace said Wednesday that the cargo ship's bridge structure and containers at the bow remain unstable.

"It's going to be very difficult, if not impossible, and very dangerous, to place people on the bow of that boat right now," Wallace told CNN's Kaitlan Collins.

"Naturally, we're still very cognizant of the fact that there are hazardous materials on board the vessel itself," Wallace said, alluding to the National Transportation Safety Board saying earlier that 56 containers were carrying hazardous materials.

Wallace said his team is relying heavily on aerial recognizance, including drones. "That's the only way we're able to see in," he said.  

He added that the aerial surveillance has "been able to really assure us right now we have no [chemical] reactions on board." 

"It's just utter devastation," NTSB chief says of the bridge collapse site

From CNN's Aditi Sangal

Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, called the site of the Key Bridge collapse "devastating."

"It's pretty devastating, certainly, seeing not just what's going on with the cargo containers, but just looking at what was a bridge span — three bridge spans that is pretty much gone. It's just utter devastation," she said at Wednesday evening's news briefing.

She added that she is thinking of families who lost loved ones and those who are waiting to reunite with their lived ones.

NTSB interviewed the Dali's captain and some other crew members today, agency chief says

The National Transportation Safety Board has interviewed the ship's captain, his mate, the chief engineer and one other engineer today, according to Chair Jennifer Homendy.

The two pilots on board the Dali at the time of collision will be interviewed tomorrow, she added.

Cargo ship's voyage data recorder is basic when compared to an airplane's, NTSB chair says

From CNN's Tori B. Powell

The voyage data recorder on the cargo ship Dali was a "newer model" but is considered basic when compared to that on an airplane, according to National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy.

"But it is very basic compared to say, a flight data recorder, where we would have 1,000 parameters," she said at a news conference on Wednesday.

The NTSB chief investigator Marcel Muise added:

"It's not a ship-wide system recorder, so most of the sensors that are being recorded are from the bridge. So things like GPS, the audio, rudder feedback, rudder commands are recorded on there. But not engineering, the temperature of each cylinder, power distribution sensors."

There were no tug boats with Dali at the time of the collision. That's normal, NTSB chief says

There were no tugs with Dali when the cargo vessel collided with Baltimore's Key Bridge, which is normal protocol, according to National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy.

Remember: At 01:26:39 on Tuesday, Dali's pilot made a general very high frequency (VHF) radio call for tugs in the vicinity to assist, the NTSB investigator Marcel Muise had said.

"The tugs help the vessel leave the dock, leave the port and get into the main ship channel. And then they leave. Once it's on its way, it's a straight shot through the channel. So there are no tugs with the vessel at the time. So they were calling for tugs," she said.

NTSB chair says she saw some containers that were carrying hazardous materials in the water

National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said she did see some of the 56 containers that were carrying hazardous materials in the water.

When asked how many

When asked how many containers of hazardous materials were in the water, Homendy said:

"I did see some containers in the water, and some breached significantly on the vessel itself," she said. "I don't have an exact number, but it's something that we can provide in an update."

Homendy said that a preliminary report should be out in two to four weeks.

This post has been updated with more quotes from Homendy.

Bridge did not have any redundancy, unlike the preferred method for building bridges today, NTSB chair says

Baltimore's Key Bridge did not have any redundancy, which is included in the preferred method of building bridges in the present day, according to National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy.

"The bridge is a fracture critical," she explained. "What that means is if a member fails that would likely cause a portion of, or the entire bridge, to collapse, there's no redundancy. The preferred method for building bridges today is that there is redundancy built in, whether that's transmitting loads to another member or some sort of structural redundancy. This bridge did not have redundancy," Homendy said.

There are 17,468 fracture critical bridges in the United States out of 615,000 bridges total, she said, citing the Federal Highway Administration.

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Tugboats left before ship reached Baltimore bridge. They might have saved it.

As investigators work to determine what caused the hulking Dali container ship to topple Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key bridge in a matter of seconds on Tuesday, maritime experts around the country are pointing to what could have stopped it.

These small but mighty vessels tow and push ever-larger ships through channels and help them when their propulsion systems – or lack thereof – cannot. They are standard equipment in ports worldwide and are especially useful to help ships with docking and undocking.

On Tuesday, a pair of tugboats operated by McAllister Towing and Transportation did just that, helping the Dali unmoor itself from the main terminal at the Port of Baltimore and orient the ship toward the open waters.

But they broke away before the massive ship navigated under the bridge , as is common practice. Minutes later, the Dali appeared to lose power and propulsion, sending the craft adrift and directly into one of the bridge’s support columns. The steel-truss bridge immediately collapsed into the frigid Patapsco River.

The accident is igniting debate over the proliferation of “megaships” that fuel today’s commercial transportation industry and whether port protocols have ramped up to safely accommodate them. Although the Dali is average-sized compared to many of these behemoths, the devastation it caused in Baltimore was formidable.

Live updates: Two bodies in Baltimore bridge collapse recovered; search for 4 others ends

Had the tugboats accompanied the ship all the way under the bridge, some experts said, they might have been able to stop, slow, or steer it away from danger.

Such a scenario should be standard operating procedure in all ports, said Capt. Ashok Pandey, a master mariner and associate professor of maritime business at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. But he said the industry’s reliance on tugs has waned over the years as technological advancements gave many ships the ability to maneuver through channels independently.

Technology is great, Pandey said, until it fails.

“We went wrong by simply equipping ships with bow and stern thrusters that we use in lieu of tugs to maneuver in and out of the ports,” Pandey said. “When we are getting into ports like Baltimore, within a few miles of the bridge, that's too important an asset that we must think of protecting it by all means possible. And we can do that. We can easily do that.”

It may be rare for a ship to lose power at such a high-stakes moment, but it clearly does happen, and he said tugboats could have averted catastrophe.

Implementing such a practice would require a significant investment for U.S. ports, which either own and operate their own tugboats or contract out for tug services. Those costs are then rolled into the ports’ fees charged to shipping companies who use their facilities.

“There are a finite number of tugs, and 99.9% of the time there are no issues,” said Sal Mercogliano, a former merchant mariner and current maritime historian at Campbell University who also hosts a YouTube show called “What’s Going On With Shipping?”

“If the port required tug escorts in and out, then they would not be able to help other ships dock, and undock,” Mercogliano said. “It would need more tugs, and the question becomes, how much will this cost, and will it be passed on to the consumer?”

Because ports compete with each other for shipping business, he said, it’s unlikely that one port would mandate tug escorts unless all of the ports did it for fear of losing lucrative contracts. Shipping companies want the most efficient and cost-effective deal and will simply move to the next port if confronted with higher costs or longer waits.

Mercogliano said he’s not even sure tugboats would have been able to stop the Dali from hitting the bridge. When its power appeared to fail, the ship was going about 8 knots – roughly 9 mph – with a weight of over 100,000 tons.

“It would be like a Prius trying to move a Mack truck on the highway,” he said.

Realities of the container ship arms race

The Dali isn’t even big compared to other container ships hauling goods from port to port these days.

Over the past several decades, newly constructed ships have ballooned to gigantic proportions with load-carrying capacities that used to require five or six ships. The largest container vessel in the 1980s had a maximum capacity of 4,300 20-foot containers – otherwise referred to as TEUs, or 20-foot equivalent units – the standard unit of measurement for cargo capacity.

Today’s largest ship, the MSC Irina, has a capacity of 24,346 TEUs.

The Dali, by comparison, has a capacity of just under 10,000 TEUs, making it the typical “meat and potatoes of container ships,” said Kevin Calnan, assistant professor of marine transportation at California State University Maritime Academy.

Like most container ships, Calnan said, the Dali has one engine and one propeller. Its emergency diesel generator, standard in all such vessels, has enough power to keep key systems going – but not enough to restart the engine or provide propulsion.

In a video posted to social media, lights on the Dali shut off, then turned back on, then shut off again before the ship struck the bridge. Experts said that was likely the generator as it powered up the lights but not the engine.

It would have taken a second engine on board to fully power the ship and restore propulsion at that point. But Calnan said nobody in the commercial shipping industry is advocating for two engines because of their size and cost.

“Cargo is money, and companies want to maximize the amount of space they want to put cargo in, so to build a ship with a whole other engine would be taking up the space of, like, 150 containers on that ship,” he said. “Unfortunately, there’s not too much movement to require these ships to have two engines.”

Calnan, who has worked and sailed on numerous ships during his career, is among the experts who believe tugboats “definitely” could have stopped the Dali from hitting the bridge. He said he has been in similar situations where the power went out and “having tugs there basically saved the day.”

It may take a disaster for industry and ports to change

The bigger the boats and the more sophisticated the technology, the fewer the crew members on board. The Dali's crew is 22-strong.

In his 26 years sailing on commercial ships, Capt. Mike Campbell said he witnessed that shift to smaller crews as automation and electronics made it possible to do more with less when it came to docking, navigating and maintaining the engines.

“I had captains who would turn the radar off in the middle of the day because they didn't want to wear it out, and you'd just go off visual cues, take readings off lighthouses. Now everything is chips and boards,” he said. “And people are more dependent or reliant on it because they are more reliable.”

Campbell, now a professor at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and master of the training ship Kennedy, said he’s also seen captains push to meet tight schedules, recalling a time when several other chemical carriers owned by competitors sailed out of the Port of Philadelphia into bad weather. His ship stayed put for three days, and arrived in Houston, safely, a day behind schedule. The other ships, he said, all had to sail to shipyards for repairs caused by the storm.

“I was fortunate that the people I sailed under, my mentors, they never worried about the schedule. It was always about the safe operation of the ship,” he said. “You don't want to push things.”

Mariners are always worried about their schedules now, Pandey said.

The shipping industry has become so highly competitive, with companies all vying for a slice of the business, that crews are more likely to leave port without containers than wait on a late shipment and risk falling behind. Ships typically go from port to port, spending anywhere from six to eight hours in each before moving on to the next.

He called it a race to nowhere in which everyone – from the ports to the shipping companies – is playing along.

U.S. ports have spent billions of dollars over the years adapting to the new reality – upgrading their facilities and dredging their channels deep enough to accommodate these massive ships. Some experts warn they could get even bigger in the future, possibly doubling in cargo capacity at some point.

Amid the race to compete for the revenue and jobs brought by these ever-larger ships, port authorities seem to have forgotten about protecting their critical infrastructure, according to Pandley, the former master mariner. He said Tuesday’s accident might be the wake-up call they need to do some real soul-searching.

USA TODAY reached out to the American Association of Port Authorities to ask its thoughts on requiring tug escorts or any other measures to avert the kind of disaster that happened in Baltimore, but a spokesman said nobody was immediately available to take those questions.

Unfortunately, experts said, it often takes a tragedy to improve an industry.

That’s what happened after the 1989 Exxon-Valdez oil spill in Alaska when the U.S. government required double-hull construction for all newly built oil tank ships and all oil tank barges in American waters. California passed a law in the aftermath of that disaster, requiring all oil tankers to have tug escorts in its ports and harbors.

“We have a saying that the laws are written in blood,” said Roland Rexha, international secretary-treasurer of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, the oldest maritime union in the United States.

“Knowing what we know now, could we have had tugs accompany the ship to the bridge? Sure. But what were the issues that caused the vessel to lose power in the first place?” he said. “There will be an investigation, and we’re hopeful that the lessons learned will lead to an active change in how things are operated.”

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Baltimore Investigation Turns to Ship’s Deadly Mechanical Failure

The Dali reported a power blackout and steering problems before hitting the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. But what went wrong so far has not been explained.

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By Mike Baker and Peter Eavis

Just minutes before the cargo ship Dali was set to glide under Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, the ship’s alarms began to blare. The lights went out. The engine halted. Even the rudder, which the crew uses to maneuver the vessel, was frozen.

As a frantic effort to restore the ship was underway, the pilot soon recognized that the aimless vessel was drifting toward disaster, and called for help.

The cascading collapse of the vessel’s most crucial operating systems left the Dali adrift until it ultimately collided with the Key bridge, knocking the span into the river and killing six people. But as crews this week were still sorting out how to disentangle the ship and recover the bodies of those who died, investigators were also turning to the most central question: What could have caused such a catastrophic failure at the worst possible moment?

Engineers, captains and shipping officials around the world are waiting for that answer in an era when the industry’s largest ships can carry four times as much cargo as those just a few decades ago, navigating through congested urban ports under bridges that may carry tens of thousands of people a day,

Already, a few key questions are emerging, according to engineers and shipping experts monitoring the investigation, and most of them point to the electrical generators that power nearly every system on the 984-foot vessel, not only the lights, navigation and steering, but the pumps that provide fuel, oil and water to the massive diesel engine.

The “ complete blackout ” reported by the pilot is hard to explain in today’s shipping world, in which large commercial vessels now operate with a range of automation, computerized monitoring, and built-in redundancies and backup systems designed to avert just such a calamity.

“In the last 30 to 40 years, the level of that redundancy has been increasing quite considerably,” said John Carlton, a professor of marine engineering at City, University of London. “The ship of today is so very different to the one of 30 years ago.”

Yet there is a wide range of possible factors contributing to the failure that investigators will have to sift through as they interview crew members, examine fuel supplies and scrutinize the ship systems that broke down that night.

If there was faulty maintenance, it could have caused a delay in starting the emergency backup generator, or an electrical fault could have prevented it from remaining engaged. Contaminated fuel or an inadvertently closed valve could have fouled or starved the main generators. Human error could have set off problems or failed to overcome them. The ship’s own automation could have led to equipment glitches. Or a fire could have broken out and damaged crucial equipment.

The answers will have implications not only for international shipping but also for who is liable for damages that S&P Global Ratings estimated at more than $2 billion.

Grace Ocean Private, the Singapore-based company that owns the Dali, said it was “fully cooperating with federal and state government agencies.” Grace Ocean’s owner is Yoshimasa Abe, a Japanese citizen who owns at least two shipping lines and more than 50 vessels, including some of the world’s biggest container ships. While the Dali was insured, Mr. Abe’s company potentially faces large claims against it, depending on the findings of the accident investigators.

Given the scope of the failure, it is possible that there were multiple problems. Timothy McCoy, a professor specializing in marine engineering at the University of Michigan, said that much like a plane crash, an extensive breakdown of a ship’s systems typically involves a sequence of events.

A close look at the potential factors would include many of the most essential elements in the operation of a modern cargo vessel — including the fuel that feeds the ship’s 55,000-horsepower diesel engine that in turn powers the ship’s propeller.

Fuel also powers the huge generators that provide electricity to container ships. And a ship like the Dali needs electrical power to run its main engine — its fuel injectors are electrically powered, for instance — and steer its rudder. Without electricity, the ship can go adrift.

An outbreak of contaminated fuel led to reported problems with 32 vessels from Texas to Singapore last August, maritime industry officials reported , with some of them reporting loss of power and propulsion at sea.

In Washington State last year, a large passenger ferry ran aground after losing power as a result of bacterial and fungal growth in the vessel’s fuel tanks that fouled the ship’s filtration systems.

At the time it was built, 2015, the Dali had four generators, according to S&P Maritime Portal, a shipping data service. Not all of them run at once, usually, but container vessels leaving port will typically have an extra generator running, to provide reserve power if needed. “At least two should be online at the same time,” said Mark Bulaclac, an academic on maritime issues who has also served as an engineer on container ships.

If all generators were running on a common source of bad fuel, that might have caused them all to fail.

Henry Lipian, a forensic crash investigator who previously worked in the Coast Guard, said the sudden loss of the ship’s generators led him to think of fuel problems as a potential culprit.

He said investigators would need to look at the fuel on board, how it was delivered, whether it had been tested beforehand and what filtration systems were on the ship. But he said that a problem with the fuel valves could be another explanation.

“I’d want to start tracing all of those fuel lines,” he said.

In Baltimore, investigators were in the process of collecting a fuel sample from the Dali in order to examine the quality, viscosity and signs of any contaminants, said Jennifer Homendy, the chair of the National Transportation Safety Board.

Yet other experts said there were also reasons to doubt the contaminated fuel scenario. New fuels typically undergo testing, and duplicate filtration systems can help clean out problematic components that were not flagged in testing. No reports have emerged of other ships having a problem from the same batch of fuel.

Maritime engineers say an electrical chain reaction could also have caused all the generators to go down. When one generator fails, it can create a situation in which there is too much demand for too little supply of electricity. Other generators are then at risk of being damaged, so the system will shut them down, too, said Richard Burke, a professor of naval architecture and marine engineering at SUNY Maritime College in New York.

“It’s as if you and I are both holding up a heavy weight and I let go,” he said, “You can’t hold it by yourself, so you drop the weight.”

A haywire generator could also zap the electrical distribution system on the ship, said Capt. Morgan McManus, an instructor at SUNY Maritime College.

When all the main generators fail, ships rely on a backup generator that is typically situated above the water line in another area of the ship, with its own fuel source.

Marine engineers say backup generators provide electricity to run some lights, the navigation system — and, crucially, the ship’s steering system. Without at least backup power, the rudder cannot be moved.

Because some lights came back on after the Dali experienced its initial blackout, it appears the backup generator did activate, but only after a roughly one-minute delay. Even then, the lights appeared to go back off, then on again, raising the possibility of a problem with the backup generator.

Ms. Homendy of the N.T.S.B. said this week that investigators had collected data “consistent with a power outage” but were still trying to determine the extent.

Clay Diamond, the head of the American Pilots’ Association, a trade group that has been in close contact with the harbor pilots in Maryland, said that steering was restored after the emergency generator came online. But even with a hard turn to the left and the dropping of an anchor, there was not enough time to turn or stop the ship.

Mr. Bulaclac, the shipping engineer, said backup generators are meant to be regularly tested by turning them on for two hours once a month. “What I would like to know is when that emergency diesel generator was last tested,” he said.

The Coast Guard inspected the Dali when it docked in the Port of New York in September but found no deficiencies on the ship. The Coast Guard did not provide details of what it inspected.

The modernization of ships may have introduced other ways vessels can fail. They have increasingly depended on computers to monitor for troubles and take action when a problem is identified. In some ways, this is a built-in layer of automatic protection: If one component gets overloaded, it can be automatically shut down to prevent further damage. But those shutdowns can cause problems on their own.

“I could not rule out that some computer failure shut all the valves off or shut off pumps that provide the fuel,” Mr. Lipian said.

Michael Forsythe and Jenny Gross contributed reporting.

Mike Baker is a national reporter for The Times, based in Seattle. More about Mike Baker

Peter Eavis reports on business, financial markets, the economy and companies across different sectors. More about Peter Eavis

The Best Outboard Motor for a Sailboat

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

The technology of sailing has remained mostly unchanged for centuries. Since learning to harness the power of wind, sailors have been transiting the world’s oceans, expanding trade routes and exploring new cultures. Although nothing more than a renewable natural resource and a single sail is needed to move a sailboat along the water, there are times when it’s important (and in our modern age, convenient) to leverage off a motor to get you where you need to go.

Like any unique piece of equipment in the world of sailing, outboard motors come in a variety of sizes with features and options to fit any owner’s needs. But of course, one size doesn’t fit all. Every boat is different – even those that come off the production line at the same time – and every owner is looking for something specific when it comes to their sailboat. From the purpose of owning the boat (blue water sailing vs. racing) to the location and impact on maintenance (cold weather vs. tropical weather), an outboard motor is just one of the many elements that will define a sailboat’s function and performance.

Whether you’re a new owner, or a veteran sailor, it’s important to know the basic components of any outboard motor . You should also have an idea of what you want your outboard motor to do for your size and model sailboat.

Table of contents

Outboard Motor Size

A larger boat doesn’t necessarily mean a larger motor. Although there are different ratings for different classes of boats, a small power plant can be more effective than a larger one. Conversely, an outboard motor can easily overpower a small boat and create unsafe conditions at high speeds. Guidelines and requirements differ between motorboats and sailboats. And while there is some overlap, these considerations apply directly to sailboats.

Engine power has to do with how much water a boat displaces. For sailboats, smaller is better. If you’re a bit of a math geek, the exact formula is 4 horsepower for every 2200lb of weight. Coupled with a propeller size, which can be determined using a propeller calculator , you’ll get a rough estimate to use as a guideline to start shopping. This is a good first step, since size is essentially a fixed variable. Though it’s worth noting for those who are buying a sailboat directly from the manufacturer, that actual weight will increase after delivery – once all other rigging and outfitting has been completed.

Physical size of your outboard motor is an important consideration and is directly related to the design of your sailboat. An outboard motor is made up of three parts from top to bottom:

• The Powerhead – Houses the engine. The bulbous part of the motor.
• The Midsection – Houses the exhaust system. Varies in length and design.
• The Lower Unit – Propellers attach to the gearbox. Submerged when operational.

Shaft length is an important design element and should be considered when purchasing a motor. A shaft that is too short will obviously prevent the propeller from being submerged in water, while a shaft that is too long will extend the propellers too far. Not only will it decrease the efficiency of your engine, it will create unnecessary drag. Know your transom length when looking at different models.

When an outboard motor is not being used, it should be stowed in its upright position. Some of the larger motors have an automated switch that will raise it out of the water, but some must be secured manually. Make sure everyone who sails with you is capable of lifting and securing the motor out of the water in case of an emergency.

Outboard Motor Power

Any kind of motor installed on a sailboat (inboard or outboard) should be viewed as a tool to help with maneuvering. Although there are some very skilled sailors out there who can sail into their slip without the aid of a motor, many harbors have restrictions that either don’t allow for the use of full sails, or there simply isn’t enough room to maneuver. A motor with both forward and reverse gears helps tremendously with docking.

While there is no exact correlation between boat length and total weight, the following is a rough guideline:

• 1-4 HP for boats up to 20’ (approximately 1000-2000lbs)
• 4-18 HP for boats between 20-30’ (approximately 2,000-10,000lbs)
• 18-34 HP for boats between 30-40’ (10,000lbs or more)

There are some things to consider when deciding how much horsepower you need or want. Location and the type of conditions you expect you’ll be sailing in is one of the biggest factors. Heavy seas and high winds typically associated with open ocean sailing will put more strain on your engine, and in some cases overpower it, whereas an engine that is heavier than needed will add unnecessary weight when racing. If you plan on motoring for long distances, consider purchasing an engine that will stand up to a lot of use.

Less HP is required for:

• Boat Design – Single hull boats made out of fiberglass require less power.
• 2-Stroke Engines – This is due to an overall lighter weight engine and higher torque.
• Diesel Engines – Diesel delivers more torque because the rate of compression is greater.
• Bigger Propellers – More surface area means more water displacement.
• Location – Motoring on lakes and rivers requires less power than open ocean.
• Distance – A smaller engine is suitable for shorter distances.

More HP is required for:

• Boat Design – Catamarans and heavier boats (regardless of size) require more power.
• 4-Stroke Engine – Engine weight and an extra step of compression yields less power.
• Gas Engines – The rate of compression for gas engines is much lower than diesel.
• Smaller Propeller – A smaller propeller displaces less water.
• Location – Open ocean, with tides and currents, will strain a smaller engine.
• Distance – Cover more distance when wind conditions are poor requires a larger engine.

Outboard Motor Cost

There is no way to quantify how much you will pay for any given motor. But there are several costs associated with owning an outboard motor that are definitely worth considering when making your purchase.

Certainly, a lager, more-powerful engine is going to be costlier than a smaller engine with lower horsepower. But as mentioned earlier, size is not necessarily a guarantee of performance and efficiency. At the same time, there’s only so much you can get out of an engine before you exceed its capability. Larger engines tend to help with resale value should you choose to sell your boat at some point, but a boat outfitted with right motor to begin with will always perform better than a motor that’s large just for the sake of it.

Factor in maintenance costs and fuel when looking at models. You want to run your engine at around 90% of its max RPMs to balance proper fuel usage and with wear and tear. Making a few calls to marine mechanics to inquire about an engine you’re interested in will give you a lot of information a sales person won’t be able to give you. The good news about outboard motors is that most of them are portable, which means you won’t have the added cost of either paying a mechanic to come to you, or having to get your boat to the yard, which usually requires help from a very good friend willing to spend all day driving and sailing back and forth.

Owning a boat requires constant care and maintenance, so a little knowledge goes a long way. While an outboard motor is not required for sailing, it’s a convenient addition that can greatly increase your enjoyment out on the water. Being patient and spending time researching engines will not only help you make the correct purchase but will help you take advantage of a great deal when it presents itself. Whether you sail the Caribbean, or race off the coast of California in a catamaran, there is an outboard motor that’s just right for you.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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