sailing without an engine

[Cathy Monaghan]

Most of us use our engines only to get in/out of our marinas. Once we're clear of all obstacles on the way from the marina to our sailing grounds (we have to pass beneath two bascule bridges then between two breakwaters at an inlet), the sails go up and the engine's shut off. Aaah, sweet quiet. And if there's little or no wind, we've got the engine to get us where ever we want to go.

Anyway, don't get rid of the engine, and only use it when required. But you will have to maintain it.


Cathy
CD32 Realization, #3
Rahway, NJ
Raritan Bay

[Tod Mills]

I don't think I'd remove the diesel from that boat. I'd suggest sailing a bit as is and just use the engine enough to keep it in good shape, practicing engineless skills.

Then, if you still really really want to go engineless and decide it is practical for you, sell that boat and get a regular 22. You'll find that sailing performance will be improved without prop/aperture drag, you'll save yourself a bunch of labor, and maintain the value of the boat.

I can certainly see some draws to going engineless.