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While I might prefer to sail, my location in S. Puget Sound makes it likely that I will be motoring a lot of the time. I have to contend with the Tacoma Narrows (5-6K current) to access most of my cruising grounds and I have to be there within a narrow window. Couple that with light and fickle winds in the summertime and I spend large amounts of time under power. If I'm daysailing or going to a close destination where speed is not the issue the sails go up if there is any kind of breeze. If currents are going to be adverse and I need to hit a specific point at a specific time I'm more likely to rely on the diesel. If the wind happens to be blowing fairly steady (rare in the summer) the sails will go up regardless. Because of the reality of the winds here I actually opted for a heavier and less performance oriented boat for my new one. It has more comfort for the family and given that I would be motoring frequently anyway I went for more comfort and I'll sail when I can.
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