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Cruising with an Outboard

15K views 36 replies 15 participants last post by  sailingdog 
#1 ·
I have purshased a boat that had the saildrive taken out and an outboard motor installed in its place. The boat it's self is a sea worthy boat and a good coastal cruiser ( 1981 Mirage 275 ).

As my interest in coastal cruising increases I am wondering what to do. Is it nuts to use a boat with an outboard as a coastal cruiser? In my journey I will be crossing the Gulf of Maine, then heading down to the Bahamma's via the ICW.

I will be sailing most of the way but the need for motor sailing will no doubt be a great possibility. Of course outboards can isolate in heavy seas and the worry about a wave breaking it off my trasim is always a concern.

Can anyone give me more information on Cruising with an outboard as your prime a auxilary engine.
 
#35 ·
Hull speed in a Pearson 28, which has a LWL of about 24.25' is 6.7 knots. Given that... travelling at 6.5 knots as your average speed is a pipe dream. Cam's figure of 4 knots is far more realistic. You'll be lucky to make 50-60 nm per day, assuming you stop for the night. Travelling the ICW at night is generally unwise, especially if cruising short-handed.
 
#37 ·
Me too... Besides, I don't think I could take motoring for that long a period of time and stay sane. :)
 
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