to motor or not

smallboatlover · #1 (**permalink**) 08-19-2011

i could get a motor on my sailboat a 16' sailboat. i have a bracket for it right now.( not on the boat as of right now). so should i get a 2 hp that i have an opertunitiy to get or leave the boat with out a motor which is harder to get into the mooring and some times dangerous when people are swimming around there. Also a motor would let me motor into a beach or something like that.

nickmerc · #2 (**permalink**) 08-19-2011

It all depends on what you want to do. A motor will add complication and weight to the boat. And another maintenance cost. I sailed Hobie 16's and 18's for over 10 years (on and off trailers and onto beaches) without a motor. I did carry a paddle for those times when the wind quit all together.

I would think a motor would also be dangerous around swimmers. You would hate to see one of the get near the prop.

LandLocked66c · #3 (**permalink**) 08-19-2011

Why wouldn't you get it? What's holding you back?

Minnewaska · #4 (**permalink**) 08-19-2011

Grasshopper, you know not the storm that will begin to rage from such a small breeze.

Yes, I suggest a motor, even 4hp. It allows more freedom to return with no wind, along with your other points. You may also hear otherwise..........

Cruiser2B · #5 (**permalink**) 08-19-2011

It all depends on your intended use and sailing area. I sailed a 16' oday daysailor and 19' wooden sharpie for years without an engine but i was had great access to open water upon launching. if you plan day trips and adventures into narrow areas or areas of high currents and nice aux outboard would be a great asset to have aboard but not depend on. Where my current boat is, it is almost impossible to sail in the channel with all the traffic and currents until you get out into the bay. I rountinely can sail in our out of the channel but almost never both ways so a motor of some sort is needed.

smallboatlover · #6 (**permalink**) 08-19-2011

well i want a motor so in the morning i can leave and start motoring were i wanna go when theres no wind and when the wind kicked up start sailing. also i could beach it with a motor because it's not easy beaching a boat on rock and thats just about all the beaches around so motoring in and stoping in a foot of water and keeping it there would easer than sailing into the beach and stopping right before it dropping sails and every thing. also a motor would be nice so when i just wanna go out for a cruise around in the evening when it's dead calm i could just motor and half fun just motoring. But i'm just worried about the weight issue

junkrig · #7 (**permalink**) 08-19-2011

If you're thinking of a 2 horse it couldn't weigh anywhere near as much as a passenger. Probably no more than 5 gallons of water. I think weight would be a non-issue.
Sounds like you have good reasons to benefit from one.

sailguy40 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-19-2011

I would get a motor, gives you more options. At very least just put a trolling motor on it, better then nothing and zero maintenance.

tomandchris · #9 (**permalink**) 08-19-2011

You kinow why you want one. Your reasons are very sound. If you want it, get it!

saillife · #10 (**permalink**) 08-19-2011

I have a 14.6 american day sailer that I won't go out on without a motor. I don't have quick access to the water from launch & if the wind dies it is almost impossible to move the boat with a paddle (note to self: Always check there's a full tank in the motor). The ~2HP motors weigh in around 30 lbs.