Garold
Well-Known Member
It's winter and I definitely have too much time to ponder.... so I was wondering about our boating.
In contrast to the last couple of seasons, we had a good summer of touring in our 40 foot Lagoon catamaran.
We had lots of great solent weekends, and had a summer cruise across to Channel Islands followed by a successful trip to the West Country and, after many years of trying, made it to the Isles of Scilly.
But we only really sailed for about 10% of the trips (best sail was across to Alderney) and otherwise we motored at an average of about 6.5 knots. And Scilly is about 250 miles from Southampton. So, in daylight hours, about 4 days, most of which we motored (calling at some nice places on the way).
So, I was thinking. If we motor so much, often because the wind is wrong strength or direction, maybe we should make the switch to full time motoring. And with that, increase the average journey speeds to perhaps 20 knots.
But having looked at the seemingly average 1mpg (compared to our boats average when motoring at 80% revs of 5-6 mpg) or thereabouts for something like a Princess 42, I'm a bit concerned about getting into something that will just drain me dry. And will I be able to sell the motorboat if the switch doesn't suit us?
Several other things attract us to motor boating including the better finished cabinetry, easier to find berthing (compared to a catamaran), and not having to handle sails (sail handling can get hairy out at sea and ain't getting easier as we get older).
So, anyone else made the switch? And what about the costs? We probably spent about £1000 to £1500 on fuel this year. I guess that would be about x5 or 6 if we were in say a 40 footish motorboat with say 350-450hp engines.
We currently have x2 40hp engines but the great thing about small engines is that they can only consume limited amounts of fuel even flat out. But we max out at about 7 knots.
Mickey takers who wish to laugh at the truth of sailors who motor a lot, be gentle. Not many sailors admit to motoring, but most sailboat owners that I know who have regular jobs/businesses and do actually get out and about, motor a lot more than they admit! You'd never get around the Channel in limited work holidays otherwise.
Just considering options at the minute but any opinions welcome.
And if anyone has a 3-4 mpg option let me know!
Cheers
Garold
Ps. At the moment, something like a low hours 3-4 year old Princess 42 looks like a suitable motorboat for our needs. Mostly only the wife and I, so big enough with occasional guests. Fast enough to shorten journey times. Good for all year round UK boating. Big enough to do North France, Channel Isles, West Country. Good brand for fixing and future value.
In contrast to the last couple of seasons, we had a good summer of touring in our 40 foot Lagoon catamaran.
We had lots of great solent weekends, and had a summer cruise across to Channel Islands followed by a successful trip to the West Country and, after many years of trying, made it to the Isles of Scilly.
But we only really sailed for about 10% of the trips (best sail was across to Alderney) and otherwise we motored at an average of about 6.5 knots. And Scilly is about 250 miles from Southampton. So, in daylight hours, about 4 days, most of which we motored (calling at some nice places on the way).
So, I was thinking. If we motor so much, often because the wind is wrong strength or direction, maybe we should make the switch to full time motoring. And with that, increase the average journey speeds to perhaps 20 knots.
But having looked at the seemingly average 1mpg (compared to our boats average when motoring at 80% revs of 5-6 mpg) or thereabouts for something like a Princess 42, I'm a bit concerned about getting into something that will just drain me dry. And will I be able to sell the motorboat if the switch doesn't suit us?
Several other things attract us to motor boating including the better finished cabinetry, easier to find berthing (compared to a catamaran), and not having to handle sails (sail handling can get hairy out at sea and ain't getting easier as we get older).
So, anyone else made the switch? And what about the costs? We probably spent about £1000 to £1500 on fuel this year. I guess that would be about x5 or 6 if we were in say a 40 footish motorboat with say 350-450hp engines.
We currently have x2 40hp engines but the great thing about small engines is that they can only consume limited amounts of fuel even flat out. But we max out at about 7 knots.
Mickey takers who wish to laugh at the truth of sailors who motor a lot, be gentle. Not many sailors admit to motoring, but most sailboat owners that I know who have regular jobs/businesses and do actually get out and about, motor a lot more than they admit! You'd never get around the Channel in limited work holidays otherwise.
Just considering options at the minute but any opinions welcome.
And if anyone has a 3-4 mpg option let me know!
Cheers
Garold
Ps. At the moment, something like a low hours 3-4 year old Princess 42 looks like a suitable motorboat for our needs. Mostly only the wife and I, so big enough with occasional guests. Fast enough to shorten journey times. Good for all year round UK boating. Big enough to do North France, Channel Isles, West Country. Good brand for fixing and future value.
