Jeanneau Brio. Opinions please

As I say I reckon an outboard in a well the optimum for a sailing boat around the 22' size range, an inboard is just too heavy - my view.

I have happily motored over 100 miles with a 2-stroke Yamaha 4hp in a calm, one gets about 2.5 hours per gallon at 5 knots.

Good, light 2-stroke engines like the Mariner 5 are still available.

However we have reached the stage where the 4-strokes insisted on if one buys new are too heavy to lift in and out of the well easily.

Lifting and stowing technique helps a lot, but a snag is that we sailors are getting older.

I am certain the future lies with electric propulsion, a 21st Century version of the Anderson 22 and similar ( all ? ) boats might well use a battery as the ballast, but the cost is prohibitive right now.
 
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I am not a newbie as I have owned boats for the past 40 years, albeit power craft, dive boats & cabin cruisers. I admit that I'm not that clued up on sailing yachts, but learning everyday. What advice can you offer?

We have recently upgraded to a larger inboard driven shoal draft yacht from a 24 foot well outboard driven yacht. I endorse many of the advantages given of having an ouboard in a boat of this size. Our experience was that the Ob was fine for limited short distance coastal/day cruising in ideal conditions. Fuel consumption at 5 litres an hour is typical in benign conditions. My and probably your experience of adverse conditions under power can result in up to twice this fuel consumption.

We now prefer and can safely cover longer distance cruising with the benefit of a diesel inboard. The reduction in fuel consumption even on day trips is dramatic. Carrying in excess of 50 litres of highly inflammable fuel was a big safety concern on longer passages of 100NM The heat from the engine is also very welcome to cabin dwelling partners!
 
Good informative posts Little Sister, Seajet & TSB240. Little Sister's comment about manoeuvrability in close quarters with an outboard made me laugh. When I first got the Hurley it would not turn while reversing from the pontoon and being a bilge keeler probably didn't help, talk about a 22 point turns when there are people watching, ended up springing her :D Most of the times I would be solo sailing and not venturing too far with an overnighter somewhere, so an outboard would be OK for my needs at the moment. However, my son has just told me that my mind changes like the weather, so should consider an inboard, because I'll end up moaning because I didn't. Seriously though, all good opinions so far and I suppose he is right.
 
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After considering many boats, I eventually bought a Dufour 1800 that was in very good condition. It was a bit over the budget I had set aside, but it ticked all the boxes and came with many accessories like, tender & outboard, cradle and a new head sail to name a few. I am looking forward to warmer weather so that I can crack on with a bit of varnishing and polishing, then get her out sailing.

Cheers for the input guy's
 
bikerbill,

sounds like you've got a good'un, exciting times for you !

Please do keep us informed, but you may feel like editing out the ' learning curve ' bits, I still do...:)
 
bikerbill,

sounds like you've got a good'un, exciting times for you !

Please do keep us informed, but you may feel like editing out the ' learning curve ' bits, I still do...:)

Will do and yes it's a good'un, a floating caravan with plenty of storage spaces. :D

Good stuff bikerbill. It's always great to have extra space on a new boat.

The burning question is: "Is it an outboard or an inboard?"

:D Yamaha 8hp outboard with electric start and DC charging that fits into a well.
 
Will do and yes it's a good'un, a floating caravan with plenty of storage spaces. :D



:D Yamaha 8hp outboard with electric start and DC charging that fits into a well.

That won't be lifted in and out of the well much. 60kilos in two stroke format...I can recommend a boom crane or Osteopath!
 
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