Motorsailer

[Slow_boat]

Is there a definition of a motopr sailer?

Is it any sailing boat that has a big engine and has less than sparkling windward performance or is there some official definition?

I ask because I saw an ad. for a Macwester26 claiming it was a motor sailer and started wondering.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Dunno about a universal definition. To me its a boat with a relatively small rig, relatively big engine and some sort of wheelhouse/deck shelter. And probably quite bluff in the bow sections.

 

[Slow_boat]

My Macwester 26 has a newish Beta 20 and will soon have a sprayhood. It sounds like she fite the bill!

 

[Evadne]

There used to be a formula for engine power vs. tonnage or LOA that would tell you whether a boat was a motor sailor or a pure sailor. IIRC it was anything over 4hp per ton. The trouble is, modern sailing boats have such huge engines that they'd all qualify as motor sailors. I reckon that if, in a pleasant and favourable wind you still feel the need to use the motor, then it's a motor sailor.
I remember sailing a friend's macwester 26 from Hamble to Newhaven. It wasn't exactly sparkling, but she is definitely not a motor sailor unless the rig's been altered.

 

[sighmoon]

It can mean either 'has a big engine' or 'won't sail to windward'.

 

[Bergman]

Yes

If you can sail it comfortably on a rainy night while wearing carpet slippers -its a motorsailer.