Running a catamaran on single engine prob?

[zefender]

Does anyone know if running a cat with just one of it's two engines is likely to cause any problems? It was mentioned to me that running a single engine was a bit like pushing a supermarket trolley with one wheel broken. But I can find no mention of any such problems on a web search - indeed quite the opposite. Most of the stuff I've seen talks about it being a sensible fuel saving approach, apart from when parking the thing of course.

 

[davel]

Should be no problem. I've run cats on one engine for exactly the reasons you've outlined - all OK.
There will be a very slight tendency for the boat to round to the side opposite the engine but this will be hardly noticeable.

 

[boatmike]

Concur. Do it all the time.

 

[bigwow]

Me too
/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[tome]

I came to the same conclusion after looking at the web - that it's common practise

 

[zefender]

Well that sounds like a consensus - thanks all!

 

[Twister_Ken]

Bit like me and suits. One for pre-soup, one for post-pudding.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

As long as you avoid the one for your birthday we'll all be happy with that arrangement..... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[AIDY]

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[kengill]

Why would you want to go to the expense of having two engines? Surely its easier and cheaper and safer to have one engine with a longshaft.

 

[Barr Avel]

Try manoeuvering a (medium-large) cat in a tight stop with only one engine and you'll see why they come with 2 engines!

Besides it means you have a spare engine if one breaks down... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[snowleopard]

I've motor-sailed many hundreds of miles on one engine. I always use the windward one as it counteracts weather helm. If one engine isn't working it's fine to carry on with the other - until you try to berth when it becomes a nightmare. When one engine stuck in reverse while changing berths in a Portuguese marina I rammed the local police launch. Not good news.

 

[Scillypete]

My cat only came with one so I have no option but to motor on one. When it comes to manouevring in tight spots I just shut my eyes

 

[Noddy]

I've just reduced from two outboards to one. They were mounted on the back beam and inboard of the hulls (Iroquois).

They were'nt really far enough apart to offer effective differential thrust. I could turn the bows downwind sometimes.

Regularly used one engine. All was OK. Expect to use only one more in future.

The new setup is a steerable outboard, in the middle, connected to the rudders. We will see how it goes in a few weeks I hope.

Paul

 

[ShipsWoofy]

I drop down to around 2/3 speed under a single engine, but then I chose smaller lumps than she had to get the weight down.

At sea it is hardly noticeable that a motor is shut down with regards steerage, the stub keels and twin rudders hold her fairly straight. You can see it with the autopilot on as it tends to work the helm with bias toward the running engine. Hand steering feels the same.

It is in harbour it really shows, from a stop in still water a bit of thrust from either corner can really help to get the boat off the wall etc. It can make backing out of a group of boats a pleasure rather than a crossed fingers situation. I have been known to back onto a wall or pontoon if it suits, which can get some odd looks.

 

[trouville]

Cant imagin why they dident ask me to come along or crew??Im sure i could find a way to stop the rudder vibrating?And made and serverd them drinks and things to eat!

Imagin a deep freeze and a fridge!! Now thats some boat.When it arrives in Antibes ill have to go along to look.