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On 2 Sep 2004 14:51:37 -0700, (Brad) wrote:
Hello All,
Now I know that normally a sailboat would use a lot less than a
powerboat, and maybe that's not the right heading to use, but I am
currently looking at the possibility of buying one or the other type
of boat (used), and I am trying to get some info on boating long-term
on the Atlantic.
Although a powerboat would use oodles of fuel at a fast clip, any idea
of how much that would drop if traveling at the rate of a sailboat
(say 7 or 8 knots)?
The main reason that I am looking at the various options, is because I
have a spinal disease that prevents me from pulling, lifting, tugging,
etc. on anything more than about 10 pounds. I can get around on a
boat okay, but these other limitations require me to check out all
options. My thought (and I have never done much serious boating) is
that a powerboat would be easier on me physically, but I am concerned
about the comsumption of fuel while traveling. Fortunately I am tied
down to time, so if I have to travel at a much slower speed than the
boat is designed for, I can easily do so.
Sounds like you want a trawler. Then you can travel slow and economical
in a boat that's designed to be slow and economical and not have to
worry about physical limitations. Of course, you can always rig out a
sailboat with power everything (winches, main and jib furling, etc.) but
that can be way expensive.
If you look at overall economy, trawlers can be nearly as economical as
a sailboat (some have argued they are at least as economical as one and
maybe more) when you account for the fact that you only have to maintain
and buy fuel for an engine system vs. maintaining and fueling an engine
in a sailboat (albeit much less fuel) as well as maintaining the wind
power part of a sailboat (rigging and sails.)
It's an argument that always goes on between the trawler set and the
sailboat set. IMHO, with fuel prices the way they are now, a sailboat
is much more economical overall than a trawler. But a few years ago,
for extended cruising they were probably more equal. However, a trawler
is more economical than a large planing cruiser even when you run it
slow.
One other thing to look at is the fact that due to the shape,you can
have a smaller trawler and still have the same living space as a larger
sailboat. I.e., a 30 ft trawler may be as "livable" as a 40 ft
sailboat.
Steve
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