Time taken to get to the next achorage before dark with a cruising boat
determines the method of propulsion. On a passsage when time is
irrelevant then sailing at 2Kn, as long as the ride is OK, is somewhat
calming. A 7 day passage will only require a time constraint when a
harbour or final destination is approached.
When we bought our first keel boat then 5Kn was the required speed.
Used any means to attain that. Now a bigger boat and no working
deadlines comfort if the paramount decision maker. Sloppy seas and
little wind gives rise to the noise of the motor, better being noisy
than uncomfortable.
A few observations from an offshore cruiser.
Lyn & Tony
S/V Ambrosia