In article ,
wrote:

http://www.cata-lagoon.com/420_pres_uk.php

Does this make a lot of sense ?

I like the idea of using the propellers to charge the
batteries while under sail but the extra batteries make
the boat heavy (heavier than a Beneteau 473) and can
only run the motors for 2 hours.

Are there other production sailboats built this way ?

I believe more are starting to do this... don't recall the details.

Might be greater weight, but it's more evenly distributed I would
think.

I believe solomon technologies (for one) offers several options as far
as output of the electric motors. There might be a design that would
last a bit longer than 2 hours running the motors. I believe at least
a couple of boats have cross the Atlantic with these type of engines.

They are pretty environmentally friendly, except for battery
replacement issues.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com