"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:24:10 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:

But wouldn't a boat of the size I mentioned be powered with a decent
engine?
Seems like it would be, but I haven't really looked into it.

A 40 ft cruising sailboat would typically have a diesel in the 30 to
40 hp range. In flat water and no wind that's enough for 6 1/2 to 7
kts if the bottom is clean.


Ok.. I just guessed/remembered seeing 50hp. So, that's pretty close.

Seems like unless you're close to shore, you really don't need a lot of
engine power. Maybe in a storm, but wouldn't the concern be running the
engine without intake water or running out of fuel if you run it too long?
I'm mean that's why it's a sailboat... to sail.

--
Nom=de=Plume