nom=de=plume wrote:
wrote in message
...

nom=de=plume wrote:

wrote in message
...


On Mon, 19 Apr 2010 20:46:58 -0700, "nom=de=plume"
wrote:



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.


There are two times when you need power on a sailboat: Bad weather and
good weather.

Most cruising sailboats spend more than 90% of their time underway
with the engine running. Either the wind is from the wrong direction,
too weak or too strong.


I thought most sailboats spend more than 90% of their time sitting in a
berth or anchored.

Why would you need to run the engine offshore when there's lots of wind?
Seems like it wouldn't help that much. I can understand needing to get
away
from a shoreline, but in the middle of an ocean? If it's really that bad,
wouldn't you want to try and slow the boat? I saw parachutes for this at
the
boat show.



Did you see sea anchors?


Didn't see them, but certainly heard about them.


If you saw parachutes to slow a boat you saw sea anchors.