In article ,
engsol wrote:

If this has been beat to death before, my apology.

I'm looking for a boat to enjoy upon retirement this May. Being poor,
I'll have to settle for an older boat, 30-32 feet. I've seen a number of boats
in my price range on my list, but have rejected the ones with an OB. But
then I got to wondering...should I do so?

The advantage of an OB is cost, doesn't take up interior room, at least
semi-reliable these days. But then I wonder about enough power in a
seaway. The area I plan to sail (San Juan Islands) is quite sheltered....
wind chop, but seldom any significant swells. A safe haven is rarely more
than 4 - 5 hours away.

So what am I missing, or haven't thought of, as regards to OB power?

Our boat came as inboard or outboard and I'm in regular contact with a
sister who has the outboard.

For "short" distances, particularly if you're not in a hurry, the
outboard is just fine. If you might like to go far and "fast", inboard
is the way to go.

I'm somewhat arbitrarily thinking 25 nm and 5-5.5 knots as short, and
up to 70-80 nm at 6 knots (on our hull speed of 6.6) as fast.

"not in a hurry" includes: "If it ain't fun, it ain't fun and I'm
parking it until it GETS fun!" (AKA cruising)

An outboard will require alternate charging unless you're VERY frugal.
In a heavy slog, the prop will come out of the water more often than
anyone likes. A larger than needed outboard not only gives you the punch
to go fast if you have to, but will last longer.

For our purposes, I'd want an diesel inboard. But I lust after the
cavernous stowage our sister has under the cockpit. I think you could
park a small car in there.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/