"Roger Long" wrote:

I may just remove all of the hand start apparatus, which is pretty
extensive
and in the way on this particular model, and join the ranks of
larger boat
owners who live with the fact that their engines are not going to
start
without a functioning battery and electrical system.

Simple solution.

1) Learn to single hand the boat in and out of dock with just the jib
and a dock line.
2) Learn to single hand the boat to pick up a mooring with just a jib
and a boat hook.

After you have acquired those skills, you will have achieved a degree
of freedom you will never forget.

The ability to say, "Screw the engine, I don't need it", provides a
sense of satisfaction you simply can't describe.

BTDT, don't need the T-shirt.

Lew

"Lew Hodgett" wrote

Simple solution.

1) Learn to (be a competent sailor)

Excellent advice and already followed. I used to sail the Solings backwards
around Boston Harbor to the amusement of the other club members.

Daysailing is tough without an engine unless you can completely ignore the
schedules of shore life.

Maine also has some combinations of calm, tide, and steep shores that would
make you want to stay pretty far out if sailing without an engine, at least
in modern boats. There is a reason why the traditional craft had such huge
rigs and reefed in 8 - 10 knots of wind.

--
Roger Long