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?

Thanks,
Norm

OK, I've got an old 33 footer powered by an Atomic 4...currently in
rebuild mode. Trust me...I've thought of this.


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?

Not necessarily. There's snob appeal and esthetics at work as much as
considerations of efficiency.

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.

A 15- to 20 HP fourstroke OB iss as powerful as you'd need. Most 30 HP
direct drive IBs put out 17-18 HP at the prop. Speaking of the prop,
you'd want a special one for an OB on a sailboat with a maximum hull
speed of 7 knots (30-32 feet). You want something with bite, not
speed.


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.

Well, if you are sailing most of the time, there's no real issue then.

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

Things to consider: Where does the gas go? Is the OB permanently hosed
and wired to a control lever near the helm? Does your transom "suit"
an OB? Canoe sterns generally don't, for instance.

The looks of the thing...do you care?

A 15 HP 4-stroke OB is well over 100 lbs.: can you lift it off for
storage? I'll bet a thief and his buddy can.

Advantages: ease of access, reliability, transportability, easy to get
gas, can be lifted clear of the water while sailing, reducing drag.
Can conceivably be used fixed or pivoting, making docking a lot
easier. Rapid response. Can be transferred to a (largish) tender, like
a 10 foot RIB, which is perfect for a 15 HP. Easy to unfoul the prop.
Easy to maintain and get semi-cheap spares. Possible to hand-start.

Disadvantages: Easy to steal, easy to swamp in a seaway, gearing and
prop usually not ideal for sailboat speeds, although this can probably
be remedied, not ideal for prolonged use like Atomic 4s or diesels,
not great with charging batteries, running lights, etc. May interfere
or preclude windvane steering.

I put these points forward for debate, not as uncontestable.
Personally, I think an OB can work on a 30 foot or more boat, but I
usually see them on nothing bigger than a 27 foot C&C that's stripped
for racing. Must be a reason for that....

However, when my Atomic 4 overheated on a cruise in 2000, I was able
to lash my 10' Zodiac to the side of my five ton cruiser and use the
10 HP 1985 Honda 4-stroke to drive the boat at 4 knots for several NM
until we got to our home port. So, yes, it can be done. Burnt a lot
more gas than usual, however G.

R.

OK, I've got an old 33 footer powered by an Atomic 4...currently in
rebuild mode. Trust me...I've thought of this.


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?

Not necessarily. There's snob appeal and esthetics at work as much as
considerations of efficiency.

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.

A 15- to 20 HP fourstroke OB iss as powerful as you'd need. Most 30 HP
direct drive IBs put out 17-18 HP at the prop. Speaking of the prop,
you'd want a special one for an OB on a sailboat with a maximum hull
speed of 7 knots (30-32 feet). You want something with bite, not
speed.


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.

Well, if you are sailing most of the time, there's no real issue then.

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

Things to consider: Where does the gas go? Is the OB permanently hosed
and wired to a control lever near the helm? Does your transom "suit"
an OB? Canoe sterns generally don't, for instance.

The looks of the thing...do you care?

A 15 HP 4-stroke OB is well over 100 lbs.: can you lift it off for
storage? I'll bet a thief and his buddy can.

Advantages: ease of access, reliability, transportability, easy to get
gas, can be lifted clear of the water while sailing, reducing drag.
Can conceivably be used fixed or pivoting, making docking a lot
easier. Rapid response. Can be transferred to a (largish) tender, like
a 10 foot RIB, which is perfect for a 15 HP. Easy to unfoul the prop.
Easy to maintain and get semi-cheap spares. Possible to hand-start.

Disadvantages: Easy to steal, easy to swamp in a seaway, gearing and
prop usually not ideal for sailboat speeds, although this can probably
be remedied, not ideal for prolonged use like Atomic 4s or diesels,
not great with charging batteries, running lights, etc. May interfere
or preclude windvane steering.

I put these points forward for debate, not as uncontestable.
Personally, I think an OB can work on a 30 foot or more boat, but I
usually see them on nothing bigger than a 27 foot C&C that's stripped
for racing. Must be a reason for that....

However, when my Atomic 4 overheated on a cruise in 2000, I was able
to lash my 10' Zodiac to the side of my five ton cruiser and use the
10 HP 1985 Honda 4-stroke to drive the boat at 4 knots for several NM
until we got to our home port. So, yes, it can be done. Burnt a lot
more gas than usual, however G.

R.

Thanks....you've given me a number of considerations that hadn't occured
to me....fuel storage...theft...etc.
On the other hand, some things aren't a factor, such as a windvane.
Thanks again.
Norm

On Thu, 12 Feb 2004 23:21:56 -0500, rhys wrote:

OK, I've got an old 33 footer powered by an Atomic 4...currently in
rebuild mode. Trust me...I've thought of this.


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?

Not necessarily. There's snob appeal and esthetics at work as much as
considerations of efficiency.

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.

A 15- to 20 HP fourstroke OB iss as powerful as you'd need. Most 30 HP
direct drive IBs put out 17-18 HP at the prop. Speaking of the prop,
you'd want a special one for an OB on a sailboat with a maximum hull
speed of 7 knots (30-32 feet). You want something with bite, not
speed.


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.

Well, if you are sailing most of the time, there's no real issue then.

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

Things to consider: Where does the gas go? Is the OB permanently hosed
and wired to a control lever near the helm? Does your transom "suit"
an OB? Canoe sterns generally don't, for instance.

The looks of the thing...do you care?

A 15 HP 4-stroke OB is well over 100 lbs.: can you lift it off for
storage? I'll bet a thief and his buddy can.

Advantages: ease of access, reliability, transportability, easy to get
gas, can be lifted clear of the water while sailing, reducing drag.
Can conceivably be used fixed or pivoting, making docking a lot
easier. Rapid response. Can be transferred to a (largish) tender, like
a 10 foot RIB, which is perfect for a 15 HP. Easy to unfoul the prop.
Easy to maintain and get semi-cheap spares. Possible to hand-start.

Disadvantages: Easy to steal, easy to swamp in a seaway, gearing and
prop usually not ideal for sailboat speeds, although this can probably
be remedied, not ideal for prolonged use like Atomic 4s or diesels,
not great with charging batteries, running lights, etc. May interfere
or preclude windvane steering.

I put these points forward for debate, not as uncontestable.
Personally, I think an OB can work on a 30 foot or more boat, but I
usually see them on nothing bigger than a 27 foot C&C that's stripped
for racing. Must be a reason for that....

However, when my Atomic 4 overheated on a cruise in 2000, I was able
to lash my 10' Zodiac to the side of my five ton cruiser and use the
10 HP 1985 Honda 4-stroke to drive the boat at 4 knots for several NM
until we got to our home port. So, yes, it can be done. Burnt a lot
more gas than usual, however G.

R.

Thanks....you've given me a number of considerations that hadn't occured
to me....fuel storage...theft...etc.
On the other hand, some things aren't a factor, such as a windvane.
Thanks again.
Norm

On Thu, 12 Feb 2004 23:21:56 -0500, rhys wrote:

OK, I've got an old 33 footer powered by an Atomic 4...currently in
rebuild mode. Trust me...I've thought of this.


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?

Not necessarily. There's snob appeal and esthetics at work as much as
considerations of efficiency.

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.

A 15- to 20 HP fourstroke OB iss as powerful as you'd need. Most 30 HP
direct drive IBs put out 17-18 HP at the prop. Speaking of the prop,
you'd want a special one for an OB on a sailboat with a maximum hull
speed of 7 knots (30-32 feet). You want something with bite, not
speed.


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.

Well, if you are sailing most of the time, there's no real issue then.

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

Things to consider: Where does the gas go? Is the OB permanently hosed
and wired to a control lever near the helm? Does your transom "suit"
an OB? Canoe sterns generally don't, for instance.

The looks of the thing...do you care?

A 15 HP 4-stroke OB is well over 100 lbs.: can you lift it off for
storage? I'll bet a thief and his buddy can.

Advantages: ease of access, reliability, transportability, easy to get
gas, can be lifted clear of the water while sailing, reducing drag.
Can conceivably be used fixed or pivoting, making docking a lot
easier. Rapid response. Can be transferred to a (largish) tender, like
a 10 foot RIB, which is perfect for a 15 HP. Easy to unfoul the prop.
Easy to maintain and get semi-cheap spares. Possible to hand-start.

Disadvantages: Easy to steal, easy to swamp in a seaway, gearing and
prop usually not ideal for sailboat speeds, although this can probably
be remedied, not ideal for prolonged use like Atomic 4s or diesels,
not great with charging batteries, running lights, etc. May interfere
or preclude windvane steering.

I put these points forward for debate, not as uncontestable.
Personally, I think an OB can work on a 30 foot or more boat, but I
usually see them on nothing bigger than a 27 foot C&C that's stripped
for racing. Must be a reason for that....

However, when my Atomic 4 overheated on a cruise in 2000, I was able
to lash my 10' Zodiac to the side of my five ton cruiser and use the
10 HP 1985 Honda 4-stroke to drive the boat at 4 knots for several NM
until we got to our home port. So, yes, it can be done. Burnt a lot
more gas than usual, however G.

R.

On Thu, 12 Feb 2004 22:20:52 -0800, engsol
wrote:

Thanks....you've given me a number of considerations that hadn't occured
to me....fuel storage...theft...etc.
On the other hand, some things aren't a factor, such as a windvane.
Thanks again.
Norm

My pleasure. I can't answer my own question as to why boats over 27'
rarely, if ever, feature an outboard, but as I've lost significant
sailing time in the last few years due to mishaps with my inboard
engine, it certainly has occurred to me. In my case, with a pinched
reverse transom IOR-style stern, an outboard and its pivoting mount
would adversely affect its looks, and I like the boat's looks...

Oh, here's another downside: a lot of weight in the stern can affect
the balance of the boat and lead to unnecessary or undesirable
"hobbyhorsing" in certain sea conditions. To a degree, this is offset
by a high ballast ratio which on some older racer-cruisers is 40-50%,
but other models would "feel" 100-120 lbs. off the stern more than
others, just as they would "feel" 200 feet of chain and a 66 lb. Bruce
anchor at the bow.

That's why you'd want to strike a balance between OB power and getting
it off the stern: the trim settings of an OB can mitigate somewhat its
weight, but when it's off and stowed out of the water, it's like
having a woman hanging off the stern rail.

Which may appeal...I dunno...G

R.

On Thu, 12 Feb 2004 22:20:52 -0800, engsol
wrote:

Thanks....you've given me a number of considerations that hadn't occured
to me....fuel storage...theft...etc.
On the other hand, some things aren't a factor, such as a windvane.
Thanks again.
Norm

My pleasure. I can't answer my own question as to why boats over 27'
rarely, if ever, feature an outboard, but as I've lost significant
sailing time in the last few years due to mishaps with my inboard
engine, it certainly has occurred to me. In my case, with a pinched
reverse transom IOR-style stern, an outboard and its pivoting mount
would adversely affect its looks, and I like the boat's looks...

Oh, here's another downside: a lot of weight in the stern can affect
the balance of the boat and lead to unnecessary or undesirable
"hobbyhorsing" in certain sea conditions. To a degree, this is offset
by a high ballast ratio which on some older racer-cruisers is 40-50%,
but other models would "feel" 100-120 lbs. off the stern more than
others, just as they would "feel" 200 feet of chain and a 66 lb. Bruce
anchor at the bow.

That's why you'd want to strike a balance between OB power and getting
it off the stern: the trim settings of an OB can mitigate somewhat its
weight, but when it's off and stowed out of the water, it's like
having a woman hanging off the stern rail.

Which may appeal...I dunno...G

R.

Well ... I'm definitely no expert but just had to join in :-). I'd go
outboard in this situation with logic as follows ... safe haven close by,
you can pick up a used outboard for next to nothing and if it was me, that's
what I would do and consider it a throwaway if something goes really wrong.
And if a repair is required, just drop it off and go sailing ... maybe even
beg a loaner off the shop. All they're used for around here is to get out of
the boat basin ... and that doesn't take much hp given a sailboats hull
design and efficiency once it gets moving. Geez ... those things move
forward with a gentle breeze applied to the hull :-)


"engsol" wrote in message
...
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?

Thanks,
Norm

Well ... I'm definitely no expert but just had to join in :-). I'd go
outboard in this situation with logic as follows ... safe haven close by,
you can pick up a used outboard for next to nothing and if it was me, that's
what I would do and consider it a throwaway if something goes really wrong.
And if a repair is required, just drop it off and go sailing ... maybe even
beg a loaner off the shop. All they're used for around here is to get out of
the boat basin ... and that doesn't take much hp given a sailboats hull
design and efficiency once it gets moving. Geez ... those things move
forward with a gentle breeze applied to the hull :-)


"engsol" wrote in message
...
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?

Thanks,
Norm

Norm,
Let me start by saying that my current boat is a 4600# 26ft Lod center
board sloop. It has a 10Hp long shaft electric start on a movable mount.

I know nothing about your home water.

I never thought I would have and outboard for an auxiliary, but I do now.

The only time it gets bad is when you have to power in an inlet that has
rollers coming out. Other than that I'm usually sailing because I can't
power the much over 6.0 but if it is blowing at all I can make 6.4-5.

Bad things:
The engine is where you don't want weight.
The prop is too close to the surface and all that stuff.
It can be stolen, but a McGard bolt will make that really tough.

Good things:
New outboards are stone reliable (at least as good as an A4 - ever)
(and they can most all be started when your battery is down)
If (when)it needs attention you don't have to try to fit in the little
hole it is crammed into. You can even take it ashore and either fix it
yourself or tell someone "here - fix it, make it all better and give it
back" You even can barrow an engine if needed.
The shaft packing never drips.

Matt Colie A.Sloop "Bonne Ide'e" S2-7.9 #1
Lifelong Waterman, Licensed Mariner and Pathological Sailor


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?

Thanks,
Norm