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.

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.

Comments interspersed throughout:
"rhys" wrote in message
news
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?

snipped some good bits that were here

Advantages: ease of access,

Debateable actually, if you're out sailing and the weather is deteriorating,
say it's starting to rain and blow and you are having engine troubles, try
working on that 100 lb outboard while its hanging over the stern in the wind
and the rain. See what I mean? Not too hard to loose some small part or
tool overboard. With an inboard you're down below, probably uncomfortable
and dropping things, but they are still in the boat and you aren't opening
the engine to rain and spray.

more god bits snipped

Disadvantages: Easy to steal, easy to swamp in a seaway,

I've been out in a 35 footer (40% ballast ratio) in a lake on days when
occasionally water came over the stern from pitching while motoring into a
strong wind. I have a feeling that would be the end of the OB, especially
with the increased hobbyhorsing you'd get with all that extra weight so far
aft alternately lifting the prop out of the water and then driving it back
in.

more good bits snipped here

"rhys" wrote in message
...
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 Fri, 13 Feb 2004 22:33:33 -0400, "Ken Heaton"
wrote:

Advantages: ease of access,

Debateable actually, if you're out sailing and the weather is deteriorating,
say it's starting to rain and blow and you are having engine troubles, try
working on that 100 lb outboard while its hanging over the stern in the wind
and the rain. See what I mean? Not too hard to loose some small part or
tool overboard. With an inboard you're down below, probably uncomfortable
and dropping things, but they are still in the boat and you aren't opening
the engine to rain and spray.

I agree...I was referring more to the access while at dock...you can
lash a pram under the transom and with a bucket and small tool kit, do
90% of your maintenance in the nice fresh air and sunshine, instead of
in a dimly lit cave.


more god bits snipped

Man, and I thought crucifixion was nasty...god bits, indeed!

R.

On Fri, 13 Feb 2004 22:33:33 -0400, "Ken Heaton"
wrote:

Advantages: ease of access,

Debateable actually, if you're out sailing and the weather is deteriorating,
say it's starting to rain and blow and you are having engine troubles, try
working on that 100 lb outboard while its hanging over the stern in the wind
and the rain. See what I mean? Not too hard to loose some small part or
tool overboard. With an inboard you're down below, probably uncomfortable
and dropping things, but they are still in the boat and you aren't opening
the engine to rain and spray.

I agree...I was referring more to the access while at dock...you can
lash a pram under the transom and with a bucket and small tool kit, do
90% of your maintenance in the nice fresh air and sunshine, instead of
in a dimly lit cave.


more god bits snipped

Man, and I thought crucifixion was nasty...god bits, indeed!

R.

Comments interspersed throughout:
"rhys" wrote in message
news
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?

snipped some good bits that were here

Advantages: ease of access,

Debateable actually, if you're out sailing and the weather is deteriorating,
say it's starting to rain and blow and you are having engine troubles, try
working on that 100 lb outboard while its hanging over the stern in the wind
and the rain. See what I mean? Not too hard to loose some small part or
tool overboard. With an inboard you're down below, probably uncomfortable
and dropping things, but they are still in the boat and you aren't opening
the engine to rain and spray.

more god bits snipped

Disadvantages: Easy to steal, easy to swamp in a seaway,

I've been out in a 35 footer (40% ballast ratio) in a lake on days when
occasionally water came over the stern from pitching while motoring into a
strong wind. I have a feeling that would be the end of the OB, especially
with the increased hobbyhorsing you'd get with all that extra weight so far
aft alternately lifting the prop out of the water and then driving it back
in.

more good bits snipped here

"rhys" wrote in message
...
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.

OB prop more likely to leave water if pitching in large waves.

====

Charles T. Low
- remove "UN"
www.boatdocking.com/BDPhoto.html - Photo Contest
www.boatdocking.com
www.ctlow.ca/Trojan26 - my boat

====

"engsol" wrote in message
...
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