Need some advice...
I am considering sailing on Rutland Water at times next season. It's close,,and the grandkids have a chance to swim in the summer. Outboards are not allowed. I have thought about some options including counting on my sailing skills, getting a trolling motor, oars, paddles, long pole, etc.
Any advice?
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David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
Hi David
We have (or had?) a member who sailed Rutland Water, but I forget who it was. I do remember though that he had an electric outboard. I don't know what power, but you don't actually need very much when it's only for manouvering.
I don't think it would be easy, or even safe, to rely on manual means of propulsion.
There's quite a good choice in 12V outboards these days. Zero emissions!
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Do they require you to remove the petrol outboard or simply not use it ?
I'm with Rick; oars, paddles and punting are unlikely to be effective. A Mac has a lot of windage and a high freeboard.
Rutland water is an average of 11.4m deep so you'd need a hell of a quant!
Battery power is only zero emissions if you charge it from a zero emission energy source.
Dave Newton Sailbadthesinner
I helped scull an Arpege around Lands End once in no wind as we had to get to Penzance for a beer; the skipper was old school and didn't consider the need for beer as an emergency. Needless to say, we didn't quite make it in time. Very hard work and unproductive. We had one on the helm and one sculling.
I do agree with Dave on this. An Arpege is very different to a Mac.
Simon Armitage
Sowenna 26M
Thanks to everyone for the comments.
Is it enough to use a trolling moter? I am way too cheap to buy something like a electric outboard.
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
I thought a trolling motor IS an electric outboard ???
Surely the main issue is how powerful it is. For fish trolling in a small boat, only a very low-power motor is required. The smallest of such might just be too low thrust to move a Mac against a bit of wind.
Minn Kota's web site has some useful info, including recommended thrust for a given boat weight. The rule of thumb seems to be 2%, e.g. 2lbs thrust for every 100lb boat weight. A 26M with ballast and stuff is going to be at least 4,000 lbs, so that means at least an 80lb thrust motor. Their mid-range motors go up to 80lb, and need 24V. Their highest thrust models go up to 120lb, but need 36V (3 big batteries!).
I doubt their basic 55lb 12V motor would be man enough.
You also need to make sure you can get a long enough shaft for the M transom height.
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Great information Rick!
I thought I would badge a mount for the motor. They have tiller extensions That might work as well. If I was a rich man, I would get a torqueedo.
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
I was pondering the same as I'm only about 1 hour away from Rutland. I called in on my way up north last summer to scope it out. I asked about the motor situation and they told me I would have to remove the engine before I would be allowed on. Not so bad for a 26D with a 15hp (just about lift it off my self) but maybe more of an issue taking one of an 'M' There was a 26X in the boat park (no engine on back) can't remember the name of her though.
I've had a bit of a look round at electric alternatives, but not found anything suitable in my price range as yet.
'89 Macgregor 26D: Getaway