Auxiliary outboard on F26

Geoff_Harwood · 2021-02-10 12:57:55

I’m a new F26 owner and would like to know if anyone has successfully fitted an auxiliary outboard. My boat ‘Louise’ has a stainless steel mounting for a wind vane, but my local engineer says that it will only take a 2.5 outboard, which will be too small.
I have designed a slidable mount to enable the engine to be lowered into position vertically but am wary about proceeding until I have an indication that it will work.

John_Burns · 2021-02-10 16:28:06

No disrespect meant but .......
Doesn't LOUISE have a fairly new BETA? I could be wrong here!?
They rarely fail if they're serviced & fed clean fuel.
You may not need a spare engine and you have sails for back-up.
It's not going to look very nice on a classic boat.

Gerry

Ken_Davidson · 2021-02-11 11:39:10

I am sure it will work but I agree witH Gerry. Small diesels are very reliable if looked after and even when abused come to that. I suppose the question is why would you feel the need for an auxiliary engine. Even if yours failed I am sure you could get a tow far easier than fitting your outboard. Just a thought. By the way I have seen Louise many times at Eastbourne and I am deeply in love with the frame. Ken

Jonathan_Hopper · 2021-02-11 12:53:22

Agreed with above. The Beta is a reliable engine. Mine is about the same age as the one on Louise and has never missed a beat, and never failed to start. For me, sails + engine giving 2 independent means of propulsion is enough.

A 2.5hp will push a yacht in flat conditions. However, your emergency plan might be better used from a dinghy, if needed.

The Windpilot bracket on Louise is set fairly high, and sliding say a 25kg+ outboard plus thrust down it will generate rather more force than at present, and in a way which it wasn't really designed for.

You may find enjoyment through using the Pacific Light - an excellent wind vane.

Geoff_Harwood · 2021-02-14 13:16:25

Thanks for the replies, but I didn’t explain myself fully. Previous experience of long keels was that reversing astern out of a tight space was, at best, uncertain especially into a side wind. My thought is that a small outboard could be used as a stern thruster. It would need to be remote controlled.
I agree there’s no problem with the Beta inboard but I tend to only use the engine for manoeuvring and the added value of the stern thrust would be comforting.
Time will tell as so far I have only been able to take two short trips in Louise and I’m itching to get going.
I am also looking into a windvane steering system, but that would mean doing without the outboard, too much stuff on the stern! I’m awaiting a quote from Sea Feather and have a price from Windpilot, but has anyone seen the home made version by Wave Rover, which looks handy as there are no control lines and the trim tab is attached to the trailing edge of the rudder, out of harms way.
I will be sailing Louise from Newhaven to Langston around Easter so I will get to grip with the handling and be in a better position to decide a course of action.

Jonathan_Hopper · 2021-02-14 19:57:42

Ah. Interesting idea. I remember many years ago manoeuvring my then Sonata in Sixhaven marina, absolutely crammed with boats, and the ability to swivel the outboard was outstanding. Fortunately the outboard was reasonably near on a boat like that, so could be turned really easily - I would imagine on a Frances it might be too far away, once the prop is well in the water - but like the idea.

For a long keeled boat I think she is is not as hard to manoeuver as some other long keelers. The Beta makes it easier than the original Yanmar (especially the higher prop speed in reverse) - and filling in the cut out in the rudder also makes a difference. That said, steering astern is still a lottery, and is often best done with squirts of forward - but at least there is plenty of rudder behind the prop, unlike some makes.

You probably know already - the bracket you have was designed specifically with the Pacific Light in mind, which Louise used to wear - Peter at Windpilot probably has records from the time. Presumably it is not sitting in a previous owner's shed? No doubt the bracket can be used for other makes as well. Mine is a Sea Feather, but came with it's own brackets, but my version is very different from the ones he makes now.

By Wave Rover do you mean Alan and his Contessa 26? I recently came across his Youtube videos which look interesting - he seems to think the self steering works well. Would be interested in knowing more about it.

Edit. - there is a V26 with a bow thruster - Shikara.

Last edited by Jonathan_Hopper (2021-02-14 22:56:09)

Hugo_Motamelo · 2021-02-16 21:26:39

Dear Geoff,

If you want an outbord as a stern thruster maybe an electric one would do the job; the engine head is a lot smaller, does not pollute and a lot easier to start.

Geoff_Harwood · 2021-02-17 20:10:15

Hi Hugo
Yes I have looked at electric outboards as an alternative but the smaller ones are generally not available with remote controls, which I will need. The engine will need to be on a sliding bracket as the drop to water level is 90cm meaning it will be unreachable for direct control. So I’ll keep searching.

Geoff

#1 2021-02-10 12:57:55

Auxiliary outboard on F26

#2 2021-02-10 16:28:06

Re: Auxiliary outboard on F26

#3 2021-02-11 11:39:10

Re: Auxiliary outboard on F26

#4 2021-02-11 12:53:22

Re: Auxiliary outboard on F26

#5 2021-02-14 13:16:25

Re: Auxiliary outboard on F26

#6 2021-02-14 19:57:42

Re: Auxiliary outboard on F26

#7 2021-02-16 21:26:39

Re: Auxiliary outboard on F26

#8 2021-02-17 20:10:15

Re: Auxiliary outboard on F26

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