We got into a discussion of pods in another thread, not really an issue on most boats that would be chosen by owners here. However, it made me think about outboard trawlers. I know there have been some smaller ones such as Nimble, Atlas, Marozov, Seawolf and Aerocat. Then you can go to a Rosborough RIB.
The limitations at one time were hp although that long ago ceased to be an issue with the 80 hp fans and now really isn't for any sizes we normally talk about.
So what are the limitations today? Is it load with the weight of a displacement hull? Is it the fact they are gasoline fueled? Is it weight distribution? Is it loss of swim platform?
Seems to me that if I take a 36-50' boat and I hang 1, 2, or 3 outboards on the back instead of an inboard engine, that I've picked up a lot of internal space, I have reduced my draft problems, I have reduced repair costs and challenges. I'm not talking Nordhavn or KK replacements, but I'm certainly talking the typical person here doing coastal cruising and those taking the loop.
At one time you saw fishing boats for coastal use, largely inboard. You wouldn't have thought of a 42' Center Console with outboards, but much has changed. There is a 47' Intrepid. Sea Ray even has a 37' outboard, the Venture 370.
Metroship has 48' houseboats powered by outboards. Sailabration does/did go up to 65' with outboards and has built an 80' powered by outboards. Now those are still lighter and more bouyant than most of the boats here.
These aren't your grandfather's outboards. What is the practical limit?
Oh and for another use of outboards. Get home engines, although this might call for a diesel outboard for most boats. Mount it on the swim platform. There was a 65' flybridge yacht moved a few years ago from Florida to Texas with three 2.5 hp outboards. This was done by an owner wanting to get the boat back to Texas to make repairs.
I am not technical enough to have the answers, just to pose the question. Until a few months ago, I'd never owned an outboard in my life.
The limitations at one time were hp although that long ago ceased to be an issue with the 80 hp fans and now really isn't for any sizes we normally talk about.
So what are the limitations today? Is it load with the weight of a displacement hull? Is it the fact they are gasoline fueled? Is it weight distribution? Is it loss of swim platform?
Seems to me that if I take a 36-50' boat and I hang 1, 2, or 3 outboards on the back instead of an inboard engine, that I've picked up a lot of internal space, I have reduced my draft problems, I have reduced repair costs and challenges. I'm not talking Nordhavn or KK replacements, but I'm certainly talking the typical person here doing coastal cruising and those taking the loop.
At one time you saw fishing boats for coastal use, largely inboard. You wouldn't have thought of a 42' Center Console with outboards, but much has changed. There is a 47' Intrepid. Sea Ray even has a 37' outboard, the Venture 370.
Metroship has 48' houseboats powered by outboards. Sailabration does/did go up to 65' with outboards and has built an 80' powered by outboards. Now those are still lighter and more bouyant than most of the boats here.
These aren't your grandfather's outboards. What is the practical limit?
Oh and for another use of outboards. Get home engines, although this might call for a diesel outboard for most boats. Mount it on the swim platform. There was a 65' flybridge yacht moved a few years ago from Florida to Texas with three 2.5 hp outboards. This was done by an owner wanting to get the boat back to Texas to make repairs.
I am not technical enough to have the answers, just to pose the question. Until a few months ago, I'd never owned an outboard in my life.
Thanks for posting the link.
