<<As a cruiser I don't want another "thing" to be managed on
every shunt.>>
I share the desire to have as little to do on each shunt as
possible.
My goal is to get as close to a monohull with a self-tacking jib as
possible. While I love white-knuckle sailing on a multi, and always
want to retain that option, more than half the time I want to be able
to sail with my feet up, cold drink in hand, and maybe mess with a
sheet or two (but no winches).
I'm fine with pulling an easyrig around to the next
position, especially if I can use a two-block and avoid winches. While
I'd rather have symmetric rudders and a single
tiller/whipstaff, I could probably adjust to spinning the wheel 180
degrees.
My biggest problem so far is in having to get up an sit on the
opposite side of the cockpit. Call me lazy. It's true. I love to
lazy sail when I'm not going fast. I'm still working on this problem.
In any case, messing with a leeboard on each shunt would be one task
too many. The only way I could see it working is if it were a single
symmetric retractable daggerboard build into an external trunk that
kicks up without damaging the boat. Kind of like the existing
hull-mounted rudders, but without the need to turn. But I don't know
if that's possible.
---
Hydro experts: would it be possible to go to symmetric rudders if a
lot of the lee force is taken by a keel or daggerboard? Is it possible
for a single symmetric daggerboard to provide the leeway resistance
without having to be adjusted on each shunt?
- Mike
jjtctaylor wrote:
I have considered the same thing. Can't find anything retractable that I
would consider a long term propulsion rated device. Thus a permanent
sail drive install of either electrical or diesel inboard have survived
sufficient test of time. But we agree minikeel essential to protect the drive
leg while addressing the leeway issue and rudder control.
Electrical is nice as it could be applied in a mode to regen the battery bank,
or run with very modest thrust as a motorsail. Motorsail is the method most
commonly applied by electric propulsion as it takes some of the surge out of
the puffs and minimizes the full drag impact of the prop. Also nice is electric
is down ready to go with no warm up. Crisis knocks and the aux is
prepared to move you, now!
But diesel would be OK too.
Not sure the retract functionality is worth the cost or complexity.
The necessity for leeway control does make the prospect for permanent
propulsion within the lee hull more appealing. Agree too with the
analysis that CLR is moving around needs to be better localized at all
points of sail. AS a cruiser I don't want another "thing" to be managed on
every shunt.
Now option #3 is saildrive for main aux, AND retractable electric bow thruster for
maneuver, like swing thruster and others. Prices have dropped on those due
to competition. Then you can really have some fun.
JT
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