[PUP] motor sailor

[rodgibbons@mindspring.com]

DISCLAIMER: the following written by a boat dealer --

For fully 2 years now, a South African manufacturer (name omitted; this isn't a promotion, just intriguing info), of a seemingly well-built, enclosed flybridge, 50' power cat (it's not a brand that I represent, but the boat looks pretty good, and seems solid -- like most S. African-built craft), has offered an optional "kite and winch." After fairly exensive seatrials and "fine-tunings" during these 2 years (and tuning a vessel in the ocean conditions off South Africa is a REAL tuning, make no mistake about that), the boat purportedly can cruise at 9 to 12 knots... UNDER KITE ALONE!!  

Imagine....unlike a motorsailer, no $35,000 expenditure for a mast, sails, standing and running rigging, deck blocks, tracks, etc. And none of the inconvenience, weight, or elevated-balance problems of a full sailing rig....yet, you could probably "kite" half the way, say, from Hawaii to the South Seas islands with: NO noise, NO fuel consumption. Just set the autopilot and man a watch. (I don't recall the cost of the winch and kite; but I'm gonna guess about $7K or $8K)

What I've been wondering for these past 2 years is why the major-brand cats that I DO represent haven't done ANY research into this kite/winch option. It makes me guess there may be drawbacks I've simply not heard/though about. (Easy setting & retrieving being the first one that comes to mind.)

I'm wondering if a kite/winch rig could work with a monohull cruising boat?....oh, wait, I forgot. 
There's that pesky heeling problem with ALL "monomarans" using wind power....Never mind. (grin)

Rod Gibbons
(Obviously)...a catamaran dealer.
Cruising Cats USA
Seattle - Portland - SF Bay - Hawaii