[PUP] Diesel electric

[Scott E. Bulger]

While there are lots of stories about people coming home on a wing engine, I
think a net is likely to foul both props.  Like it or not there is risk in
all this, it's about managing that risk.  A way to go over the side and cut
the net free is probably as important as a wing.  On our Nordhavn it's not a
Get Home engine, it's a Get Someplace engine, as you would be hard pressed
to make steerage against a headsea.  On the other hand, if that Get
Someplace engine got me someplace I'd be singing the praises of it to the
ends of the earth!  

Seems like the system I'd employ (if I had the time and energy to design
these things from the ground up) would be a primary engine and a genset that
can be put into service as an alternative form or turning the main wheel.
In the event you foul the main wheel it would be really cool to be able to
turn a second shaft, but I wouldn't go through more than about $10 grand to
add this capability.  All those fishing boats have single wheels and they
are in net strewn waters more than we are.   Just my humble opinion!

On the other hand, seems to me Alan's custom trawler has twin keels, perhaps
that's the real answer?  Oh God, here we go, the twins vs single discussion!
It never ends.  Thinking again, it may have been twin keels with a single
wheel?  Not sure, Alan, care to comment?

Scott Bulger, Alanui, N40II, Seattle WA
Currently at 5000 ft in Oaxaca MX