[PCW] Hybrid powercats

[gram rupert]

I have thought about this for some time, as another advantage is that  
you virtually get a home by the sea with this solution. I have always  
had only two doubts: seaworthiness in something like a force 10, and  
13 metres waves like those off Ireland about a month ago, and getting  
out in the event of a capsize (is an escape hatch viable and necessary).
Don't want to statr a hullabuloo, but if anyone wants to take up  
these points.

Thanks for the interesting post,
Rupert.

On 16 Dec 2007, at 14:05, Pat Reischmann wrote:

> Kites, diesel electric, retractable drive units? Why? The circle is  
> spiraling,
> none of these alternatives are going to be able to cruise in the  
> teens or
> twenties, so they are as I see it, sailcat alternatives. Why not  
> just go to a
> sailcat? A well designed and built 45 ft sailcat, can motor at 10  
> knots and
> burn a couple of gallons an hour, and sail in the teens. Too hard?  
> Set it up
> with a freestanding mast, a single electric winch to run everything,
> self-tacking jib, and a nine year old child could sail it. Too  
> wide? shorten
> the rig, narrow the beam and it will still blow away any kite rig.  
> Frankly
> there is nothing more efficient on the water than a well designed  
> sailing cat
> hull form. The cost difference of the diesel hybrid's that are out  
> there
> Glacier, Solomon, compared to conventional small diesels and a  
> generator,
> would pay for five or more years of diesel fuel, the systems are  
> complicated,
> vunerable to lightning hits, and in most cases heavier, all the  
> while the
> diesel engines are just getting better and better (common rail,  
> electronic)
> etc. Worried about cost? Buy a used 40 ft. sailing cat for  
> 250-275k, don't
> want to sail?, Pull the rig out of it, add slightly bigger diesels  
> (50-75 hp)
> add a wedge or trim tab to the transom and cruise 10-12 knots and  
> burn three
> gallons per hour.
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