T&T: sails on trawlers

[Robert STRAGHAN]

l am the first Diesel Duck 462 to be fitted with a 48' motorsailor rig. 
Roller furling on both jib and mailsail, with all sheets leading to the 
cockpit. Mainsail is a loose footed design that does not use a boom - this 
is designed by Bill Kimley at Seahorse and frankly I am still pondering if a 
boom would be better but willing to give Bills design a try.

Boat will be finished around Aug so performance is unknown. Mast position 
has been moved forward near the front of the pilothouse roof per the smaller 
"balanced rig" design shown on the Seahorse site.

Cost was the same as paravanes and the hope is that the sails will provide 
decent stabalisation. Wind is not free after all and the ongoing cost will 
be higher than the vanes. I have had paravanes before and found them to be a 
difficult to deploy, dangerous, and a PITA. It reamins to be seen if the 
sails are a practical alternative, but the hull is rigged for paravanes just 
in case. In the interim, I will use the hull paravane rigging for barn door 
style anchor stabalisers on  whisker poles.

I expect to operate in engine always ticking over mode for reasons 
articulated by Larry. Logic for going for the bigger rig was entertainment 
factor, fuel savings, and stabalisation.

Time will tell if this was a good decision, but I remain hopeful

Robert Straghan
Awaiting Diesel Duck 462 - "Mo Chuisle"

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