Sailing with 2 engines in a SAILBOAT ....how is it?

[Ibetitsthisway]

I know there is quite some Informationen to be found online about the pros n cons of 2 engines in a boat.

I know it is not needed. Feel of security is false if not all Systems are seperated.

I know about disadvantages of eficiency... prop drag etc.

mostly These are motorboats with steadying sails...

But there are some which are real sailboats... reinkes...feltz..
They have two engines...unprotected right and left of a long keel ...or within the 2 kimkeels....

My concern is...how does that sail?
Does one feel a Big difference to a Single engine with larger prop?

Actually most seller point out better maneuverability ...but i dont care.
I have no issues with mooring a Standard sailboat.

So...are two engines only Marketing for the inexperienced...or is it a real advantage if done with all due consequences?
And van still sails fairly well for a steel ship?

[atoll]

Originally Posted by Ibetitsthisway

I know there is quite some Informationen to be found online about the pros n cons of 2 engines in a boat.

I know it is not needed. Feel of security is false if not all Systems are seperated.

I know about disadvantages of eficiency... prop drag etc.

mostly These are motorboats with steadying sails...

But there are some which are real sailboats... reinkes...feltz..
They have two engines...unprotected right and left of a long keel ...or within the 2 kimkeels....

My concern is...how does that sail?
Does one feel a Big difference to a Single engine with larger prop?

Actually most seller point out better maneuverability ...but i dont care.
I have no issues with mooring a Standard sailboat.

So...are two engines only Marketing for the inexperienced...or is it a real advantage if done with all due consequences?
And van still sails fairly well for a steel ship?

the main consideration is that they have feathering props otherwise with fixed props there is a lot of drag which reduces sailing performance.

one benefit is for motorsailing and fuel consumption
for example the vessel next to me has 2 x 80hp engines instead of 1x 150 horsepower,when motorsailing in light winds he only runs one engine,almost halving his fuel consumption.

comparing motoring into strong winds with a small prop as yachts have,having 2 small props gives the boat a lot more push

twin engines also give a degree of security should one breakdown.

reversing a full keel yacht is also easier with twin engines as is getting off a dock,using one in forward and one in reverse to walk the stern off a dock or vice versa forward without a bow thruster.

i'm sure there are other good reasons for twin engines,hope this helps

[a64pilot]

I’d argue the fuel consumption, yes extracting say 50 HP from a single 80 HP motor will be more efficient than extracting 50 HP from a 150 HP motor, but not by much, and I’d bet money the difference is more than offset from the other dead prop and “stuff” hanging down in the water, even if it’s feathering.
However with twin engines, if you run them one at a time then you can of course cut the hours of each one in half, but when the day comes you get to overhaul or replace two also.
Main difference I see is having a back up motor if one fails.

[Ibetitsthisway]

Hi guys...

Year... i am aware of all that...but what about sailing..

Like.... difference in sailing Behavior compared to a Center engine ... steering under sail... upwind Performance...

Look at this boat for example:
I could imagine that it will Sail much better upwind if only the lee side engine would push it higher into the wind?

Nonsense?

Www.sy-isly.com

[toolbar]

If you care about sailing performace, why are you looking at Reinkes or Feltzes at all? Probably good boats, but once you go that route, you have given up on sailing performance.

Paul

[Ibetitsthisway]

Looking for the sweetspot compromise between long keel steel ketch with outmost best and safest heavy Weather Behaviorfor Trips into ice and all that with all day comfort and a tight budget makes me See some Strange custom boats. Cool Stuff...but offen so that i cant judge Performance in any way. Testsailing is also costly so i try to eliminate some candidate before Hand.

[valhalla360]

Another advantage while motor sailing is you can choose the engine to run based on the tack. Rather than turning the rudder a little more to keep the boat turned up towards the wind...and thus wasting energy pushing a turned rudder thru the water, the prop thrust will give a similar turning effect.

If you have a huge emphasis on sailing performance, you will be better off looking at boats that are designed for sailing performance.

[sailingchiro]

I have used one engine to get a better angle on the wind if I was pinching too close. Don't know if it helps but still do it.

[Stewie12]

A sailboat is meant to do just that - sail with the wind. Engines add weight and that cuts sailing performance. The best sail boat I even had was a 25 footer with a well for an outboard. With less weight and drag it could sail through the eye of the wind and I seldom used the outboard, as being without it honed my sailing capabilities. With no engine to maintain or fuel to carry sailing was a delight and the work load way less.

[hzcruiser]

Originally Posted by Ibetitsthisway

Hi guys...

Year... i am aware of all that...but what about sailing..

[...]

Look at this boat for example:
[...]
Www.sy-isly.com

ISLY certainly looks like a beautiful motor sailor, if that's what you're after?

Keep in mind: In many places like the Med and the Pacific North West there are seasons with very little to no wind, hence such a boat could fit the bill perfectly.