Interesting sail-assist trawler

D

Doryman

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I ran across this trawler in a recent issue of Sea. What I find interesting is that it looks much like a generic trawler but apparently is set up to sail as well. I would not call it a motorsailer because I think of those as sailboats that have had motorboat enhancements added. I suppose you could call it a sailmotorboat but that is an awkward name. In any event, with the cost of fuel continuing to go up, hybrid boats like this are bound to become more popular. (Click on the photo for more info.)

Another interesting feature, which references back to another thread, is the feathering prop that can be used to adjust the load on the diesel.

Warren
 
Interesting design. The squatty sail plan shows that the emphasis is definitely on the motoring aspect. Having to tack the headsail around the pilothouse leads me to believe that the sail would have to be furled to tack. Certainly could work. I'd be inclined to consider it a sail-assist trawler. For long distances in areas with steady wind, it might be a solution for better mileage... establish a heading off the wind and then unfurl the sails.

Seems that when many sailor types are ready to give up their sailboats, it's for the ease of something like a trawler. Not sure if this rig gives that ease.

Back in the 70s, small sailboat makers came out of the woodwork as the country went through several "gas crisis". Maybe we're headed that direction again as the baby boomers are ready to take on retirement?

Thanks for the link.

Best wishes,
Jim
 
I think it's a beautiful boat, but agree with Jim about it's limited practicality as a motor sailer. Would like to know what Bob (Thataway) thinks about it.

The sailing rig would be useful on long passages only, IMHO.

Ironically, by the time most folks would be able to afford such a vessel (if ever), the agility required to work outside to manage the sails and rig may have largely passed one by, a saddening thought.

Moving onto a trawler, tug, or similar powerboat to slowly stretch out and enjoy your remaining years has an alluring call for aging sailors and powerboaters alike.

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
While it does have a window in the jib the sight lines would be significintly compromised. Also the visibility through those plastic windows isn't that good when they are new and it dosen't get any better.
Even though the hull has chines it is effectively rounded. This would yeild a low wetted surface making the hull easily driven. It would also be prone to rolling even in mild conditions requiring the use of paravanes or stabilizers, although the sails could help somewhat.
IMO a flush deck with the pilothouse aft would be more pratical. Michael Kasten has some intrigueing designs that fit this description.
The Renrgade 50 http://www.kastenmarine.com/renegade.htm is one.
Keep in mind this is only my humble and unbiased opinion.
 
Somehow there is an illusion that sailing is a free option compared to powering. Doing some pricing of sails, spars, sail hardware, shrouds and winches, all the sudden there is some money that could pay for a lot of fuel for a long time.

If sailing is the choice, then a sailboat is the way to go. If power is the choice, and economy is the issue, hey --- wait a minute --- ! We're already there: go light and leave the marble counter at home. Good thing we have the boats we do!

Dave
 
Wasn't there a C-Dory owner who was having an Allweather 26 built?

Sure would like to hear if he has the boat and how it has worked out.

Steve
 
I may be in the minority here, but I've always liked the Nimble designs. Granted their small trawlers aren't as pretty as their sailboats, but the Nimble Kodiak looks like a good solution for a small trailerable motorsailor. (especially the yawl)

www.nimbleboat.net
 
I agree that it is an interesting boat. Certainly sail assist category--it has about half the sail area my Cal 46, had, weight 10,000 lbs more, Twice as much fuel--and I suspect about the same speed under power (to be practical, with twice the fuel consumption). It is certainly not a sail boat--or even a 50 50 motor sailor (where the boat will achieve good speed under both sail and power). For example 8 knots under power and sail under moderate conditions.

I also agree with the weakness pointed out. Visability is certainly one. You also loose the shoal draft of a trawler--with over 5' 9"--and 18 foot beam--huge beam--more than the average trawler this size. (16 foot beam for the Nordhavn 47). I didn't see the price--but it has to be expensive. There are already some get home sail boats--but even Beebee didn't feel that Passagemaker had adequate sail area to be practical.

Interestingly Nordhavn North Atlantic Rally would not allow a Nordhavn 46 with the Ketch rig, to participate in the crossing, because they did not feel that the sail assist was an adequate back up/vs a 27 hp wing engine. (I don't agree with that decision--but a owner sold his Ketch and bought one with the wing engine just to do the Rally.)

Nordhavn has also come out with a "motor sailor"--it will sail better.
http://www.nordhavn.com/56/overview.php
The layout has been redone so it is much more practical than initially, but still is unusual, with the foreward cockpit--eating area and galley below decks, pretty much in a cave. (initially there was no seating area below. We like the galley up on deck, along with the eating area in any boat. Both our pilot house motorsailors had the galley and main dining table in the pilothouse--al la C Dory!
 
Tom -

FWIW:
A couple of years ago I looked at the Nimble Nomad on a trip to Maryland. On the same trip I looked at both the C- Dory and Arima at Cutter Marine. I recall my research indicated the Nimble boats were less seaworthy, and more suited to inland waters. I bought a C-Dory and have never had a second thought. :thup
 
Have you seen the large power kites used by the kite boarders? (A wake board towed by a kite.) I'm wondering about flying one of those on a downwind run back from the islands some time. I think the kites will generate some SERIOUS drive force. Maybe a couple hundred pounds or more.

A 10 hp engine pushing a boat 5 mph would equal 750 lbs thrust, for instance. If a guy could get a few hundred pounds out of a controllable rectangular kite/sail.......

You'd only be able to go pretty much downwind unless you added a leeboard and a rudder to be able to control the boat at some angle to the wind. Companies are working on kite ideas like this to reduce fuel consumption on large cargo ships and tankers.

(By the way, a 90 hp engine pushing a boat 30 mph would equal 1125 lbs thrust, as long as I'm tossing around calculations. The math is real easy if anyone's interested. The real life thrust would be somewhat less because you wouldn't get 90 hp into the water from the prop due to efficiency losses.)

Jeff
 
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