mark56

Mark56,

 

I'm interested in the set up on your main. Do you have a stop in the luff groove of the mast to keep the slides from coming out when you lower the sail? As I recall, the feeder slot is kind of high up. Did you have to get your sail cover modified? Do you have slides on the foot of the sail too?

 

Is the new reef point below the standard reef point? How far above the boom?

 

Thanks,

 

Bob

Yes, there is a "stop" in the luff groove to keep the slides from coming out. My sail cover came with my boat and I am not sure if it is sized differently than the "stock" cover. Yes, there are slides on the foot. My sail only has one reef point so I guess it is at the standard height. My previous sail had no reef point at all.

Re: Torqeedo

I use it on Lake Washington in mostly calm conditions. The Torqeedo website has all the specs: www.torqeedo.com

At half throttle, it can run for about 3 hours. It needs overnight to charge a battery. You can leave the battery connected

to the charger. Choppy conditions are no problem in a boat the size of the J22.

Mark56,

 

I have a Honda 2 HP 4-cycle, and while it has many advantages (28 lbs., air-cooled), there are two big disadvantages. First, "neutral" consists of a centrifugal clutch, which disengages at low rpm's. When you start the motor, you immediately move forward - not a good thing in the slip - and it can precipitate an inconvenient stall. Second, "reverse" consists of rotating the engine 180 degrees - frequently an awkward move.

 

What kind of conditions do you typically sail/motor in?

I am on Lake Washington. I motor in and out of the marina and have been out in some medium rough conditions. Never had a problem with power with the Torqeedo. I would say that it was pretty close to the 4hp Yamaha that I had.

I had the same Honda 2hp 4 cycle on a U20. It was a good reliable motor but it was a hassle to flip it around for reverse.

Torqeedo 1003 Outboard:

I have the long shaft model. It weighs with the battery 30lbs. It moves the boat along very well and if I avoid full throttle, I can get a couple of hours of run time out of a battery. The battery weighs 10 lbs and by removing one pin and a cable, it pops off the motor. This way I can lift the motor(20lbs) off the transom mount and store it down below in the cabin. Most of the time, I just tilt it up and leave it on the mount.

I have had all sorts of outboards: Honda 5hp, Yamaha 4hp and the air cooled Honda 2hp. For docking and motoring around the marina, the electric outboard is in a class of its own: instant start up and reversing is easy. I just got tired of having an outboard stall out when going into reverse while approaching a slip. Plus, having no gasoline on board is a definite plus.

Downside? People say they are too expensive and they do cost $2000. This is maybe $500 to $800 more than a small outboard. For me while alone on the boat, the peace of mind is well worth the extra money.

Some of things I have done for single handling and day sailing:

1. added a reef point to the main( on slides and very easy to handle);

2. added a bow pulpit;

3. installed a Raymarine ST1000 tiller autopilot;

4. added a AGM battery, small fuse panel and battery switch;

5. added navigation lights and cabin light(all led);

6. ditched the heavy and unreliable outboard for a Torqeedo 1003 outboard.

I thought about a roller furler but the jib is pretty small and easy to handle as it is. I can hank it on at the dock and lower it by going forward and containing it with a line within the bow pulpit.

The autopilot and the electric outboard really make all the difference in the world. Docking into a slip with the electric outboard is a pleasure. The autopilot just makes everything easier.

I would like to keep this discussion alive. I am always on the lookout for additions to the boat for safe single handling. Plus, it would be nice to see this forum become a little more active.