Need recommendations for an electric motor (thrust power)

[Moe]

Richard, I had some grandiose mods planned for the Capri 18 when we first got it. But after using it one season, they seem like only more unnecessary money, work, complexity and weight added to the boat. The things that worked best were the inexpensive, simple things.

One I'm REALLY glad we put off was a Saturn compass planned to go in a companionway bulkhead. I'd forgotten how much we used those spots for backrests when lounging in the cockpit. I suspect I'll wind up putting it in a drop board for the companionway, if we use it at all. For now, we're just using an automotive compass suction-cupped to the cabin overhead.

We already knew from the 26X how great the Hella fans were on a hot night, so we're glad we installed them before the season. Same with the pressure water system. I'd planned to build a galley in the v-berth area, but we've found just using the cockpit is better and keeps heat out of the cabin. So we just keep a potable water hose and multi-pattern garden sprayer in the cockpit locker.

The mods and equipment that did work are here.

--
Moe

[mikelinmon]

Wow, that has been the best most informative forum I have ever seen! Will you guys take a job writing my messages for me? I have long contimplated electric for my 26D race boat, now using a Honda 2. Honda 2 is the best small motor made. (and I am an Evinrude dealer!) And I don't generally like Honda, but if you want a good product, get the Honda 2! I'll just forget about electric now and now we know why the bass fishermen use a separate batt for the trolling motor.
Mike Inmon

[walt]

If you get a small gas outboard with an internal tank, make sure you also figure out a good way to fill the tank out on the water when your leaned out over the transom and the boat is rocking wildly - ie, worst case condiions. Its "somewhat" of a bad idea to spill a bunch of gas into the lake/ocean...

Or, look for a small motor with an external tank

[cnorton]

I have a 55lb trolling motor for my V17. It moves the boat fine and will go about 4 hours on a maxx 29 marine battery. However, previous poster is correct about fighting any kind of serious headwind. I would not venture more than an hours or so distance from the dock. My wife wisely made me buy a back up battery, and I use it to power my nav lights, etc. I had to use it once, when I motored around too much on a windless day, and couldn't make it all the way back when the wind finally started blowing, in my face. Lesson for me.. the motor is to get you to your sailing area, and back to the dock, NOT for "powersailing"