Date: 9/24/2007
Name: Mark Weinheimer
email: sailscanvas@pinelink.org
subject:motors and class rules
This has been a talking point for a while. The class rules do not speak to the issue but if you have a long shaft outboard on the bracket and tipped up, then in effect you are sailing a San Juan 24 or so. This means that on the racecourse your boat must be afforded a much wider clearance aft than a boat with no motor on the bracket. It might not seem like much but in light air close quarters racing 3 feet can be substantial. The other issue is your own turning swing. Since you have a fairly lethal piece of metal extending from your transom several feet, it is imperative that it be taken into consideration when you are keeping clear or manouvering in close quarters, such as a starting line. Along with this is the weight penalty of having the motor all the way aft on a light boat. In light air, stern squat can seriously affect boat speed and in a breeze could affect handling and helm balance. All in all I would put the motor down below - if it's too hard to handle on and off the bracket, it is probably too big. Also, most of the above could be a secondary consideration if you are not racing.
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