In case others are considering using a trolling motor with their N16...
On Sept 14, I evaluated an electric trolling motor as alternate propulsion in case the wind is too weak, too strong, or the mast breaks.? The motor's seller claims 55 pounds thrust without saying what boat speed is associated with that number.? I measured thrust using a spring scale at the dock: 46 pounds.? Power consumption was 23 A at 25.4 V from 4 14Ah LFP batteries in series-parallel.? That's 584 W = 0.78 HP.? The motor propulsion was sufficient to maneuver the boat around the dock with very low wind.? It was also able to maintain headway in approximately 5 knots headwind with sails hoisted and flapping, sheets loose.? I doubt it would have enough power to be of any use if the wind was at 10 knots.? I bought an 86 pound thrust version of the same motor and hope to try it later this week.
I have used a 4 hp 2 cycle Evinrude on this boat before, but it has a leak in the carburetor that I haven't fixed yet.
Cheers,
Halden
