Hi Rusty, We're back to basic definition of the requirement:
Is the propulsion only used for getting in and out of a slip? Is it to be used for several miles of travel? Is it the only means of getting from A to B (many miles) when there is no wind and the tide is running against you? The solutions to the problem range from your idea of oars, to sculling, to a trolling motor to a "real" motor. The variables are: How far do you have to go? Calm waters? Do you have electricity for recharging the trolling motor battery after each use available at your slip? Oars should work nicely, provided you are out in open waters. If you are trying to get into a slip, the oar span will provide problems. A trolling motor is a nice solution: quiet; and enough power for an M15 - from what others have reported: but the distance you can travel is limited by battery size; and power drawn from the battery (no water skiing with an M15!). But with a trolling motor you need a means of recharging the battery. Is electricity available at your dock? Which gets us to the answer that most of us use, namely an outboard. A gallon of fuel will allow me to run under power almost all day. More fuel = more running time. No need to recharge batteries at remote anchorages: pull the cord and you have power as long as the fuel supply holds out. So we're back to the old tradeoff: just what are your operating requirements? .........and what is the best propulsion solution to meet the requirements? Decisions, decisions................. Connie _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
