Motorsailers: The Best of Sail and Power Combined
Motorsailers, the remarkable hybrid vessels that seamlessly blend sail and power capabilities, offer a world of possibilities for boating enthusiasts. In this article, we will delve into the reliability of motorsailer engines, their shorter draft design, the factors that impact their sailing performance, and the considerations regarding maintenance and upkeep. Additionally, we will highlight the benefits of motorsailers for long-distance cruising, particularly in coastal ocean areas.
Motorsailer Engine Reliability
One of the key advantages of motorsailers lies in the reliability of their engines. Traditional sailboats rely solely, more or less, on sails for propulsion. Motorsailers feature robust and efficient engines that provide reliable power when sailing conditions are unfavorable or when precise maneuvering is required. Motorsailers typically have larger engines and horsepower, similar to what you might see in a powerboat.
This combination of sail and power allows motorsailers to navigate safely through calms, currents, or challenging passages. The engines in motorsailers are purposefully designed to be dependable. They often incorporate marine-grade components and systems that are built to withstand the demands of extended voyages and long-distance cruising.
Motorsailers Small Draft
Motorsailers stand out due to their smaller draft design. This enables access to shallow and remote areas that are off-limits to many other boats. This design feature allows motorsailers to explore coastal regions, including idyllic coves, hidden bays, and secluded islands that are rich in natural beauty.
By drawing less water, motorsailers can venture into shallow anchorages and navigate close to shorelines, enhancing the freedom and flexibility of coastal exploration.
Motorsailer Sailing Performance
it’s important to acknowledge that motorsailers may not match the pure sailing capabilities and performance of dedicated sailboats. Several factors contribute to this distinction. Firstly, motorsailers tend to have heavier displacement due to their robust construction, which can impact their upwind performance and overall speed under sail. The weight and design of motorsailers are optimized for the combined sail and power capabilities. This results in a compromise compared to specialized sailing vessels.
The sail area and rigging of motorsailers are typically designed to complement the vessel’s power characteristics, rather than being purely optimized for sailing performance. While motorsailers can still sail effectively and harness the wind efficiently, they may not provide the same level of speed or agility as dedicated sailboats. This consideration is essential for those seeking competitive racing or the adrenaline rush of high-speed sailing.
Motorsailer Means Double the Maintenance?
Additionally, the dual nature of motorsailers—incorporating both sail and power systems—implies double the maintenance and upkeep compared to single-purpose boats. Motorsailers require periodic maintenance and servicing of their engines, propulsion systems, and rigging. The presence of two distinct systems adds complexity to routine checks. Although, this can be mitigated through regular inspections, maintenance schedules, and partnering with experienced marine professionals.
Motorsailers and Long-Distance Cruising
Motorsailers are particularly well-suited for long-distance cruising in coastal ocean areas. Their versatile nature allows sailors to enjoy extended voyages with the efficiency and eco-friendliness of sailing. When favorable winds prevail, motorsailers can hoist their sails and harness the power of nature. This reduces fuel consumption and provides a serene and eco-conscious experience.
This is especially advantageous in coastal ocean areas, where reliable winds are often available for extended periods. In the absence of favorable sailing conditions, the reliable engines of motorsailers ensure that progress can be made. Thus enabling the vessel to reach its destination safely and efficiently.
Top Motorsailers on the Market:
Nordhavn is a renowned brand known for its exceptional motorsailers and trawler yachts. They offer a range of motorsailers that combine the best features of sail and power, providing comfortable and reliable vessels for long-distance cruising. Nordhavn motorsailers are built with robust construction, luxurious interiors, and efficient power systems. This makes Nordhavn a popular choice among boating enthusiasts who value both sail and power capabilities.
Nauticat motorsailers are a pinnacle of elegance, craftsmanship, and performance. With a rich heritage and meticulous attention to detail, these Finnish-built vessels showcase the perfect marriage of traditional aesthetics and modern technology.
Nauticat motorsailers excel in both sailing and power capabilities. Nauticat motorsailers offer exhilarating sailing experiences and reliable engines for when the winds are calm or maneuvering is required. The spacious and luxurious interiors provide a comfortable living space for extended voyages, while customizable options allow owners to create a personalized onboard sanctuary. With a commitment to excellence and a legacy of quality, Nauticat motorsailers continue to captivate sailors with their timeless beauty and exceptional seafaring abilities.
Fisher motorsailers embody the spirit of adventure and ruggedness. They are designed to conquer both the open sea and challenging coastal waters. Renowned for their distinctive pilothouse design and robust construction, Fisher motorsailers have become synonymous with strength and reliability. Built with seafaring capabilities in mind, these vessels are well-suited for long-distance cruising and offshore passages.
With their raised pilothouse providing excellent visibility and shelter, Fisher motorsailers allow for comfortable and confident navigation in various weather conditions. The spacious and practical interiors offer a cozy and functional living space, catering to the needs of adventurous sailors who appreciate a blend of power and sail. Whether navigating remote coastlines or embarking on extended voyages, Fisher motorsailers are a trusted companion, ready to withstand the elements and provide unforgettable seafaring experiences.
Conclusion:
Motorsailers offer a unique and versatile boating experience, combining the advantages of both sail and power systems. Their reliable engines, shorter draft design, and versatility make them ideal for long-distance cruising, particularly in coastal ocean areas. While their sailing performance may not match that of dedicated sailboats, motorsailers compensate with their ability to access shallow areas and their efficient utilization of wind power. By understanding the distinct characteristics and considerations of motorsailers, boating enthusiasts can embrace the best of both worlds and embark on unforgettable adventures on the water.
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The History of the S.S. Pomona: Porthole to the Present
The Fisher 34 Motorsailer
The Fisher 34 is a classic motor-sailer that combines the best of both worlds: a powerful engine and a spacious wheelhouse for comfortable cruising, and a well-balanced sail plan and a sturdy hull for sailing performance.
The boat was designed by Wyatt and Freeman, inspired by the Colin Archer fishing boats of Norway, and built by various companies in the UK since 1978. The Fisher 34 has a loyal following of owners and admirers who appreciate its timeless design, comfort and rugged sea-keeping abilities.
Published Specification for the Fisher 34
Underwater Profile: Long keel
Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)
Length Overall: 34'1" (10.4m)
Waterline Length: 29'10" (9.1m)
Beam: 11'0" (3.4m)
Draft: 4'10" (1.5m)
Rig Type: Ketch
Displacement: 25,759lb (11,684kg)
Designer: Wyatt & Freeman
Builder: Northshore Ltd (UK)
Year First Built: 1978
Year Last Built: still in production
Owners Association: www. fisherowners .org
Published Design Ratios for the Fisher 34
1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 11.6
2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 41.3
3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 433
4. Comfort Ratio: 52.5
5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.49
read more about these all-revealing numbers...
Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Fisher 34
1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of just 11.6 suggests that the Fisher 34 will need a stiff breeze to get her going. In light conditions motor-sailing will be the only way to go.
2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 41.3 means that the Fisher 34 will stand up well to her canvas in a blow, helping her to power through the waves.
3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 433, tells us the Fisher 34 is firmly in the ultra-heavy displacement category. Load her up as much as you like and her performance will be hardly affected, not that it was ever startling. Few if any sailboats are built to this displacement category these days - but they remain popular with some long-distance sailors.
4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 52.5 suggests that crew comfort of a Fisher 34 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of an extremely heavy bluewater boat - and that's as comfortable as life ever gets on a sailing boat!
5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.49 tells us that a Fisher 34 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0.
Any Questions?
Is the Fisher 34 still in production and, if not, when did production end and how many of these sailboats were built?
The Fisher 34 is no longer in production. The last Fisher 34 was built in 2010 by Northshore Yachts. According to the Fisher Owners Association, there were 211 Fisher 34s built between 1978 and 2010.
What is the history of the builders of the Fisher 34 and is the company still in business?
The Fisher 34 was originally built by Fairways Marine, which later became Fisher Yachts International. In 1988, Fisher Yachts International went into receivership and the moulds were acquired by Northshore Yachts, which continued to build the Fisher range until 2010. Northshore Yachts also went into administration in 2013 and was taken over by Discovery Yachts Group, which currently owns the rights to the Fisher brand but does not produce any new boats.
What sailplan and rig options are available for the Fisher 34?
The Fisher 34 has two main sailplan options: a ketch rig with a mizzen mast and sail, or a sloop rig with a single mast and a larger mainsail. The ketch rig offers more flexibility and balance in different wind conditions, while the sloop rig is simpler and faster. Both rigs have a furling genoa as the headsail. Some owners have also added a staysail or a spinnaker to their boats for extra performance.
What is the Fisher 34 like to sail?
The Fisher 34 is a heavy displacement boat that sails well in moderate to strong winds. It has a good motion in waves and can handle rough seas. It is not very fast or agile, but it is steady and reliable. It can be sailed from either the cockpit or the wheelhouse, depending on the weather and preference. The wheelhouse offers excellent visibility and protection from the elements, while the cockpit gives more feel of the wind and water.
What other sailboats have been created by the designer of the Fisher 34?
Wyatt and Freeman are the naval architects behind the entire Fisher range of motor-sailers, which includes the models 25, 30, 31, 32, 37, 38, and 46. They also designed other boats such as the Freeward 25, Freeman 33 Ketch Cruiser, Wyatt Wren Mk II, Freeman Starclass Ketch Cruiser, Freeman Starclass Sloop Cruiser, Wyatt Wren Mk III Sloop Cruiser.
How does the Fisher 34 compare to other motor-sailers on the market?
The Fisher 34 is one of the most popular and well-known motor-sailers in its size range. It has a distinctive style that appeals to many sailors who value tradition and comfort. It competes with other motor-sailers such as the Nauticat 33, the LM 32, the Colvic Watson 28, the Westerly Konsort Duo, and the Moody 34. The Fisher 34 has a larger wheelhouse and a higher freeboard than most of its rivals, which gives it more space and protection, but also more windage and weight. The Fisher 34 also has a better sailing performance than some of its competitors, especially in the sloop version.
The above answers were drafted by sailboat-cruising.com using GPT-4 (OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model) as a research assistant to develop source material; to the best of our knowledge, we believe them to be accurate.
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Designed and assembled by a wide variety of yacht makers, there are currently 285 motorsailer yachts for sale on YachtWorld, with 40 new vessels for sale, and 245 used and custom yachts listed. These vessels are all listed by professional yacht brokerages and new boat dealers, mainly in the following countries: United States, Turkey, France ...
These sailboats have a minimum total sail area of 330 square feet, a maximum total sail area of 1,862 square feet and an average of 477 square feet. Boat Trader currently has 63 motorsailer sailboats for sale, including 3 new vessels and 60 used and custom yachts listed by both private sellers and professional dealerships mainly in United States.
Motorsailer (Sail) Ideal for overnight cruising and day sailing these Motorsailer (Sail) boats vary in length from 24ft to 130ft and can carry 5 to 48 passengers. There are a wide range of Motorsailer (Sail) boats for sale from popular brands like Lagoon, Nauticat and MacGregor with 91 new and 482 used and an average price of $112,944 with ...
Find Sail Motorsailer boats for sale in United States. Offering the best selection of boats to choose from. ... 1986 LM LM 32 Motor Sailer. US$19,900. CenterPointe Yacht Sales | Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Request Info; Sponsored Boats | related to your search. 1973 Fisher 30 Pilothouse. US$39,500. NW Yachtnet - Olympia | Olympia, Washington.
Of the 94 motorsailer boats for sale on YachtWorld currently, there are 21 new vessels and 73 used and custom yachts listed by professional yacht brokers mainly in the following countries: United States, France, Spain, Turkey and Greece. During the preceding 30 days, YachtWorld has registered the listing of 7 motorsailer boats available for ...
Unlike the modern sailing yachts where the main driving force is the sails and the engine plays an auxiliary role, motorsailers are a type of recreational boat where both the engine and the sail are equally important and the ease of use of both is also roughly equal. Fans of this vessel type note the high reliability of motorsailers. Many cruising yachtsmen believe that a motorsailer is the ...
As a motor sailer the Colvic Watson 29 has all the credentials required. A tough, heavy-displacement sailing boat for passage making, yet a versatile and stable motor-sailer. Add in a deep, safe cockpit and roomy wheelhouse, protected from the weather, and you have a genuinely go-almost-anywhere boat. This particular example is a bit special.
Motorsailer Engine Reliability. One of the key advantages of motorsailers lies in the reliability of their engines. Traditional sailboats rely solely, more or less, on sails for propulsion. Motorsailers feature robust and efficient engines that provide reliable power when sailing conditions are unfavorable or when precise maneuvering is required.
Motorsailer (sail) sail boats for sale 569 Boats Available. Currency $ - USD - US Dollar Sort Sort Order List View Gallery View Submit. Advertisement. Save This Boat. Marine Trader 40 Island Trader . Culebra, United States. 1987. $32,000 Seller Pop 80. Contact. 941-265-2874. ×. New Arrival. Save This Boat. Perini Navi 47M SLOOP ...
Motorsailer boats. A motorsailer is a vessel that has two different ways of powering itself: with an engine or with sails. Motorsailer yachts are large, sailing vessels frequently used for time-honored endeavors such as overnight cruising and day sailing. These sailing vessels have a rich legacy as vessels that are sought-after due to their ...
The Fisher 34 is a classic motor-sailer that combines the best of both worlds: a powerful engine and a spacious wheelhouse for comfortable cruising, and a well-balanced sail plan and a sturdy hull for sailing performance. The boat was designed by Wyatt and Freeman, inspired by the Colin Archer fishing boats of Norway, and built by various ...
2005 MacGregor Macgregor 26m Sl. $21,000. Cumming, GA 30040 | Private Seller. <. 1. >. Find motorsailer sailboats for sale near you by owner, including boat prices, photos, and more. Locate boat dealers and find your boat at Boat Trader!
December 22, 2014. Mention the word motor sailer and many people will instantly think of the long-running Fisher range of solidly built long keel designs inspired by traditional Scottish sailing fishing boats. However, while there were some of the most popular and distinctive models, the term can be applied to a wide range of craft.
The various Motorsailers (sailboats) we have for sale on Youboat are listed for a variety of prices, ranging from £5,888 to £4,046,962. Find Sail Motorsailers (sailboats) boats for sale in your area & across the world on Youboat. Offering the best selection of boats to choose from.
2025 Lagoon Lagoon 51. * Price displayed is based on today's currency conversion rate of the listed sales price. Boats Group does not guarantee the accuracy of conversion rates and rates may differ than those provided by financial institutions at the time of transaction. Find Fisher Motorsailer boats for sale in your area & across the world on ...
Motorsailer boats for sale 14 Boats Available. Currency $ - USD - US Dollar Sort Sort Order List View Gallery View Submit. Advertisement. Save This Boat. Motorsailer Finnclipper 35 . Lelystad, Netherlands. 1973. $32,646 Seller EYN Jachtmakelaardij Noord-West 50. Contact. 088-0504192. ×. Save This Boat. Motorsailer Ketch Cutter 1500 ...
Motorsailer boats for sale on Boat Trader are offered at a range of prices from a reasonable $1,500 on the more accessible end all the way up to $400,000 for the most expensive boats. Models with the most power can hold motors up to 570 horsepower, while shorter, more affordable utility models may have as low as 4 horsepower engines on them ...
Motorsailer. Today, Motorsailer, a yacht manufacturer has 9 yachts available for purchase on YachtWorld. This collection encompasses 0 newly built vessels as well as 9 pre-owned yachts, with all listings, handled by yacht brokers and boat dealerships, primarily concentrated in Greece, Australia, Croatia, Sweden and Turkey.
Motorsailer preowned sailboats for sale by owner. Motorsailer used sailboats for sale by owner.
There are a wide range of Motorsailer (Power) boats for sale from popular brands like Custom, Hunter and Lagoon with 29 new and 117 used and an average price of $242,337 with boats ranging from as little as $3,218 and $12,081,358. Expert Motorsailer (Power) Reviews. Boat Buyer's Guide.
Find sailboats for sale near you, including boat prices, photos, and more. Locate boat dealers and find your boat at Boat Trader! ... Motorsailer (Sail) Power-Motorsailer. Motorsailer (Power) Sail-Multihull. Multi-Hull. Power-Other. Other (Power) Sail-Other. Other (Sail) Power-Passenger. Passenger. Sail-Performance. Performance. Power-Pilot.