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Catamaran With Motor? 8 Types Explained (For Beginners)

The catamaran’s design reduces the waves and wind’s effects, allowing the boat to travel farther and faster compared to monohulls of comparable sizes.

Table of Contents

However, the wind and waves are unpredictable, so catamarans use motors as either backup or the main propulsion based on their construction.

In this article, we provide all the answers concerning questions about the propulsion systems available to catamarans:

Do Catamarans Have Motors?

Catamarans, including power and sail types, have motors and other mechanized propulsion systems. Except for small cats used in coastal waters, most large catamarans come with different engine combinations even if they have sails.

Do Catamarans Have One or Two Motors?

Catamarans can have two engines because they have two hulls.

This makes them highly maneuverable while underway and makes handling in shallow and tight waters a breeze.

However, many large cats use only one engine. With two engines, you have more maneuverability over the boat, but one engine may increase the speed and fuel efficiency since it reduces weight.

One of the best combinations in a cat is to pair two engines with counter-rotating propellers. The level of control this configuration provides in the water, especially at the marina, is mind-blowing.

Whether you are backing up or mooring, you can adjust the two engines independently to achieve many of the things monohulls find difficult.

So, what propulsion systems are available to catamarans?

Whether you are looking to buy a power cat or sail cat, both feature engines. There is a wide range of power options for different uses based on your budget, preference, and craft design.

8 Types of Motors Used in Catamarans:

1) single outboard.

You will find this in small-sized catamarans of about 25 feet and below.

While single outboards cut cost and weigh less, they can be difficult to steer under power except when you use the motor to turn.

This is because the motor needs the water to flow over the rudders to turn the boat.

Except for owning a small catamaran, a single outboard is not the most efficient propulsion system for this watercraft.

2) Two Outboards

Like monohulls, you can use two outboards on a catamaran.

Smaller cats such as the Seawind 1000 and Gemini 32 can be fitted with two outboards for improved maneuverability in tight quarters and redundancy.

This setup is great for small cruising catamarans because it is far lighter than two large diesel engines, allowing you to store more essentials on the boat.

Catamarans may be faster than monohulls, but their speed decreases with the load they have to bear, so cat owners try to keep their boats as light as possible. Another benefit of this configuration is that two outboards are more affordable compared to diesel engines.

Plus, you can run on one engine if one dies on you while on the water.

However, this arrangement has some serious shortcomings.

Outboards are not the best means of propulsion on the open seas. Because of their inherent weakness, outboards don’t last long, and their reliability decreases with increased exposure to the harsh saltwater environment.

The design of outboards makes them less suitable for choppy waters.

While you can use outboards in twin configurations for catamarans, they perform best on smaller monohull watercraft.

3) Single Diesel

This is common in custom catamarans.

It comprises a single diesel engine in one hull, which reduces weight and makes it more affordable.

However, this configuration can make turning in tight quarters almost nightmarish except for highly skilled skippers.

The boat will turn easily to the side opposite the engine location. For example, the boat will turn with little starboard issues if the engine is in the port hull.

However, you may require several boat lengths to maneuver it to port.

For best results, plan your turns well in advance and do a lot of practice to perfect docking in tight quarters to avoid costly mistakes.

4) Single Diesel Engine with Retractable External Drive

This combination is popular with Prout catamarans, using a Sonic Drive-by Sillette.

It comprises a cockpit diesel engine paired with a steerable external motor.

The arrangement reduces weight and does not create drag when the drive leg is out of the water.

However, the reverse lock mechanism may not work sometimes. Also, the steering yoke and bellows may not work properly when you need them.

This setup is best for smaller boats where two engines’ thrust will be overkill, and they help to save cost and weight.

If your catamaran is on the heavier side, you want to go for something sturdier and more powerful.

A 32 feet Gemini catamaran will make an excellent candidate for this arrangement as the boat can use a single-engine with no problems.

5) Diesel with an Outboard

People who use this configuration do so to save cost and counterbalance the single diesel engine’s powerful thrust.

The auxiliary could be smaller petrol or electric-powered outboard motor.

When you are on the open seas, the diesel gives you enough propulsion during calm weather when you can’t use the sails. The outboard helps in shallow waters, although it is often useless on the high seas, especially during turbulent weather.

The smaller outboard also provides less turning power when it’s very windy than running two powerful diesel engines.

You save space, reduce weight, and keep a few extra thousands of dollars in your bank account.

6) Twin Diesel Engines

For larger catamarans, especially cruising types capable of transatlantic and transpacific voyages, the standard propulsion comes from two large diesel engines.

Each engine is housed in one hull, providing exceptional longevity, fuel economy, and incredible amounts of horsepower to help you through the rough seas in the shortest time possible.

This combination is excellent for redundancy, even though most catamarans can run efficiently on one engine most of the time.

The downside of having two diesel engines is weight, cost, and maintenance.

Diesel engines, compelling models that produce upwards of 40-45 horsepower, can set you back by tens of thousands of dollars. But they will deliver over 8000 hours of work-life easily.

In terms of reliability, durability, longevity, and performance, nothing trumps diesel engines in the marine industry.

Diesel engines are safer to operate as they do not have the same explosion and fire danger as petrol or gas engines. They are easier to maintain and simpler to operate.

Plus, they are the most mature propulsion system in the seafaring world.

However, diesel engines are also heavier and will take up more hull space.

That means less space to store your gear, but it’s a worthy sacrifice considering the capabilities diesel engines offer your boat. Diesel boats not only drive your propeller but can also provide the energy to run every electrical system on board, including navigational equipment, cooking, air conditioning, entertainment, among others.

7) Hydraulic Propulsion

Some catamarans use hydraulic propulsion systems, although these are not popular.

Hydraulic systems are better suited to terrestrial applications as they are prone to many problems that can complicate matters for you while underway:

• One , hydraulics generate additional heat, which makes them inefficient.
• Second , they can be uncomfortably noisy, making socialization difficult and defeating the whole purpose of leaving city life’s buzz.
• Third , hydraulic systems are prone to leakages, which increase their running cost and harm the environment.

These factors make hydraulics less efficient compared to diesel and petrol engines.

8) Electric Hybrid Systems

This propulsion system comprises a diesel engine and an electric motor.

The main issue with this configuration is the complexity of the systems and their overall lower efficiency.

Other Propulsion Systems:

As technology advances, sailors and marine engineering experts continue to find new and better ways to improve seafaring while reducing the planet’s carbon footprint.

This has led to solar, wind turbine, water, and pure electric motor propulsion systems.

For example, the Solarwave Sailor 64 is a solar hybrid-powered catamaran with an installed capacity to generate 15KW, enough to power everything on board the boat.

Solar and electric systems are silent and clean. However, they are insanely expensive and not as reliable as diesel and petrol engines. Also, they require banks of batteries, which add a lot of weight to the cat.

Final Words

Catamarans may look out of place, but many of these vessels offer more flexibility regarding power options.

You can choose from outboards, inboard diesel engines, and even go for the newer electric or solar-powered models.

However, the diesel engine remains the best power system available today for catamarans and other boats.

For reliable performance and mind-blowing thrust capabilities, experienced sailors depend on the time-tested diesel engine.

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44 Yacht Power Catamaran

Born of innovation and experience, the luxurious Aquila 44 Yacht Power Catamaran is a world leader in its class. Designed to be both a long-distance cruising yacht and a highly social platform, the highly experienced Aquila design and engineering team created the Aquila 44 Yacht to optimize performance.

Two Volvo Penta diesel engines are situated aft behind the living compartments reducing noise and vibrations. Bulbous bows increase the waterline for greater efficiency while reducing pitching moments. Multifunction displays, digital controls, joystick operation, engine monitoring displays, thrusters, and widely spaced main engines make operating the Aquila 44 Yacht easily accomplished by a single couple.

With an enormous amount of attention to detail and knowledge of how owners use their boats, both the exterior and interior spaces are perfected to serve those utilizations. The stairway from the flybridge to the foredeck gives safe, easy access to the ground tackle locker and forward cleats when anchoring or docking. Wide side decks and safety handrails are another example of the Aquila's commitment to owners’ and guests’ comfort and safety on the 44 Yacht model.

Available with a 3-cabin layout featuring a salon and galley with 360° views and an extensive flybridge, the layout of the Aquila 44 Yacht makes entertaining a crowd aboard easy. Boarding from the port or starboard swim platforms, guests step up to the aft deck with an al fresco dinette. The window partition between the aft deck and the interior galley lifts, and the countertop folds out to create a service bar. The galley is strategically placed between the aft deck and the salon and dinette on the main deck, making it easy to serve guests inside and outside. A summer kitchen is centrally located to attend to guests in the aft-mounted dinette, and those on the flybridge can enjoy panoramic views along with the operator while underway.

Customization options are available to meet an array of boating lifestyles.

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Aquila 44 yacht spotlight.

Aquila 44 Yacht Power Catamaran Walkthrough

Evolution of a Classic

This ocean-going Catamaran is designed to go the distance. An exceptionally performing hull shape provides first in class stability and comfort. The Aquila 44 is available with a 3 cabin layout featuring a salon and galley with 360° views and Portuguese walkaround with forward access steps leading to an extensive flybridge.

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Specifications

• DOWNLOAD SPECS AND LAYOUTS

• Fuel tank 1,100 L / 290 GAL
• Water tank 680 L / 180 GAL
• Holding tank 240 L / 63 GAL

• 2X Volvo Penta diesel engines with V Drive gearbox - D4 225 hp / 165 kw

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Discover the Top Power Catamarans for 2024

• By Yachting Staff
• Updated: September 10, 2024

Power catamarans have seen a surge in popularity, growing both in size and appeal. These cruise-focused yachts offer homelike comfort, fuel efficiency and user-friendly operation, making them a favorite among avid travelers. Their popularity extends to the bareboat charter market for the same reasons.

In this article, we explore the world’s top power catamarans, ranging from a 36-footer ideal for a cruising couple to a 78-footer perfect for entertaining friends and family. The propulsion options are diverse, including outboards, diesel inboards, hybrids, and even all-solar setups.

Top Luxury Power Catamarans

The following power catamarans are all vessels we’ve reviewed. They are listed in no particular order.

• Fountaine Pajot MY44 : A family-oriented cat suitable for long-range cruising and aimed at owner-operators. 
• Silent Yachts 60 : This is a catamaran that can cruise comfortably for long distances using emissions-free solar-electric propulsion.
• Horizon PC74 : With interior and deck space like a much larger vessel, the PC74 is perfect for cruising the Bahamas and Caribbean.
• Aquila 36 : This beefy 36-footer is an outboard-powered, express-cruiser-style catamaran.
• Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat : A spacious design, this vessel fits the volume of a 130-foot-long monohull into just 78 feet of length overall. 
• Horizon PC68 : This cat has a stable ride, long range, volume to spare and intriguing layout options.
• Two Oceans 555 : An elegantly simple yet luxurious 55-foot custom with the space and amenities of a much larger vessel.
• Lagoon 630 : From its open salon to its spacious decks, the Lagoon is a comfortable and luxurious platform.
• Fountaine Pajot MY5 : A midsize cruiser with serious big-boat space for family and friends. 
• Prestige Yachts M8 : The voluminous 65-footer lets owners customize onboard spaces.
• Aquila 47 Molokai : Calling all anglers: This cat has 60-plus-knot speed and is set up for serious bluewater adventure.

Fountaine Pajot MY44

The  Fountaine Pajot MY44 , a creation of Italian architect Pierangelo Andreani and French designer Daniel Andrieu, has a main deck that’s open from the aft-deck seating all the way forward to the starboard helm station. The sense of spaciousness is significant, for several reasons. First, four glass panels aft can all slide to port, creating an indoor-outdoor space with the aft deck and salon. In the salon, 32-inch-high windows extend for 12 feet down the sides of the yacht, with three sections per side, bringing in natural light along with the three forward panes that comprise the windshield. Finally, 6-foot-6-inch headroom provides vertical clearance, with a 21-foot-7-inch beam that adds interior roominess while keeping the yacht stable.

Quick Specifications

Silent Yachts 60

Solar panels, ocean-crossing range and self-sufficiency define the electric Silent-Yachts 60 power catamaran. If there was any question that the “Tesla moment” has arrived in yachting, the Silent 60 clearly provides a positive response. Consider, for a moment, crossing oceans in silence at 5 to 6 knots without consuming a drop of fuel and never needing to plan your course between fuel stops. Imagine sitting at anchor and running the air conditioning all night, not to mention all the galley appliances plus the washer-dryer, without the hum or fumes from a genset.

Horizon PC74

As founder and director of The Powercat Company, a Horizon Power Catamarans distributor, Stuart Hegerstrom had long believed that catamaran builders needed to design their yachts to more stylish standards.

“The boats were very boxy,” he says, based on his years of experience with cats in the charter market. He and his partner, Richard Ford, asked Horizon to produce models that had high-end finishes and looked good inside and out.

The Horizon team brought in mega-yacht designer JC Espinosa to work with its own craftsmen. The result aboard the  Horizon PC74  is a catamaran with exterior styling, layout and functionality that should appeal to private and charter owners alike.

The Aquila 36  is a departure from her sisterships in that she is an outboard-powered, express-cruiser-style catamaran, but she also adheres to MarineMax’s philosophies.

With a single main living level from bow to stern and a beam of 14 feet 7 inches, the Aquila 36 is like a bowrider on steroids. She has seating that can handle 20 adults for outings and barbecues, and there are two staterooms below, one in each hull, for family weekending. The staterooms have nearly queen-size berths, en suite heads, stowage and 6-foot-6-inch headroom.

Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat

Lagoon is a division of Groupe Beneteau, the world’s largest builder of sailing yachts, and the  Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat  is a developmental sistership of its Seventy 7 super sailing cat. The Seventy series yachts are built at Construction Navale Bordeaux in France, which had to add a new yard to construct these catamarans because they require separate stern molds for the power and sail versions.

Horizon PC68

Multihull yachts ride differently than monohulls, often counteracting the sea’s motion for a smoother, more stable ride. On the Horizon PC68 , sharp hull entries make head seas seem gentle, and a Humphree stabilization system with blades reduces roll. Horizon uses SCRIMP construction for resin saturation that maximizes strength with an 111,112-pound displacement. And with a 5-foot-4-inch draft, the PC68 invites island cruising.

Two Oceans 555

With 27-knot speed, house-like volume, an on-deck master and top-tier tech, the Two Oceans 555 is a formidable power catamaran. Dave Jirikovic of HMY Yachts was on a quest. The sales broker was looking for the meanest, nastiest patch of Gulf Stream he could find to show a potential client what the Two Oceans 555 power cat could handle. And just as he had intended to show us, the broad-shouldered power cat didn’t even notice. He even dropped the single-lever throttles back to idle and left the 25-foot-wide Two Oceans 555 beam-on to another set of square-edged seas. The 55-footer brushed that off too. Jirikovic tried quartering into the seas—never a happy angle for catamarans—and the yacht drowsed through them.

Fitted with the optional twin 300-horsepower Volvo Penta D4 diesels, the  Lagoon 630 MY  burns only 1.64 gph total at 6 knots, giving a theoretical range of 2,952 nautical miles with standard tankage of 793 gallons. Hull No. 1 had an optional 502-gallon tank, giving it transatlantic range.

Luxury, stability and economy are all hallmarks of Lagoon’s return to luxury motor yachts. If you can take a ride, it will be worth your time.

Fountaine Pajot MY5

The flybridge deck on the Fountaine Pajot MY5 is a standout feature, offering virtually unobstructed 360-degree ocean views and an elevated beach club vibe. Aft of the off-center starboard helm is a spacious area perfect for entertaining, complete with a wet bar, refrigeration center, and ample seating. It’s the most popular space aboard according to the builder. And if the weather turns for the worse, a second helm station in the saloon allows the skipper to pilot the MY5 in climate-controlled comfort.

Prestige Yachts M8

How fitting it was that Prestige Yachts introduced its new M-Line flagship, the M8 , at Portopiccolo, a picturesque yachting village outside Trieste, Italy. Formerly a quarry, the cliff-side area had been chiseled into a clean site rife with eye-catching vistas, much like the French builder’s 65-foot power catamaran and its nearly 3,000 square feet of usable real estate.

Aquila 47 Molokai

With every boat, there’s an origin story. In the case of the Aquila 47 Molokai power catamaran, it starts with MarineMax, which saw people renting boats for bareboat charters. MarineMax Vacations was born. After experimenting with several production yachts, the company decided to build its own: the Aquila line, designed for charter as well as for sale to owner-operators.

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• Power Catamarans

Discover the excitement and elegance of a Leopard Power Catamaran.

Engineered for peak performance and built to last. Our powercats offer unmatched efficiency, space, stability,  and maneuverability.

Start your next adventure with confidence.

Power CATAMARANS DNA

• World leader in power catamarans
• Built for comfortable blue water power cruising
• Spacious flybridge
• Stepped hulls allow performance and interior volume
• Easy to maneuver for single-handed operation
• Reliable and easy to use davit system
• Great water and fuel capacity
• Comfortable, robust, and easy to maintain
• Economical consumption

EXPLORE the whole series

The power cat range.

Introducing the Leopard 40 Powercat. Unveiled in Cape Town, South Africa, our newest addition to the fleet celebrated rave reviews from the press and media, earning the title “European Multihull of the Year”. Reinvented from bow to stern, the Leopard 40 Powercat delivers outstanding volume and comfort. And you can rest assured knowing this yacht meets the highest standards of seaworthiness, making it the epitome of blue water cruising excellence.

The Leopard 46 Powercat is the embodiment of elevated living on the water. As part of the new generation of Leopard Powercats, the Leopard 46 Powercat marries comfort and performance in a cruising catamaran designed to fit your every need. From ambient lighting to optimized spaces, the Leopard 46 functions like a home, with intuitive touchpoints and efficient functionality. Make no mistake, theLeopard 46 Powercat offers power and agility for those bold enough to seek it. Get ready todiscover the exhilarating promise of a Leopard Catamaran.

The Leopard 53 Powercat, flagship of the Leopard Catamaran Fleet and recipient of the Multihull of the Year Award, now boasts over 110 yachts in service worldwide. This, among other accolades, has solidified the vessel’s standing as a leader in its class. The Leopard 53 Powercat is easy to maintain and up to 50% more fuel efficient than any monohull motor yacht counterparts. A reincarnation of her predecessor, the Leopard 53 Powercat has been reimagined to provide greater speed, comfort, performance and luxury. Live your passion aboard the Leopard 53 Powercat and enjoy the journey ahead.

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Evolving from 50 years of customer feedback, Leopard Catamarans has pooled their expertise with builders Robertson and Caine to design today’s Leopard range: spacious, robust, performance-driven blue water cruising catamarans.

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Our Motor Yachts

Motor Yacht

Explore our models in a different way thanks to the virtual marina

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Motor Yacht MY.5

A power catamaran with flybridge

Length overall

Beam overall

Standard Power

Option Power

The modular sunbathing areas on the foredeck are the ideal space for unwinding. Just the ticket for an unforgettable holiday on the water.

The MY.5 catamaran motor yacht invites you to take to the open seas

Steering from the flybridge means you enjoy an exhilarating experience with excellent visibility.

Her specially designed hulls deliver confidence at sea, and her Volve IPS engines and onboard technology ensure she can be comfortably handled in all sailing conditions. Sophisticated systems reduce fuel consumption delivering long cruising range . The flybridge provides additional space where you can spend time together both at sea and at anchor.

Motor Yacht MY.5 in video

Discover the MY.5

Volume for total comfort

The interior of the MY.5, designed by Andreani Design, offers all the luxury you would expect from this motor yacht . The layout, divided into three cabins, provides an abundance of living and storage space. The central galley serves the aft cockpit or saloon, so you can always enjoy your dining experience, whatever the weather.

Features Motor Yacht MY.5

Version Maestro

1 owner’s suite + 1 bathroom / 2 double cabins + 1 bathroom

Displacement unloaded

Full load displacement

23.0 T(Approx.)

Fresh water tank

119 Gallons

Diesel tank

2 x 186 Gallons

Up to 231 NM

Daniel Andrieu

Andreani Design

It’s easy to enjoy the sea with a swim platform that lowers to water level. With three luxurious double cabins , available in a range of layouts, all the attributes of a Motor Yacht are combined in less than thirteen metres.

Indoor & outdoor areas

Unique design and incomparable spaces.

The dedicated companionway to the Owner’s cabin enhances the feeling of privacy. Her transverse queen-size bed enjoys sea views and the large portholes bathe this suite in natural light from morning to night. One of the double cabins is fitted with bunk beds that configures to adapt to any situation.

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As if you were there….

Welcome aboard this exceptional yacht for a 100% immersive visit. Explore her interior and exterior living spaces in minute detail!

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Waiting times for a Fountaine Pajot motor yacht may vary according to the stage of your project, the model you want or your navigation area. Some Fountaine Pajot dealers have new motor catamarans ready to sail ! Contact your nearest dealer HERE to ask about the availability of the boat of your dreams!

Visit your nearest Fountaine Pajot boat dealer to buy a new motor yacht from our range. You will benefit from personalised advice through the Fountaine Pajot dealer network. Discover our network HERE

The price of a Fountaine Pajot power catamaran varies according to the size of the model chosen and your cruising project. Our dealers are at your disposal to guide you in your choice of fittings, packages and options to best suit your boat purchase project. You can find out the starting price of the boat your choice on this page HERE .

IPS engines, fitted on some Fountaine Pajot motor catamarans are designed to offer greater energy efficiency, which translates into better fuel economy compared to other systems of propulsion. The overall design of IPS engines aims to optimise a boat’s performance in terms of speed , manoeuvrability and fuel economy. And of course, IPS engines offer excellent manoeuvrability thanks to steerable propellors, thus facilitating manœuvres in tight spaces like harbours.

Spacious and comfortable when sailing, Fountaine Pajot motor yachts also offer fine cruising speed. Depending on the model and the engine installed on board, they can reach a max speed of 24 knots and 18 knots in fast cruising mode.

Power catamarans are naturally more efficient than monohull power boats . Depending on the model and the engine installed on board, at a high cruising speed, i.e. around 18 knots, motor yachts in the Fountaine Pajot range can reach between 260 and 425 nautical miles. At an “economical” cruising speed, they can reach up to 1000 nautical miles. The Power 67, the Flagship model in the range, can reach up to 4000 nautical miles at economy cruise speed. Take a look at the boat comparator here

Thanks to its architecture with two floats and a central suspended platform, its mass is divided by two and better spread. Thinner hulls decrease the Archimedes thrust and require much less energy to move the keel through the water. Half the consumption of a monocoque is the result, increasing the range of motor catamarans for long crossings and long stays at anchor. For the same length, a catamaran gives much more living surface . The great width permits much more spacious cockpit space as well as a huge interior-exterior living space on one level,

Innovative, high-tech composite materials constitute most of the structure of our motor catamarans : hulls, flybridge, decks, bulkheads and more. Fountaine Pajot has perfected a resin injection and infusion technique, an advanced technology that gives our boats all their robustness. Thanks to this expertise, we can make our motor yachts considerably lighter while maintaining consistent quality . Injection also makes it possible to meet the most stringent environmental requirements, in line with the commitments of the Fountaine Pajot Group.

13-meter motorboat

Interested in this model?

Your local dealer will be happy to advise you and give you more details about this model!

A voyage into the Motor Yacht world of Fountaine Pajot

Dive deep into the Fountaine Pajot experience through testimonials, news, webcasts, podcasts, press reviews, photo and video reports... Together, let’s redefine the parameters of Motor Yacht cruising!

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Exclusive announcement at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024

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Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts team wishes you a radiant summer!

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Yacht Style – MY5

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A Motor Yacht in harmony with the sea

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Motor Yacht MY4.S

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The Best Outboard Motor for a Sailboat

The technology of sailing has remained mostly unchanged for centuries. Since learning to harness the power of wind, sailors have been transiting the world’s oceans, expanding trade routes and exploring new cultures. Although nothing more than a renewable natural resource and a single sail is needed to move a sailboat along the water, there are times when it’s important (and in our modern age, convenient) to leverage off a motor to get you where you need to go.

Like any unique piece of equipment in the world of sailing, outboard motors come in a variety of sizes with features and options to fit any owner’s needs. But of course, one size doesn’t fit all. Every boat is different – even those that come off the production line at the same time – and every owner is looking for something specific when it comes to their sailboat. From the purpose of owning the boat (blue water sailing vs. racing) to the location and impact on maintenance (cold weather vs. tropical weather), an outboard motor is just one of the many elements that will define a sailboat’s function and performance.

Whether you’re a new owner, or a veteran sailor, it’s important to know the basic components of any outboard motor . You should also have an idea of what you want your outboard motor to do for your size and model sailboat.

Table of contents

Outboard Motor Size

A larger boat doesn’t necessarily mean a larger motor. Although there are different ratings for different classes of boats, a small power plant can be more effective than a larger one. Conversely, an outboard motor can easily overpower a small boat and create unsafe conditions at high speeds. Guidelines and requirements differ between motorboats and sailboats. And while there is some overlap, these considerations apply directly to sailboats.

Engine power has to do with how much water a boat displaces. For sailboats, smaller is better. If you’re a bit of a math geek, the exact formula is 4 horsepower for every 2200lb of weight. Coupled with a propeller size, which can be determined using a propeller calculator , you’ll get a rough estimate to use as a guideline to start shopping. This is a good first step, since size is essentially a fixed variable. Though it’s worth noting for those who are buying a sailboat directly from the manufacturer, that actual weight will increase after delivery – once all other rigging and outfitting has been completed.

Physical size of your outboard motor is an important consideration and is directly related to the design of your sailboat. An outboard motor is made up of three parts from top to bottom:

• The Powerhead – Houses the engine. The bulbous part of the motor.
• The Midsection – Houses the exhaust system. Varies in length and design.
• The Lower Unit – Propellers attach to the gearbox. Submerged when operational.

Shaft length is an important design element and should be considered when purchasing a motor. A shaft that is too short will obviously prevent the propeller from being submerged in water, while a shaft that is too long will extend the propellers too far. Not only will it decrease the efficiency of your engine, it will create unnecessary drag. Know your transom length when looking at different models.

When an outboard motor is not being used, it should be stowed in its upright position. Some of the larger motors have an automated switch that will raise it out of the water, but some must be secured manually. Make sure everyone who sails with you is capable of lifting and securing the motor out of the water in case of an emergency.

Outboard Motor Power

Any kind of motor installed on a sailboat (inboard or outboard) should be viewed as a tool to help with maneuvering. Although there are some very skilled sailors out there who can sail into their slip without the aid of a motor, many harbors have restrictions that either don’t allow for the use of full sails, or there simply isn’t enough room to maneuver. A motor with both forward and reverse gears helps tremendously with docking.

While there is no exact correlation between boat length and total weight, the following is a rough guideline:

• 1-4 HP for boats up to 20’ (approximately 1000-2000lbs)
• 4-18 HP for boats between 20-30’ (approximately 2,000-10,000lbs)
• 18-34 HP for boats between 30-40’ (10,000lbs or more)

There are some things to consider when deciding how much horsepower you need or want. Location and the type of conditions you expect you’ll be sailing in is one of the biggest factors. Heavy seas and high winds typically associated with open ocean sailing will put more strain on your engine, and in some cases overpower it, whereas an engine that is heavier than needed will add unnecessary weight when racing. If you plan on motoring for long distances, consider purchasing an engine that will stand up to a lot of use.

Less HP is required for:

• Boat Design – Single hull boats made out of fiberglass require less power.
• 2-Stroke Engines – This is due to an overall lighter weight engine and higher torque.
• Diesel Engines – Diesel delivers more torque because the rate of compression is greater.
• Bigger Propellers – More surface area means more water displacement.
• Location – Motoring on lakes and rivers requires less power than open ocean.
• Distance – A smaller engine is suitable for shorter distances.

More HP is required for:

• Boat Design – Catamarans and heavier boats (regardless of size) require more power.
• 4-Stroke Engine – Engine weight and an extra step of compression yields less power.
• Gas Engines – The rate of compression for gas engines is much lower than diesel.
• Smaller Propeller – A smaller propeller displaces less water.
• Location – Open ocean, with tides and currents, will strain a smaller engine.
• Distance – Cover more distance when wind conditions are poor requires a larger engine.

Outboard Motor Cost

There is no way to quantify how much you will pay for any given motor. But there are several costs associated with owning an outboard motor that are definitely worth considering when making your purchase.

Certainly, a lager, more-powerful engine is going to be costlier than a smaller engine with lower horsepower. But as mentioned earlier, size is not necessarily a guarantee of performance and efficiency. At the same time, there’s only so much you can get out of an engine before you exceed its capability. Larger engines tend to help with resale value should you choose to sell your boat at some point, but a boat outfitted with right motor to begin with will always perform better than a motor that’s large just for the sake of it.

Factor in maintenance costs and fuel when looking at models. You want to run your engine at around 90% of its max RPMs to balance proper fuel usage and with wear and tear. Making a few calls to marine mechanics to inquire about an engine you’re interested in will give you a lot of information a sales person won’t be able to give you. The good news about outboard motors is that most of them are portable, which means you won’t have the added cost of either paying a mechanic to come to you, or having to get your boat to the yard, which usually requires help from a very good friend willing to spend all day driving and sailing back and forth.

Owning a boat requires constant care and maintenance, so a little knowledge goes a long way. While an outboard motor is not required for sailing, it’s a convenient addition that can greatly increase your enjoyment out on the water. Being patient and spending time researching engines will not only help you make the correct purchase but will help you take advantage of a great deal when it presents itself. Whether you sail the Caribbean, or race off the coast of California in a catamaran, there is an outboard motor that’s just right for you.

Related Articles

Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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