Newbie Question about Outboards and Dinghies

[aj911501]

We just purchased a used 16' X-Boat daysailer. This is our first sailboat and what we intend on learning on (we are just getting into sailing). The boat does not currently have a motor. The previous owner docked it at his cabin, but we are going to be trailering it around to different Minnesotan lakes.

Again, speaking with very little experience, I feel like we would need something to push us out from the landing and bring it back in again...?

2 Questions -

1) Does it need one?
2) Assuming yes to #1, will an electric trolling motor be enough to move us around?

Thank you!

[saghost]

I think some folks manage fine without motors using oars or paddles, but they certainly make things more convenient. Keep in mind, in a lot of jurisdictions a boat with a motor needs to be registered and a (small) annual fee paid, while a boat that small without a motor may not.

[SV_Harbinger]

I wouldn't think she would need an outboard, but if you really wanted to fit her with one a small trolling motor would work. But I would think a little 2.5 would probably be a better option, no battery to lug around and solves the inevitable issue of where to put the battery etc. But if it were me I would just use her as is.

[aj911501]

Oh, ok. So you'd say just a paddle would be good? Visions of that scene from Tommy Boy just kinda keep surfacing

[Jammer]

Hi AJ. Also from Minnesota here, south metro. Send a note if you're interested in meeting up some time.


I think that you will find that most x-boats do not have motors. Instead oars or paddles would be used for the occasional maneuver that cannot be accomplished under sail.


Be mindful of the fact that x-boats are essentially dinghys and are susceptible to capsize, and that a few capsizes are part of the learning process for most people new to sailing in these lightweight craft. As such you would want any motor to be well secured. If a battery is used you would want to be sure that it will not leak acid if it is on its side (or inverted), and that it is well secured as well.


Enjoy your new boat!

[Jammer]

On the regulatory side, in Minnesota you will have to register it and have a sticker either way. If you have a motor you will also have to put the 2" high numbers on the side.

[aj911501]

Hey Jammer,
Thanks for the head's up! And yeah, from what I was seeing there really isn't anyone using a motor with it.

So without one I just need the sticker, yeah?

[Spot]

Woohoo! More sailors in Minnesota!

A trolling motor will also force the letters on the side, regardless of boat length.

https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/re...atingguide.pdf

PS I would think the X-boat would row fine with 8' oars but I have yet to try one.
PPS Messabout on Lake Pepin is the first weekend in June 2019
PPPS It would be fun to organize a CF 'greater MN get-together' of sorts

[Jammer]

I am tentatively planning on being at the messabout for at least a day. I should have my canoe project done by then, and I'm thinking of anchoring my sailboat just off the beach.

[Lepke]

I switched from a 2hp outboard to an electric outboard. I like it much better, no fuel no $300 a year to get it running again like with a 2 cycle outboard. You'll need decent thrust, probably mid range. I bought mine on Amazon for $200 for 55# of thrust. Moves a Livingston at about 9-10 knots.

[Tayana42]

aj911501, you will have great fun with your Xboat on the lakes around the twin cities and beyond and the nearby rivers. Years ago,when I lived in Minnesota, I had a 16’ trailerable AMF Sunbird without a motor. It was easy to mover her with a short canoe paddle that fit inside the cockpit. And I could also get her moving by sculling with the rudder. I’m sure you don’t need a motor on your boat unless you anticipate going long distances on windless days or going upstream in strong currents.

[StuM]

An X-Boat is a dinghy, not a keel boat. Even an experienced skipper is likely to flip one occasionally (that's part of the fun).


As a beginner, you will almost certainly flip it a few times. You don't want a motor attached when you do.


For a dinghy that size, a couple of paddles secured inside is all you should need.

[Ken Z]

I fyou are new to sailing I would recommend a motor, yes a trolling motor would work but an outboard 2.5 hp gas motor would serve you better, your skills at this time may hamper where you go or return. If needed get a good motor mount.

[Jammer]

If you decide on a gas motor, there's a guy in Mound selling older 3hp 2 stroke motors on craigslist for $400, ones he's fixed up. Typically these were used for duck hunting or canoeing in the 60s and 70s. Most are lightly used. I have a couple I've fixed up myself and they're good, self-contained, lightweight (28#) alternatives. The old green ones call for a 16:1 mix which is pretty oil-rich and smokey, from about 1961 and later (white paint) run at the fairly standard 48:1 and are more desirable.


Johnson and Evinrude made a folding motor the same size but I've never come across one locally. There's a hinge in the leg and you pull a lever or something and it folds in half, making a much smaller package for storage or travel.

[Tetepare]

Originally Posted by StuM

An X-Boat is a dinghy, not a keel boat. Even an experienced skipper is likely to flip one occasionally (that's part of the fun).


As a beginner, you will almost certainly flip it a few times. You don't want a motor attached when you do.


For a dinghy that size, a couple of paddles secured inside is all you should need.

Bingo.


And learn to get in before the wind dies at 6pm. Paddling sucks.