Advise needed

[Ericsstinnett]

Can I move a 37' sailboat from Florida to Texas with a 20 HP outboard?

[Tellie]

If you can make forward motion,... the world is your oyster.

[boatman61]

Sails are more economical..
But yes.. as an auxiliary it can be done.. delivered a 39ft Wauquez from Seville to the West coast of Portugal.. Peniche to be exact and that only had a Suzuki 8hp longshaft as the Westerbeake inboard was seized.
Just be sure the mounting can take the load.

[quill]

Are you taking the ICW? If so make sure the Algiers lock is working, otherwise you will be bucking the Mississipi working up to the Harvey lock. If you sail across, most of the Texas jetties run SE/NW, So You should be able to Enter the Galveston jetties under sail using the prevailing SE winds on the Texas Coast. Don't know your experience level, but with a boat new to you, you might be extra conservative.

[quill]

Are you taking the ICW? If so make sure the Algiers lock is working, otherwise you will be bucking the Mississipi working up to the Harvey lock. If you sail across, most of the Texas jetties run SE/NW, So You should be able to Enter the Galveston jetties under sail using the prevailing SE winds on the Texas Coast. Don't know your experience level, but with a boat new to you, you might be extra conservative.

[Ericsstinnett]

It won't have sails, no mast. Lol. Curious if I can move the hull with a small outboard?

[slowpoker]

Yes, It's possible.
Have moved a 36' Catalina deep keel, with all rigging, against a chop and 17 MPH wind on the nose with a 15 HP High Thrust outboard, but it was a really, very slow forward progress, just barely kept the bow pointing straight into the breeze. In normal conditions, it was OK and very easy to handle in tight marinas but only if you can also steer with that motor.
Also moved a 33' Full keel, beamy and heavy Morgan OI across the State of Florida through the Okeechobee Waterway and out to the Gulf, made 3,5 to 4 knots at 3/4 throttle.
Again, used a High Thrust 9.9 outboard, properly installed and deep enough. A regular 15 HP with a regular propeller may not have the forward bite.
Just make sure you don't run aground, pick calm weather, watch opposing currents/winds, calculate fuel needs and have the bottom very clean. It will take you several days and nights out there. Bring spares for engine and tank fuel hose, fuel bulb and fuel fittings, carburator spray cleaner, tools, oil and filters, etc. and use a water separating filter.
Good luck, be safe, enjoy the memories.
Slowpoker.

[Island Time O25]

Originally Posted by Ericsstinnett

It won't have sails, no mast. Lol. Curious if I can move the hull with a small outboard?

A few seasons ago a friend had issues with his inboard on the last leg of his New England to Florida trip. Providently, some time prior, he had an o/b mount plate (no swinging arm) attached to the end of his swimming platform just in case (platform was cut out and glassed at the aft end of his IOR reverse transom). The boat is 45+ ft and displaces some 22,000+lbs (light for the size but still hefty) plus the personal effects. For the last 10-15, may be 20, miles of his trip, when the wind died, he motored using his 4hp dinghy motor. Wasn't going to win any races or overcome strong currents but it got him to the anchor field he was shooting for. He was more concerned with running out of gas as he did not expect to use his dinghy motor for such long mileage.

Also you may want to consider the issue of weight of the 20hp o/b compared to say 10-15hp. On my 27 footer when the inboard croaked I had an o/b bracket installed for 2 seasons and experimented with various motors. There was a huge difference between a heavy 10hp 2-stroke Evinrude and a sprite and light old 4hp Penta eggbeater. Counter intuitively the smaller engine performed better and did not cavitate as much nor the boat squatted as much as with the 10hp. But then again I did not sail out in iffy weather or against strong currents anyway.

[slowpoker]

Correction to my above post:
Used the same 9.9 HP High Thrust Yamaha engine for the trips mentioned, not a 15HP.
Have both models and confused them in my post.

[gjordan]

Without a mast to stabilize the boat, it will roll violently when you get hit by any wake. It will motor better without the mast but hang on tight if there is any wake. Good Luck. Grant.

[DDabs]

I'd hug the coast obviously but yup go to town

[quill]

Shallow water Louisiana is where most of the oil rigs are. Some unlit.
Without sails I'd take the Ditch. Bring along someone to steer and give you a break. ACTIVECAPTAIN.com Will show you where to stop for the night. You should be back in Texas in less than 2 weeks. Stay out of the ditch at night(the mosquitos are ferocious). Sample the creole cooking.