S2 7.9 Meter Class Association

Hey,

The title sums up my query. Are sailboats, 7.9 in particular, more maneuverable with inboard or outboard? Or does it not matter. All variables should be assumed to be ideal for each setup (right HP, right shaft length, right setup, etc.)

Thanks.

Rich

Out board is, if you can steer the motor and rudder together. Jeff #250

By turning the outboard and rudder the same way hard, I can spin tight circles

Yep. If you can steer the outboard and the helm at once (not hard), you can turn on a dime.

A steerable prop is always more manuverable than a fixed prop. A more distantant prop from the centerline of the hull is alway more manuverable. The outboard wins in every case.

Spencer Rogers
288 Avatar

I don't think that distance from center has anything to do with it. At slow speeds, before you can steer with the rudder, you can turn the motor and change the trust direction for steering.

Love my 7.9, had it about 6 years, but next boat will be a inboard. We do day sailing and some cruising. Prop comes out of the water too mutch on lake Erie when bouncing on waves. Also seems very slow going when the wind dies (9.9 hp).

Greg "Shelly Girl"

Rich,

My 7.9 has the Yanmar Diesel, and my previous boat was a J24 with 5HP Honda outboard. All the other comments are right on, that if you choose to steer the outboard, it will turn tighter than the inboard, but it does take some gymnastics over the transom to pull it off. Even with the inboard, the 7.9 will turn in about her own length. I love the ability to stand at the helm and nudge the throttle, or shift into reverse easily (with the inboard). A friend at the club has a 10HP outboard on his 7.9 and I think it is faster than my Yanmar, but I can take the waves better.

Bob Kirsten
DD Mau

Basic answer to basic question is - more manueverable with the outboard because the outboard and rudder can be used in concert to turn more sharply.