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on Sep 3rd, 2012 and filed under I know this sounds weird, but I live on an island, and work in a town on the mainland. I just want to make sure I’ve covered all my options – as it is, I’m using a motorboat, but it uses fuel. It only takes about 15 minutes to cross the bay, but I think one hour would be OK, too. Any ideas? I’d like to go more environmentally friendly.
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Depending on wind, a small sailboat esp. a catamaran will do that – keep a kayak for backup if you have strong arms. I have a 23′ sailboat that would do it but needs about 10 mile a hour winds, plus you need marina to dock it . Catamarans are faster – no beds, baths or kitchen to weigh down boat & slow it.
A row boat, just leave earlier.
Get a paddle boat!
For an 8 mile trip I would look at an electric boat, there are plenty out there, get a solar charger to keep the battires juiced while out. Some get a respetable top speed as well. Or just add a pair of strong trolling motors and some deep cycle bats.
As far as displacement vs. planning goes I would have to disagree. Its comparing apples and oranges.
How can you compare a speed boat to an ocean liner?
A planning hull is a diplacement hull when its not on plane.
This a tricky question? need a little more info. Note when ever you want one thing you must give up something else ie: speed for ride or stability — got the idea? this might help though low RPM engine, like a diesel with a planing hull will work on most days but what about days with bad weather? Is your trip sheltered in the lee of islands or open water , deep or shallow water. large or small boat, what are the conditions on foul weather days typically From your description that some thing in the 30′ range with a 6 bt Cummings would sufficient, this would give you a safety margin in inclement weather and would be fuel efficient. Best advice talk to the locals [ the ones who work on the water], see what they commute in or would use for them selves
A hovercraft is a very bad idea – poor control, and it uses power just to keep it off the water – even if it’s not moving forward.
The most fuel efficient design for a boat is a displacement hull – like an ocean liner, or a canoe. A planing hull – ski boat, aluminum fishing boat etc. can go much faster but it will cost more in fuel as it takes more power to keep it on plane. For fuel efficiency, look for an old “launch” or such – relatively small engines in them and would be efficient for you.
a hover craft! it seems like they would take less power since theyre so much lighter
Well, if the right winds predominate, you could use a sailboat, but make sure it has a motor, just in case. There are not many other recommendations I’d make for that kind of distance.