Reply To: Central saildrive handling

Hi Steve

Interesting – I had seen much higher prices quoted on some websites for the motors (given the low cost of generators I couldn't quite see why). I still like the idea of a system where there is no additional drag while sailing and where the motive bits are easily removed for service. On the subject of motors (and thinking of the sort of power – 2.2kW – that some bow thrusters have) I was amused by just how cheap outrunner brushless motors have become. If you google E-flite EFLM4160A you find details of a 2.7kW motor weighing only about 700g that only costs £150! It would need an epicyclic box to get down to useful rpm for a thruster but it suggests a thruster light enough to be strut mounted could fairly easily achieved if a manufacturer were inclined to make one.