Motorsailers

Unlike the modern sailing yachts where the main driving force is the sails and the engine plays an auxiliary role, motorsailers are a type of recreational boat where both the engine and the sail are equally important and the ease of use of both is also roughly equal. Fans of this vessel type note the high reliability of motorsailers. Many cruising yachtsmen believe that a motorsailer is the best kind of yacht for recreation and life on the water unless one is going to race in regattas.

The tradition of building such boats comes from the northern countries – motorsailers are popular in Scandinavia, Britainand Holland. This is where the specific and slightly old-fashioned exterior of such yachts comes from. Typically, motorsailers have a well-developed pilothouse with an additional helm station inside, which is especially important and convenient in cold water areas. Among the famous brands are Fisher, Nauticat and SeaFinn, Mascot.

Those who don't like the classic aesthetic should take a look at the new generation of motorsailers which have a more modern look. There are interesting models among them that can go on planing under the engine in addition to good sailing characteristics ( McGregor 26, Imexus). Motorsailers are usually sloops or ketches. If there is not enough wind for sailing, the use of the sails helps stabilize the yacht on the wave and reduce the pitch and roll.

Unlike «pure sailing» yachts, motorsailers have limited ability to haul off. However, due to the reduced sailing wardrobe, motorsailers have more shallow drafts than sailing boats and can be used in waters with lesser depths. Their sails are also easier to operate. With a powerful motor, one can quickly return to one’s base in the absence of wind and control one’s boat in rain or storm without leaving the pilothouse. In addition, some motorsailers are compact enough to be transported in a trailer.