I know the "sail-assist" is the primary auxillary; how about in a close quarters emergency? Proponents of the wing engine with a folding prop feel theirs is the best all-around system; available instantly with the turn of a key.
How about a hydraulic motor turning a folding prop? This would help to justify a hydraulic system, driven off the generator, and available for other power needs (windlass, winch, etc.). Properly designed modern hydraulics are dependable and require little in the way of routine maintainence.
The sail-assist (or even a motorsailor rig)is a great back-up, but how about the back-up's back-up?
John

John

The only wing engine I have ever installed, 40HP with the largest two blade Gori folding prop, actually was used in an emergency.

A Seahorse FRP 52 sedan was caught in a serious beam sea situation off Costa Rica and the active fins caused the main engine to overheat. It turned out that the oil cooler had been installed in the engine intake cooling water line and the stress of the sea conditions caused the overheating.

The owner, who was very happy with the wing engine performance when tested in calm conditions, reported that it did not provide enough power to control the boat in those sea conditions. He could not even tell if it was running.

Hello all;
If the sail is the backup, then how much sail is needed? Is the stabilizing rig enough? What is the experience with the performance under sail alone?

John