[quote=MN3][quote=trailertrashjohn]Thank you all for your suggestions. If I do get a motor I decided to make my own motor mount. I work in a manufacturing job and we have a machine shop so I'm good there.The electric motor in the link above is very loud. The other one I can't seem to get anything from the site listed... Is there an electric trolling motor that has enough power to push an H18? I know they are slower but I'm really not planning to go too far but farther than paddling.[/quote]
The problem with an electric trolling motor is: (i have one i have used on my jonboat)
they don't have a lot /enough power to push you upwind in heavy air (your mast/sails are a a lot of windage)
they are heavy and require a very heavy battery. where ya gonna store that on a h18? - oh yea, beachcats spray a lot of water and get salt water everywhere .... not very good for batteries.
the problem with anything but a brand new gas engine is ... they add weight to the stern of your boat, require gas and gas cans (thus defeating the point of being on a beach cat), require spare parts and tools be carried, are not reliable enough for regular use as ocean going gear (for me) and will be a pollution source and/or expensive paperweight WHEN you capsize
If you are a marine fabricator, or close, and have the facilities to fabricate your own gear, that's awesome. Go for it. Most don't and most home-made plywood/pvc solutions are not "marine grade" and will likely fail at the worst possible time....
Torqueedos are a fantastic marine motor. I think some are totally waterproof and use the lightweight batteries ... if you have unlimited funds, that is far and away the best choice.<!-- editby --><em>Edited by MN3 on Dec 11, 2014 - 02:56 PM.</em><!-- end editby --> [/quote]
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