OMC Sail Drive-Hybrid Propulsion System for Cruising Sailboats

The cruising sailboat of 22 to 30 feet (7 to 9m) in length has been customarily powered by outboard motors, or small gasoline, or diesel inboard engines. This paper describes the recently introduced OMC Sail Drive propulsion unit which combines the simplicity and light weight of the two-cycle, two-cylinder outboard motor powerhead with a close coupled lower gearcase and propeller for fixed inboard installation in sailboats. Installation, design parameters and performance data are included.