"BllFs6" wrote in message
...
Hi all....

snip
Now, lets say I get the typical mostly enclosed small sailboat. Say 18 to
22
footer.

How many HP would I need to push such a vessel at hull speed? And say for
example that it calculates at 4HP, how much more power should I have in
reserve
to fight wind, waves, bad weather, avoiding running the engine at max
power etc
etc....

snip

Hallelujah! You've seen the light!
Sounds like you'd be a very good candidate for a sailboat but I would
recommend taking sailing lessons. You'll have a bit more to think about
underway than a small powerboater.
I have a Sandpiper 565 which is 18' 6" long. It's a mini-cruiser with
accomodations for two adults (plus 2 small children)
and an MSD type of head with it's own holding tank and pump out outlet.
Most of these boats were sold with a 6hp Evinrude Yachtwin back in the
eighties and a trailer.
The beauty of this size sailboat is...
you can probably leave in your driveway on the trailer and avoid expensive
marinas
easy for two to rig, yet can be done singlehanded when setup properly
Since you only use the motor a fraction of the time, gas expense/noise level
minimal
If you need or want to, you can overnight....
good second hand models fairly plentiful at a rock bottom price (approx $
4K US for my model)
You get the 'right of way' while sailing..and the right to feel superior to
those gas/diesel guzzling environment destroying motorboaters. :-)