Reversing Entropy · video

What this video covers

A 38-foot liveaboard catamaran equipped with twin gasoline outboards instead of traditional inboard diesels offers significant weight savings and maintenance advantages, despite inherent trade-offs in longevity and power generation.0:12 Outboards mounted on tilting platforms eliminate propeller drag while sailing and prevent fouling by keeping the engines out of the water when not in use.4:42 This configuration removes the need for raw water intakes and through-hull exhaust systems, reducing the risk of flooding from burst hoses.7:12 Maintenance is simplified, as propellers are easily accessible for clearing fishing lines or debris without requiring a diver.5:04 However, outboards lack the ability to drive high-power alternators or provide engine-heated hot water, and they require more frequent maintenance than diesel counterparts.2:17 Additionally, the engines may cavitate during heavy pitching in following seas.3:05 Gasoline is often more universally available in remote ports than diesel, though it presents higher volatility risks.8:11 Choosing between these propulsion systems requires balancing the convenience of outboard accessibility against the durability and auxiliary power capabilities of inboard diesels.

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