Elle has an 8kW Lynch electric motor driving a 13 inch folding prop. The current (no pun intended) battery capacity is 150 amp hours. This is fine for manoeuvres in – out and around the harbour, but should a longer period of motoring be required I keep an old British Seagull 5hp stored on board. And a removable Seagull outboard bracket which slots onto a fixed plate on the transom.
These 5hp long-shaft Seagull outboards drive a low geared 4 bladed fan propeller which will push an Atalanta along effortlessly. They were a popular choice for commercial fishing boats back in the day and can be picked up for little Money on eBay, boot sales etc. I have bought several on eBay over the years; picked this current on up from a local car boot sale a few years ago. British Seagull spares and the removable bracket in the photos are available from Sheridan Marine. Parts are easy to find and they are no trouble to work on – I changed the cylinder head on the current one in less than an hour and upgraded the carb to 25/1 oil mixture. There are Also plenty of forum enthusiasts with tips and videos. I have never had to use the Seagull as a backup (yet), but it is reassuring to know it’s there if needed. At least one early Atalanta had a long shaft 5hp Seagull as the only auxiliary motor, which was mounted on a side mounting bracket alongside the cockpit! Anyway – food for thought if anyone is thinking of adding an outboard.
Fixed flush slide fitting
Fixed slide fitting, bolted through transom to 20mm hardwood backing plate
Bracket fixed in place
Removeable Seagull outboard bracket attached
Motor raised
Motor has several raised position anglesand is easily raised and held
Motor down
Motor in operating position. NB: Long range tank
Chris – really interesting, I got very close to buying one this summer. Keen to understand how it manages to push so well with just 5HP? I almost fell in a few times (usually needing more oomph to get out of Dodge… so not the luxury of starting alongside in flat calm) trying to start my 2.5HP Mariner on Colchide. It certainly does seem really cost effective mind you.
Steve
Steve – I think the efficiency is down to the hefty gearbox’s low gearing and the large four bladed prop coupled with the easily driven hull of the Atalanta – especially with the keels up.. They are a bit noisy / smelly but good reliable old tech with a magneto.
Chris