Does there come a time when sailing takes too much effort? But you still want to be on the water? Outside of OPBs, there's power. So, is it all bad or are there some light spots in the dark side?

The cost of fuel seems to be the biggest downside to powerboating. (There may be others, many others, but I have little experience.) In talking with the Sabre and Back Cove owners, I listened for the good sides.

Sailors probably undercount the hours they spend on auxiliary power. I do. And limited in speed, we get away with low fuel consumption. The same is true of small trawlers, except that the motor never stops. But as long as you are going to depend on a motor, why limit yourself? If you can't have silence, at least you can spend fewer hours listening to a motor!

The idea of getting to Maine in two reasonable daylight jumps is tempting. But that's only possible when burning many gallons per hour. Time is money? Some of those "delivery" days are long and boring; some are delightful. I supose the best are those under sail.

Perhaps just accept that more and more days on Hickory Wind will be under power. Still cost less than a powerboat! And the option to sail will always be there.

Todd, how about this as a topic for your blog? You've compared liveaboard costs and power. Howabout sail versus power? Plus, you have both. Is the tortoise the future? Costs for running it?