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Displaying items by tag: sold

#Ports&Shipping- The UK's last working postal ship, RMS St. Helena, was for nearly three decades the main source of contact between one of humanity’s remotest islands and the outside world.

Now the ship, cherished by the 4,500 residents of British-ruled St. Helena, will according to MarineLink, start a new life as a floating armory, packed with automatic weapons, bullet-proof jackets and night vision goggles, all stored for maritime security operatives.

Renamed the MNG Tahiti, the 340-foot ship will undergo some tweaks before sailing to the Gulf of Oman where it will be used to ferry guns and guards to passing vessels navigating stretches of water lurking with pirates, its new operator said on Tuesday.

For more on the story click here and Afloat's reportage in recent years from London where RMS St. Helena made a first and only farewell call to the UK capital. In addition to highlighting a previous historic once-off 'charter-cruise' to Irish ports in 1995.

Published in Ports & Shipping

#BOATS FOR SALE – In spite of the doom and gloom boats are still selling through Afloat and we've had good news from one customer this week who sold his yacht within a few weeks of the advert going up on the Afloat boats for sale site.

Cork sailor Ian Travers advertised his Quarter Ton yacht Bandit in May for €11,500 and we received a letter yesterday telling us the deal was done and his yacht was sold. Well done to Ian and we look forward to seeing him and the new owners of Bandit on the water in 2012!

Here's Ian's note which maybe of interest to those considering selling over the winter lay up period.

Dear Afloat,

Just a quick note to let you know I have sold my Quarter Tonner 'Bandit'.

I am sure you will be glad to know I received loads of interest from the online advertisement I placed with Afloat.

As soon as the ad was placed, I started receiving enquiries from people who saw her on your website.

Categorically she would not have sold as quick had I not advertised with afloat.ie.

I would now be grateful if you could list the boat as being sold.

Thank you for your efficient service and I would not hessitate in recommending your service to anyone wishing to sell their boat.

Kind Regards,

Ian Travers

To advertise (€10) on Afloat's boats for sale website click here

Published in Boat Sales
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About Electric outboard engines

The direct-drive component in electric outboard engines means that the electric motors are incredibly efficient compared to conventional marine combustion motors, operating with considerably higher torque whilst using less power.

Without any need for gears, cooling systems and moving parts the motors are maintenance free, highly efficient and economic to run.

As a result, electric boat engines are becoming more popular on Irish waters as the world transitions from fossil fuels to green energy.

To date, popular electric engine sizes have been trolling engines typically used by fishermen on lakes.

These marine engines are available in models that can be used in fresh water and sea water, for your boat or kayak.

Electric motors are Ideal for fishermen because they are quiet and create little in the way of disturbance 

Popular electric trolling models range from 30lb thrust to 55lb thrust in a range of shaft lengths.

But use is becoming broader now in 2021 and electric outboard engines are being used on small runabouts and RIBS where electric outboard engine sizes are getting bigger.

Outboard electric engines are economical and environmentally friendly. Battery technology is also improving at a rapid rate meaning they are becoming smaller and lighter and run for longer.

Built in hydro-generation provides alternative recharging options whilst under sail are also options meaning the electric outboard now has a home on the stern on small yachts and dayboats too.

As far back as 2014, Torqeedo owner Jack O'Keefe from Cork Harbour told Afloat readers of his sailing adventures in a Drascombe Coaster dinghy and how after swapping from a petrol version the rewards from his new electric outboard engine are less noise, no smells, more stowage, better sailing performance and a motor that can be started by a small child. But it's still not silent, there's a whine he says here 

Popular brands in Ireland are Torqeedo, ePropulsion, Pulsar and Minn Kota but there are more arriving all the time as the technology advances