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MAURIPRO Sailing is more than an online sailing store; we are an international group of passionate sailors, clean oceans advocates, and sailing marketeers. We share the common goal of providing sailors around the world with the information you need to select sailboat equipment, sailing gear properly, or to source that elusive sailboat part and get it to ship to a remote cruising destination in a very cost-effective way. We are here to help you in any way we can.

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How to Sail: The Ultimate Sailing Guide for Beginners

Learning to sail can seem like a daunting process. Besides just learning how to sail a boat, the terminology of boating is completely different, and most of what needs to be learned can only be acquired by doing, meaning practice is required. But before you head out on the water, you can increase your knowledge by reading up on sailing , which will further help to keep you safe while on your boat. Discover our ultimate sailing guide for beginners !

(Guide via Jen Reviews )

Sailing Defined

Sailing is the art of taking a boat, turning off the motor, and harnessing the power of the wind to make the boat go where you want it to go. It might seem difficult, but it is really very simple, provided you take the time to understand how the boat utilizes the power of the wind. More than likely your boat will also have a motor (for times when there is no wind), but we will mainly focus on the actual process of sailing, and how that can be achieved.

Before you leave the dock

Before you head out on your own boat (or before you go to purchase a boat), search online and find the nearest sailing school or yacht club. You can find the local sailing school where you can take one on one sailing lessons, or even take an instructor out on your boat to show you the ropes, and how to safely sail. There are also free classes you can take online, which can better prepare you for learning the basics of sailing.

Make sure and check the weather before heading out. If there is a storm headed your way, or in the direction you want to go, it might be prudent to wait a few days until calmer weather is in the forecast. It also can be quite boring to head out on the water if there is no wind, as you will be forced to motor the entire time.

Dress for the weather, but be sure and bring lots of layers. Even if it’s hot out, while out on the water there is nothing to shield the wind, so it might seem colder than on land. Always have a jacket , hat, sunscreen, long pants and or shorts, shoes, and bring lots of water and snacks. Better to be over prepared than under prepared.

Make a Checklist

Make a checklist for necessary equipment you will want to bring with you on the boat (or even things that are US Coast Guard required). This could include items such as:

• Life Jackets
• Drinking water and snacks
• Sunglasses, hat, jackets, extra clothing
• Engine fuel and spare parts
• Chart ( handheld GPS as well)
• Bucket (can be used to bail water, clean off the boat, or as a restroom if need be)
• USCG required equipment for the boat
• Sound signals (whistle or fog horn)
• Fire extinguisher
• Visual distress signals (flares or flashlight at night )
• Navigation lights (required at night, or if visibility is reduced)
• Anchor and chain/line
• Extra line (mooring or various other uses)
• Fenders (Plastic hard ‘balloons’ that keep your boat from bumping on the dock)
• VHF radio and cellphone
• First-Aid Kit and booklet
• Tool Kit and Knife
• Lifesling or throwable buoy
• Radar reflector
• Ditch kit (full of life saving necessities in case you have to abandon ship)
• Life raft of some sort (depending on where you are sailing, and the size of your vessel)

These are all useful and necessary items to have stocked on your boat: some are required by the Coast Guard , and some are just common sense. It might also be helpful to bring a sailing buddy when you head out, to assist with docking, hoisting the sails, or just giving a second opinion in case something should occur.

Know your boat

Before heading out on the water, make sure and inspect as much of your boat as you can: understand where the lines (ropes) are going, how the sails are hoisted (lifted) and lowered, and where the safe places to walk or sit will be once you are out on the water. This article will discuss the basic terminology (with important words defined in bold), and try to explain as much as you need to know about the basic parts of your sailboat.

Let’s start with the simple terminology first .

When you get on your boat, and are facing towards the front of the boat, that would be forward, with everything behind you being aft. The very front of the boat is the bow, with the aft part of your boat called the stern. The left of the boat is the port side (think left and port both having four letters), with the right side being the starboard side. That seems simple, right? So let’s keep going.

The mast is the vertical pole that supports the sail. If you only have one big sail, there will only be one mast. Some boats have more than one mast, but sailboats always have at least one. The horizontal pole that comes off the bottom part of the mast is called the boom (which is also the sound it makes when it hits you in your head… be careful of this one!).

The tiller is a horizontal lever arm that turns the rudder (steers the boat), and is either by itself or is attached to the wheel, which is what you use to steer the boat. Standing in the boat you will be on the deck, but if you go inside the boat you will be below-deck. The sides of the boat are called the hull, and the draft is the distance from the surface of the water to the deepest part of the boat underwater (important to know if you don’t want to run aground).

The lines that hold up the mast on the starboard and port sides up to the top of the mast are called the shrouds, while the wire that runs from the mast to the stern is called the backstay, and the wire that runs from the mast to the bow is the forestay (also called the headstay). The beam is the width at the widest point of your boat, and the total length overall is the horizontal length from the tip of the stern to the tip of the bow (necessary to know depending on where you want to dock or store your boat).

It may seem like quite a few terms to know, but while being on a sailboat everything is called something different. But we are only concerned with the most important terms at the moment.

When you start putting up a sail, you will be pulling on a halyard . If you are putting up the mainsail (largest sail that is attached to the mast), you will be pulling on the main halyard. To let the sail move towards the starboard or port side of the boat, you will let out the main sheet (line that is attached to the bottom aft section of each sail, which moves it side to side). You may need to use a winch, which is a round drum that increases your power capabilities to pull on a line (rope).

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Optimist - PRO RACER Hull - COMPLETE READY TO SAIL

Product Description

McLaughlin is the most technologically advanced Optimist sailboat in the world, specifically engineered for speed and a proven champion – our Optimist sailboat has never been beaten in World Championship competition.

The McLaughlin Pro Racer is engineered to be the absolute stiffest, highest quality, and MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED Optimist available in the world. Complete with 3 Airbags, Paddes Hiking Straps, Mainsheet, Bowline, and Blocks .

MK4 Optimax Spars with 45mm Boom- Includes OX25B4 Rigging Pack. DSK Blade Set. Sail, Olimpic, Optimax , North, Quantum, or J sail Optipart Blade Bag. Class Legal Sail  OPTIMAX UNO with USA number . ( new product) . 2 Bailers Can Be customize . Call for more info  954 235 2674

This Boat is ready to sail .  

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7 Best Sailboat Propellers

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

If you own a boat, it's very likely that it has a propeller that you can use when you don't want to jib, tack, or hoist the sails. As such, having the right propeller for your sailboat that is extremely efficient under power, while not slowing you down under sail is important. This is why you have to choose the best sailboat propeller for your vessel.

Having the right sailboat propeller that properly fits your boat is one of the most essential things if you want to get the most out of your vessel. When it comes to boat propellers, there's no one-size-fits-all. In most cases, the factory-installed model may not be the best for your boat, so installing an after-market model would be the best way to go, especially if you want to improve your boat's acceleration and top speed.

One of the main duties of a sailboat propeller is to ensure or determine how fast your boat can go. It plays an integral role in enhancing efficiency and improving the boat's handling capabilities. So whether you're planning to set sail or just cruise around, having the best propeller for your boat is of immense importance in enhancing your boating experience.

Whether you're in the market because your boat's current propeller is damaged or you're just looking for a new propeller to improve the performance and efficiency of your boat, you've come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we'll help you filter through an ocean of choices and find a perfect propeller that matches the needs of your boat. At the end of this read, it should be quite easy to pick a propeller that makes and keeps your boat running and operating at peak efficiency.

Table of contents

How to Choose the Best Boat Propeller

A propeller is a crucial component of any boat. Without it, you may be forced to only rely on your sails or even row the boat manually. Even though they may all seem the same, these propellers have various features that make them different. So if you're in the market for a boat, here are how to choose the best boat propeller.

Generally, we often use our boats at sea level but there are those occasions when you may have to cruise at higher altitudes. For example, you may want to boat in a mountainous region and this means less oxygen. This means that your boat cannot produce the amount of power as it would in an oxygen-rich environment.

So if you plan to sail at an elevation, you can choose a propeller with a lower pitch as it will deliver more power.

Boat propellers are mainly made from three main materials including aluminum, stainless steel, and plastic. Stainless steel is an ideal choice if you're looking for strength, durability, and performance. In terms of aluminum, you'll get excellent performance, lighter design, and are more affordable. A propeller made from plastic is perfect for small boats but they may not offer the same durability and power as metallic propellers.

A propeller's weight can have significant effects on the performance of your boat. A heavier propeller will require less pitch and your boat's engine might not work at its full capacity. This is why it is of great importance to consider the load or weight of a propeller as well as the load that your boat will be carrying so that you can choose a prop with the right pitch and diameter. You should, therefore, buy two propellers with different pitches so that they can be used interchangeably depending on the circumstance.

Ventilation

Needless to say, a propeller will not function at full capacity without proper ventilation. If a model isn't properly ventilated, the surface air might be pushed into the blades or the propeller, thereby leading to below-par performance. This is why you should ensure that the propeller is properly installed within the lower part of the transom and should be able to work even in very harsh conditions.

When it comes to choosing the right size of a propeller, you'll have to ensure that the diameter of the prop is twice the distance from the hub center to the blade's tip. A propeller with a larger diameter can perfectly accommodate a larger engine. You should also consider the prop's pitch, which is the distance the propeller will travel in one rotation. The pitch is comparable to a car's gear and sometimes you may need low pitches for the boat to move.

Cavitation refers to a situation whereby water vaporizes because there's a lack of pressure on the prop's blades. This low pressure and vaporization can lead to terrible consequences and can lead to erosion of the material. Such issues can be caused by poor polishing, poor design, and other flaws in the blade. This is why you should go for a high-quality propeller to ensure that cavitation doesn't become an issue.

Whether you go for a three-blade or four-blade propeller, they all work great. You, however, have to keep in mind that a three-blade prop offers top performance and speed while a four-blade prop is perfect for difficult conditions, especially when speed isn't a priority. Again a four-blade prop is great in fuel efficiency but may reduce your boat's rpm.

Best Sailboat Propellers

Here are the 7 best propellers currently available in the market.

Mercury Marine Spitfire

If you've held a little interest in boat propellers, you've probably been part of the debate between three-blade and four-blade propellers. While it may be difficult to conclusively choose the best type of propeller based on the number of blades, the Mercury Marine Spitfire puts an end to this debate. This is because it offers the best of both worlds and remains one of the few propellers that are compatible with various motors.

This propeller is designed to be the ultimate prop for a wide range of outboard boats in terms of offering outstanding performance. This aluminum prop is designed with four blades and a long barrel that combine to give it an additional stern lift and lightning-fast holeshot, which is crucial in skinny-water applications. To put it into perspective, this prop can offer 25% faster acceleration and superior holding without necessarily compromising on top speed.

This is a unique boat propeller that is magnificently designed to cater to the unique demands of various boats. Whether you're using an outboard boat with 25hp or 125hp, this prop can spin up quite fast and improve your boat's acceleration thanks to its innovative designs.

• ‍ Offers aggressive blade cupping
• It is quiet as it comes with a noise-reducing hub
• Doesn't have blowouts on hard turns
• ‍ Quite expensive

Quicksilver Nemesis 4-Blade Boat Propeller

Featuring arguably the most aggressive geometry of all aluminum props, the Quicksilver Nemesis 4-blade Propeller offers the best cup in terms of acceleration, holding, and tenacity when gripping in turns. The fact that it is designed with a high-rake and reduced diameter makes it incredible if you're looking for a prop that can help your boat maintain top speed.

This is a prop that's helping rewrite the engineering rules as you get top acceleration and tenacious holding without compromising on top speed. This is great for any boat that's powered by stern drives ranging from 25HP to 250HP and will significantly augment the performance of your boat.

If you've been looking for an all-round prop, this is the best option. It will never let you down when it comes to delivering a superb holeshot, fuel efficiency, incredible control and comfort, and top speed. Better still, you don't have to break the bank to acquire one.

• ‍ Offers 3-blade speed with 4-blade performance
• A great and powerful prop for rough waters and water sports
• Offers impeccable quality and performance and a fair price
• Available in a wide range of pitches and diameters to suit different motors and needs
• ‍ Might not be ideal if you want a left-hand rotation

Turning Point Hustler Propeller

If you're in the market for a prop that incorporates in its design some of the newest and most efficient features, then the Turning Point Hustler Propeller can be a superb option. This is a high-performance 4-blade stainless steel propeller that comes with a guarantee that it will be devoid of air bubbles and any other defect that could negatively impact on its performance or that of your boat.

This prop's blade design is structured with one of the best high rake patterns, aggressive cupping, fine-tuned pitch aggression, sharp trailing edges; all to ensure that your boat achieves top speed, maximum acceleration, fuel efficiency, and top-end performance. This prop is designed to be long-lasting thanks to its five-step, powder-coated finish.

The Hustler is designed with a squeeze cast for added strength and a high flow-through barrel exhaust system to increase horsepower while offering top-end speed.

• ‍ Enhanced low consumption and fuel efficiency
• Quite affordable
• Offers improved handling
• One of the most advanced props in terms of technology
• ‍ May interfere with the boat's rpm

Young Marine OEM Grade Aluminum Outboard Boat Propeller

Whether you're on a tight budget or just looking for a quality OEM grade propeller that will offer top performance, the Young Marine OEM Grade propeller can be an ideal option. This propeller is meant for Mercury outboard engines and will cost half the price of other top brands while offering the same if not much better results in terms of quality and performance.

The Young Marine is available in a wide range of pitches and diameters. This not only makes it one of the most versatile props in the game but offers you the flexibility of going for something that perfectly and exactly suits your size and pitch needs. The fact that the diameters and pitches are the same as the original OEM propellers makes installation a lot easier while still offering top performance.

This propeller is made from the highest-quality aluminum, thereby offering an incredible combination of strength and lightness. It's perfectly suited for Mercury outboard engines and works great within a range of 25HP to 75HP.

• ‍ Affordable and offers excellent value for money
• Offers a wide range of diameters and pitches
• The 3-blade design offers improved performance
• ‍ Only works best for an engine with HP ranging from 25 to 75

MotorGuide 3-Blade Machete III Boat Propeller

Designed with 3-blade superiority, MotorGuide Machete 3 is a superb boat propeller that can be of great help if you're planning to sail over skinny water full of seaweed and other aquatic flora. Featuring a prop pint and prop nut, this is an impressive boat prop that's designed to offer efficiency and top speed.

It performs relatively well across various voltages including 12, 24, and 36 voltages. This prop is specifically designed for trolling motors and can easily outperform similar props in this category.

• ‍ Great for trolling motors
• Offers fast and efficient performance
• Works great across a wide range of volts ‍
• ‍ It's affordable
• The tapered hub design is excellent
• ‍ The blades are made of plastic and their durability is questionable

Mercury Max Black Boat Propeller

This is another Mercury propeller model that's widely known in the industry for offering top performance and speed. It's designed with several amazing features such as the combination of a small pitch and a bigger diameter to enhance its efficiency. It is also created using premium aluminum to offer a great balance between strength and lightness.

It comes with the standard 3-blade model to enhance speed and an outstanding hub system that is high-rated by users. This is one of the best-selling 3-blade propellers in the world and will deliver uncompromising performance in virtually every situation. Its geometry may seem conservative but it will never lose even the slightest bite on the water even when your boat is making the modest of turns.

• ‍ Its design is efficient
• Made of premium aluminum material
• Works great in almost any situation
• Can reach top speed in less than 50 mph
• Comes with a flo-torq hub kit
• ‍ Noticeably slower than many stainless steel boat props

Michigan Wheel MICH 3 Blade Boat Propeller

If you have a smaller boat but want a quicker and smoother cruising, the Michigan MICH can be your best bet. Featuring 19 prop pitch and a 14.5 diameter, this 3-blade prop delivers consistently great performance and can be easily customized for various types of boats.

Installing this propeller is quite easy and it will hold up well for many years to come with minimal maintenance. The blades are made of premium aluminum and are coated in black to prevent it from corroding. This can be an excellent option if you're looking for a superb prop for a small boat.

• ‍ It is corrosion-resistant ‍
• ‍ Installing it is easy
• Offers top speed and makes cruising quite smooth
• It can be customized to fit well in a wide range of boats
• ‍ Not perfect for bigger boats

To this end, we hope that you are now more informed when it comes to choosing the best propeller for your boat. Of course, a propeller is of great importance to your boat and will increase your vessel's efficiency. You certainly do not want to spoil your boating experience just because you chose a low-quality propeller and that's exactly why you should go for a prop that perfectly suits your boat.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Sailing is an age-old tradition that has captivated the dreams of many. From traversing the seven seas to embarking on a weekend adventure, owning a sailboat can be an incredibly rewarding experience. But before investing in one, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of sailboat ownership.

Pros of Owning a Sailboat

First, let’s look at the main advantages of owning a sailboat.

Most modern sailboats have small motors for docking and maneuvering in close quarters. However, the main mode of locomotion remains the traditional sails, which provide a unique experience as you ride the wind to your destination. Plus, you’ll learn a new set of skills that can be used throughout your lifetime.

The freedom

Owning a sailboat gives you your own piece of sea-faring freedom. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want! No more waiting around for someone else to take you out on their boat, and forget expensive airfare to get to an exotic destination. With your sailboat, you can explore places that aren’t even accessible by land.

Maintenance

Compared to owning a motorized boat, sailboats require much less maintenance. Parts and repairs are much cheaper, and the motor requires less upkeep. You’ll also save on gas since you won’t need to refuel as often.

Doubles as a living quarter

You don’t often hear of people living on speedboats, but people do live on sailboats. For those wanting to get away from the rat race, a sailboat can be an excellent alternative to traditional living quarters.

Environmentally-friendly

Finally, sailboats are very environmentally friendly. For one, they don’t make a ruckus like motorboats. Motor noise can harm and disturb wildlife, but your sailboat won’t have that problem. Also, sailboats use the wind as their main energy source instead of fuels like gasoline and diesel.

Cons of Owning a Sailboat

The main disadvantages of owning a sailboat are as follows:

Weather dependence

Sailboats rely heavily on the wind and weather conditions for power. If there’s no wind, you won’t be able to use your sails and will have to resort to a motorized backup. Doing so might mean breaking the peace and tranquility of your journey.

Slow speeds

While it is technically possible to traverse the ocean on a big enough sailboat, the fact of the matter is that most sailboats are quite slow. A motorized boat might be a better fit if you’re looking for faster speeds and more power.

Smaller size

If you’re planning on throwing lavish parties or carrying a lot of cargo, then you’re going to need a bigger boat. Most sailboats are small compared to motorboats, so they won’t be ideal if you have larger needs.

Learning curve

Sailing requires a certain level of skill and knowledge, which can take some time to master. If you’re completely new to sailing, renting a sailboat before investing in one might be wiser. You’ll quite literally learn the ropes before diving in.

Owning a sailboat can be a gratifying experience. But just like any major purchase, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Think about what your needs are, consider all of the available options, and make sure you’re ready for all that comes with sailing.

Happy travels!

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Tohatsu Sailpro Review/Log

• Thread starter Leeward Rail
• Start date Jul 1, 2017
• Catalina Owner Forums
• Catalina 22

Leeward Rail

Good morning everyone, In the time that I have been looking at switch to a different outboard, I kept seeing a lot of posts in various websites about the Tohatsu Outboards. Their 6HP Sailpro 4 Stroke model seems to receive almost universal praise, with a few caveats. Since I just received my new Sailpro and am in the process of preparing it for use, I thought it would be helpful, If I compiled all the info I have found. I'll be updating this thread as time goes on, and I use the motor more and more.  

• 15 hp is more power than is needed for a 22ft sailboat. A keel boat won't normally plane on the water , so it is normally limited to it's "hull speed". The Catalina 22's hull speed is around 6.29 knots.
• No alternator in the Mercury (available as a Quicksilver addon kit for $115 USD)
• Have to mix oil/gas
• Uses a lot more fuel than a 6 hp 4 stroke
• Pollutes a lot (don't you just love the smoke and rainbow sheen on the water, that a 2 stroke makes ?)
• Lightest model weighs approx 41kgs/90lbs. This long shaft was likely more. Heavier than the Tohatsu Sailpro 6hp. Makes the boat slower when actually sailing.
• No Fuel/Oil to mix
• 3 Star Ultra Low Emission (meets the California Air Resource Board's 2008 exhaust emission standards) 65% less Emissions than the 1 Star Low Emission 2 Stroke
• Supposedly quieter than the 2 Stroke ?
• Includes a charging system
• Fuel Consumption = 0.53 GPH @ 5500 RPM (1/3 of the fuel of the Merc 15) (based on manufacturer's data). In most cases it won't be at full throttle so the consumption will be much less in day to day use.
• Long shaft version weighs 61lbs (at least 30lbs less than the Merc)
• High thrust prop and 6hp is enough to get the boat to hull speed even in ocean swells
• 25" Long shaft keeps the prop in the water in waves. (5" longer than my 2011 Mercury)
• 5 Year Limited Warranty
• Update: Has a Warning Light and Alarm with speed governor. This is activated when oil pressure is low, or maximum allowable rpm is exceeded.
• Uses a separate shift lever, instead of having it simply being simply a function of twisting the throttle
• The steering "Friction System" is not designed to be a lock. After a bit of use, it is unable to hold the motor locked straight when under sail. (There is a bolt in lock kit available, but it prevents you from using the motor's tiller to improve maneuvering in tight spaces)
• The motor (made in Japan)
• 12 Litre (3.1 USG) external fuel tank with fuel gauge (Made in Canada)
• Fuel supply line (fuel rated rubber) with primer bulb, and quick connect fittings on both ends. (MUCH nicer than Quicksilver one I had for the 2011 Mercury)
• 10 x 13 mm Socket Wrench
• 16mm Socket Wrench
• Socket Wrench handle
• Straight and Phillips Screwdriver shafts
• Screwdriver Handle
• Wrist Safety Lanyard with stop switch clip
• 1000 mm (39 inch) Emergency Start Rope
• Additional NGK DCPR6E Spark Plug
• Additional Split Cotter pin for prop
• Additional Stop switch lock clip
• 6ft cable for connecting motor charging system to battery. (Has Ring terminals on battery end, and Female Bullet Connectors on motor end. Not great connectors, but it's too short to reach the C22's battery anyhow so I'll be using something else)

@Gene Neill Thanks for the great info on the fuel consumption ! What range did the 3 gallons give you in the high winds/wave scenario ? What wind/wave conditions are was talking ?  

• The cable supplied to run to the battery needs to be replaced and modified:
• Only 6 ft. long. Not long enough to reach most battery locations on a sailboat. I suspect the cable is the same one sold for using with a small power boat. Hopefully they will supply longer cables with future SailPro models.
• Uses bullet connectors at the motor. They are not waterproof. Since the cable connects to the motor at the bottom of the power head, I don't think this is a great idea.
• The gear shift lever "just" clears the grab handle on the oem Garhauer Marine C22 outboard mount, when the motor is tilted up fully. If you have a different mount this might not work, depending on it's design.

• The throttle has a friction adjustment knob. All the tiller outboards I've used, never had one so I'm not sure why this one does. Presumably the throttle could vibrate out of where you set it ?

• The fuel filter is somewhat opaque. I prefer clear ones so I can visually inspect them.

• You need to remove 3 bolts, along with the pull start recoil system, to use an emergency starting rope. Having to use tools could be a problem in an emergency or in rough conditions. (I wonder if there is enough room to install some type of wing bolt modification ?)
• The motor is quiet at idle. But, it does not seem noticeably quieter than the 2011 Merc 2 Stroke when at 1/3 throttle.

Place holder for Steering Friction "lock" information  

Leeward Rail said: @Gene Neill Thanks for the great info on the fuel consumption ! What range did the 3 gallons give you in the high winds/wave scenario ? I couldn't begin to guess. I just remember it was really alarming how fast the fuel was going away. What wind/wave conditions are we talking ? Click to expand

First post updated with: -manufacturer's fuel consumption data. -actual tested weight of the long shaft version  

Save foam shipping insert. I use mine all the time for motor cradle in the back of my truck. Keeps you from scratching motor during transport. Lane  

bushav said: Save foam shipping insert. I use mine all the time for motor cradle in the back of my truck. Keeps you from scratching motor during transport. Click to expand

Great thread. I'm really tempted to retire the 1957 Johnson 7.5 my Cat 22 came to me with and get one of these. Hmmm  

In 2 weeks I'll plan on getting on the water videos and data, and will be posting info on the steering lock "problem" and different solutions to that. When I was doing it's initial startup run at idle, it started on the 3rd pull. Smooth idle for a single cylinder motor IMO. Not bad at all, since it was fresh out of the box Like any motor, it will likely have some little tricks to start it, if you ever flood etc. I've had a few time in my life when I needed to urgently start an unfamiliar motor. I'd like to play around with it and see if I can get it running easily in those situations.  

Megaro76 said: Great thread. I'm really tempted to retire the 1957 Johnson 7.5 my Cat 22 came to me with and get one of these. Hmmm Click to expand

Just a note about the snap on fuel connector that goes on the motor. It is proprietary. It looks like the ones you can find at any marine store but there is something different about it. When it wears out, eventually it will leak air and need to be replaced. The only one I could get to work was a genuine tohatsu part. YMMV  

About the steering lock. Look hard enough,you will find a fix,involves glueing fabric to the stainless steel band inside the housing at the lock screw. I did that to mine last winter,pleased with the results.  

DAVA390 said: Look hard enough,you will find a fix Click to expand

Sailm8 said: Just a note about the snap on fuel connector that goes on the motor. It is proprietary. Click to expand

Leeward, I can't answer that with much accuracy. I bough the motor used and ran it for about a year before I had problems. I went to the marine store and bought a look a like. It worked fine for about 3 months then leaked air and fuel. I sent off for a OEM part, which looks identical but cost 3X as much and have been using it for a year. I have a spare ready to go.  

Reviving an old thread, because it seems like a good place to keep relevant info on the Tohatsu Sailpro. I just joined the Tohatsu club, replacing my old Honda 7.5. With some hesitation, as the Honda has been fabulously reliable, but I like the idea of getting 30+ lbs off the transom; and my aging back was complaining about lifting the 90 lb beast. So, for those of you who've used the Tohatsu / Merc / Nissan 6hp for awhile, what repairs have you run into - what spare parts should I carry? I have a couple spare plugs and an extra fuel line, which I'm hoping will cover some potential problems. The local outboard mechanic I bought it from said he's occasionally seen a coil fail; but he said that's rare - and a spare is ~$125, so I'm not sure yet whether I'll spring for one. Has anyone here had problems that would justify carrying Tohatsu's carb repair kit or water pump kit? Anything else you'd recommend?  

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Home  Competition  Rules/Officiating  Race Officers

Rules/Officiating

Race officers, race officers are responsible for.

• Choosing courses to give competitors the best possible races
• Adjusting the course in response to changing conditions
• Starting and finishing the fleet
• Scoring the event
• Ensuring the safety of competitors and the race committee

Personal Attributes of Race Officials

Because race officials play an important role in ensuring the fairness and quality of competition, racing sailors and US Sailing expect a high level of personal integrity and judicial temperament of certified race officials. To learn more about standards of personal conduct for race officials and how they are evaluated, please click on the button below.

US SAILING'S PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES STANDARDS FOR RACE OFFICIALS

A complete listing of Race Officer Seminars and other educational offerings can be found on the Race Officer Seminar Calendar . First-time applicants for each certification level must take a standard seminar; applicants for re-certification at their current level may substitute Continuing Education offerings.

Please note that all race officers must submit an application for recertification at the end of their four-year appointment. Passing a test does not result in automatic recertification.

Find a Seminar

The goals of the Race Officer Certification program are:

• To make racing more enjoyable by improving the quality of race management
• To standardize race management practices for the benefit of competitors and members of the race committee
• To identify qualified active race officers and make them available to event organizers
• To provide structured training and continuing education for race officers

The program has three levels: Club, Regional and National

In addition to providing evidence of practical experience, participants in the program must attend approved educational offerings and demonstrate their knowledge of race management rules and procedures by passing a test at least once every four years.

Appointments are for renewable four-year terms and end on December 31 of the fourth year of certification. US Sailing membership is required.

Applicants for certification and all certified race officers must record their race management activities in SOARS, US Sailing’s online reporting system. If you need assistance using SOARS, please review the documentation on the SOARS site or contact your Area Race Officer.

Applications

Applications for all race officer appointments are available on the Certification Forms page of the US Sailing website.

Application for Certification 

REQUEST A BACKGROUND CHECK

Club Race Officer

A Club Race Officer is expected to be able to properly run any race normally conducted at his or her local sailing organization, including organizing the race committee, writing sailing instructions and scoring the event.

The certified Club Race Officer program is administered within each US Sailing geographic area by the Area Race Officer . The Area Race Officer may certify an applicant as a Club Race Officer when all of the material necessary for certification has been received. Please download the PDF below for a list of certification requirements.

CRO Certification Requirements

Regional Race Officer

A Regional Race Officer is expected to be able to go anywhere in his or her Area and serve as the principal race officer with any race committee to properly run any race or regatta normally conducted in that Area, including regional championship events. This includes organizing the event and the race committee, writing correct sailing instructions and completing the scoring.

Applications for Regional Race Officer are considered first by the Area Race Officers Working Group (AROWG) and then by the Race Management Committee (RMC). Please download the PDF below for a list of certification requirements.

RRO Certification Requirements

National Race Officer

A National Race Officer is expected to be able to go anywhere in the country and serve as the principal race officer or race management consultant with any race committee to properly run any race or regatta, including national championship events. This includes organizing the event and the race committee, writing correct notices of race and sailing instructions and completing the scoring.

Applications for National Race Officer are considered first by the AROWG and then by the RMC. Please download the PDF below for a list of certification requirements.

NRO Certification Requirements

Additional Information about Regional and National Race Officer Certification

In addition to the specific technical requirements for each level of certification, both the AROWG and RMC are responsible for ensuring that applicants have sufficient depth and breadth of experience and demonstrated leadership, teamwork and relationship skills to be able to go anywhere in the area being applied for and manage any regatta likely to be held in that area. The requirements stated here are the minimum required for certification.

In addition to providing his or her endorsement of the candidate, the ARO must present to the AROWG and RMC evidence that the applicant meets the requirements and possesses these skills. This is done by consulting the references listed on the application, other race officials, competitors and event organizers who are familiar with the applicant’s work and researching regattas in the applicant’s SOARS record.

Out-of-Venue Events: An out-of-venue event is one for which a race official travels a significant distance from his or her home venue to a distinct body of water and works:

• With an unfamiliar organizing authority and race management team
• With a different group of competitors and/or boats
• In conditions different from those of his or her home waters
• For National Race Officer candidates, an out-of-venue location should be in a different region of the country; at a minimum it must be far enough from home to require an overnight stay.

The intent of this requirement is to ensure that a race officer candidate has both the technical and people skills to work successfully with a variety of volunteers, competitors and boats in a variety of conditions. Because venues vary widely within regions and around the country, the candidate’s ARO will have discretion when determining what qualifies as an out-of-venue event.

Additional Policy Information:

For further information on the following Race Officer certification policies, please download the PDF below:

• Additional References and Program Modifications
• Testing and Retesting Policies
• Reviews of Certification Decisions
• Personal Conduct of Race Officers
• Seminar Instructors
• World Sailing (WS) Race Officer Program

Additional Policy Information

The Area Race Officers Working Group and Race Management Committee meet quarterly to consider applications for Regional Race Officer and National Race Officer certifications and renewals:

Area Race Officers (AROs)

Aros are the race officer administrators in each of us sailing’s areas..

The ARO is responsible for encouraging and guiding members who wish to take a race officer course, become certified or recertified, or upgrade their certification level. AROs also help organizers recruit race officers for their events, place race officers at events, schedule training seminars and answer race management-related questions from members.

For more information about race officers and race management, please contact your ARO, who is identified by his or her Area in the table below.

Race Management Committee

The race management committee:.

• develops, supports and certifies race officers within the U.S.
• maintains the training and testing programs for certification.
• assists sailing organizations in obtaining qualified race officers for events.
• provides support and advice on the roles and conduct of race officers at US Sailing events.
• investigates complaints against race officers.
• submits candidates for approval by the Board as nominees for World Sailing International Race Officers.

Race Management Committee Meeting Minutes

Race management committee newsletters, race officer training and certification working group.

The role of the Race Officer Training and Certification Subcommittee is to develop and maintain the Race Officer training program, and communicate the procedures for certification in print or electronically on its website.

The Subcommittee also appoints instructors to teach its one-day and Advanced (two-day) race management seminars. These seminars are a part of US Sailing’s race officer training and certification programs. People are appointed as instructors based on their level of race officer certification, demonstrated capability and experience as instructors and willingness to serve.

Basic & Advanced Race Officer Seminars

• The Race Management seminars below are listed in chronological order.
• For more information about the offering, please click Enroll Now.
• For information about scheduling a seminar, please visit Organize a Seminar .
• For further assistance, please contact your Area Race Officer or the Race Administration office .

FIRST TIME PARTICIPANTS : Attendance at a seminar and successful completion of the online test alone do not lead to certification. If you are interested in becoming a Race Officer, please review our Certification Program for the complete list of requirements. With the assistance of your Area Race Officer, you will be guided through the certification process. Thank you for  your interest in and support of racing.

TO TRANSFER TO A DIFFERENT SESSION:

• Log in to your US Sailing account here:  MyUSSailing
• Select the  My Certs and Courses  tab from the options on the left, then click the transfer link.
• Confirm transfer

Course transfers are not available within the week of the course start.

Let us know if you would like to be put on a list so we may contact you when a Race Management Seminar becomes available. Contact List 

Seminar Calendar

PARTICIPATED IN A SEMINAR? PLEASE COMPLETE   OUR SEMINAR EVALUATION.

Materials for Race Officers

Forms, diagrams, equipment and other items useful in race management.

Forms, Diagrams, Equipment and Other Items Useful in Race Management - Designed to provide useful Race Management Committee “tools” used in the administration and running of races. An example of a “tool” is a piece of equipment, a useful form, a publication, a set of graphics for courses or flags, or any other “tool” that somebody has found especially useful and has the potential for wide application.

Forms & Diagrams 

RACING RULES OF SAILING

Appendices KG & LG - NoR & SI Templates

Scoring Programs

2021-2024 hearing request Form

The NEW HEARING REQUEST FORM replaces the front page of the former PROTEST FORM to be used by competitors to file protests, redress requests, and requests to reopen a hearing.

2021-2024 hearing Decision Form

The NEW HEARING DECISION FORM replaces the back page of the former PROTEST FORM and is only for use by the Protest Committee.

Andrew Clouston SVP Programs & Services Email Andrew Clouston

Matthew Hill Race Administration Director Email Matthew Hill 401-342-7948

Judie McCann Race Administration Coordinator Email Judie McCann 401-342-7945

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