I launched my Pocketship ("El Sea Bien") for the first time 2 weeks ago. Idid nto get any fgood pictures because I was busy sailing to for the first time
-will post a few pictures as soon as I have a camera crew on the dock ready to do so.
For auxiliary power I planned on using a 62 lb thrust transom mounted trolling motor. Initial trial was successful - winds were about 5 to 7 knots- it allowed me to very quietly and smoothly motor away from the launch ramp/dock at a slow but steady pace, to give a chance to clear out of the way of the launch traffic, raise the main and sail away. Same returning - I was able to strike the sails a few hundred feet from the dock, an slowly motor back in under aux electric power. I got a top speed of maybe 2.5 knots. I could well envision using that configuration to motor me a few miles if the wind dies - no problem.
The very next weekend, I tried the same thing but had to deal with a 19 knot wind. The trolling motor was almost useless at that wind speed. It would not turn the boat into the wind, much less propel it forward.
My conclusion is that the electric works great on a small lake in light winds - I will use it for inland lakes. However, for any serious sailing on any large body of water where I could really need auxiliary power (like Lake Michigan where I intend to do a lot of sailing) - I will need to buy a 2 or 3 horse outboard (maybe the 2.3 HP Honda) and mount it on the transom with a proper mounting bracket that allows me to raise and lower the motor into the water.