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https://youtu.be/GYNKW_w95lA https://youtu.be/GYNKW_w95lA Does a good job of explaining why this isn’t practical. Although some supplementary wind power is pos
by mulmen 4y ago
https://youtu.be/GYNKW_w95lA https://youtu.be/GYNKW_w95lA Does a good job of explaining why this isn’t practical. Although some supplementary wind power is possible.
tl;dw: sails are tall and get in the way of (un)loading cargo. Fuel costs are borne by the lessee of the boat but sail costs are capital expenditures borne by the lessor.
- notahacker 4y ago> Fuel costs are borne by the lessee of the boat but sail costs are capital expenditures borne by the lessor. tbf, that one's pretty easily resolved by financiers if fuel costs of typical operational use are greater than the capital costs of the masts amortised over the expected life of the vessel and the ropes and sails amortised over the expected life of the ropes and sales. There's an established market for leasing aircraft and aero engines whose value is a function of fuel economy and how much the lessees' use devalues their life limited parts.
- smileysteve 4y agoThese reasons are why kites are being prototyped. Kites take up little deck space, sail in stronger winds, and require less surface area.