Hello Gareth
At the Teifi “raid“ we used an electric outboard (35lb thrust) on frame protruding over the side, level with the aft bulkhead. It worked perfectly, took us out of the estuary, against the tide, and up to the start line at about 3 knots. We had a heavy battery stowed near to the aft bulkhead which was very obtrusive, as was the outboard when it was switched off and tilted.
After the “raid” it brought back from the finishing line to the jetty without any problems
The next day, as we were launching off the beach, we decided to dispense with the outboard.
Last year my son Paul used “IONA” in Scotland (featured on the forum) and it was from his experiences that I decided to experiment with the outboard on the rudder.
I have made a number of mods. since the article on the forum, the main ones being:
1 Using two smaller batteries stowed forward of the centreboard case (moving the weight forward and easier to handle)
2 Fitting a plug & socket ( to get rid of the crocodile clips connecting the motor)
3 I found it very difficult to lean over the back to raise or tilt the motor so I fitted a clamp near to the bottom of the shaft, ran a line from it through the pivot and through a jamming cleat on the tiller. This enables me to easily lift the motor clear of the water when sailing. Which, I hope, answers your second question about drag. There is,nt any!
I hope this helps you.
We have made a number of other mods. Center mainsheet through jamming cleat, Removable thwart (ideal when rowing or running downwind single handed), a removable seat forward of the center board case (covers batteries and ideal for crew to slide across instead of standing up
Terry Cross “IONA”