Torque of the town
An innovative approach to installing two new diesel Dtorque outboards into a sailing catamaran has given its owner an improved vessel under power and sail.
Written by Power Equipment
07 April 2020
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Sydney-based owner Ilan Sebban 52-foot Hitchhiker catamaran SV X-IT recently underwent a refit, which included the installation of two new Dtorque 111 diesel outboards.
A modern classic of the larger recreational multi-hulls, SV X-IT was the last built by the founder of Hitchhiker designs, John Hitch in around 2005.
The cat’s return sail from its recent refit at Ballina Slipways saw the impressive sailing machine hit close to 19 knots multiple times and averaged 9.5 knots all up under sail.
“We managed just over 10 knots on the sea trials and did a similar speed under motor on open waters too – I’m incredibly happy with the performance,” explained Ilan.
Ballina Slipways shipwright Michael Cocks and Ilan mapped out the refit for X-IT over nearly two years.
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X-IT has been kept very simple in terms of its onboard systems and conveniences – with deliberate intention.
“There is no generator on board, no air conditioning. It is a minimalist vessel which means less things to go wrong when you are at sea,” Ilan says.
Diesel inboards were not a preference for Ilan due to sailing hull compromises from running gear, and electric propulsion was simply not realistic in terms of longer-distance cruising.
The twin-cylinder Dtorques, distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Power Equipment, are the world’s smallest diesel outboard with common rail injection and deliver 50 horsepower at the propeller shaft.
With its remarkable torque output (peaking at 111 Nm @ 2,500rpm), these engines offer exceptional capability when powering heavy loads.
Michael Cocks of Ballina Slipways says of the Dtorque installation; “Ilan was having issues with the cockpit-mounted outboards with salt ingress and other issues, so we looked at an inside mid-hull position and made that work.”
Understanding Ilan’s vision and needs for X-IT, Michael was not afraid to take on what is quite a radical installation of outboard power on a larger sailing catamaran.
Sea-breaking pods have been designed and fabricated in front of each outboard position, while jacking plates allow both proper water entry for the outboard legs and full retraction away from the splash whilst under sail.
“The stern will usually bury to some extent with outboards to the rear and this midships installation has made the whole boat sit better in the water” Michael explained.
“The midships installation of the Dtorques has definitely balanced the boat better and I believe the boat tracks better in this configuration, particularly with downwind sailing,” Ilan agrees.
You could be forgiven for thinking Ilan was a decades-long sailor in experience when he talks of his on-water enthusiasm and somewhat radical improvements for X-IT. He has two Tasman crossings, multiple offshore adventures, Sydney to Hobart and Lord Howe trips under his belt, but the reality of his offshore experience is far different.
“I was actually born in the middle of France. I had some power boats over the years but only have six years total in sailing experience,” Ilan explains.
“I just get such a thrill when I am out at sea – the further out the better,” he says, “I have rung my wife on occasions when I am out there and said ‘you should see the stars out here at night. It’s amazing.’”
“It’s my intention to sail her to Cape Town next year some time if all goes to plan.”
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