HORSEPOWER SENSE

摘要

I am thinking of returning to canal boating after sailing for 35 years. Why have engines grown so much? My last narrowboat had a lOhp engine and we used it happily on the canals and even ventured onto the River Trent. I believe it takes about 6hp to propel a 50ft narrowboat at 4mph so why are 35hp and above now the norm? What are the downsides and fuel costs of using these engines that are seldom on little more than tickover?