2014 JOURNAL
Season Statistics
2014 Engine Hours: 37.3 hours
2014 Generator Hours: 7.3 hours
2014 Fuel Purchased: 162.3 gallons
January: the year of change?
Can't wait … more to come … :)
March: season prep has started!
Repaired and polished props … looking good!
April: retired again ...
… and that is not an April Fool’s joke … :)
May: the motor for our tender
After evaluating various options we have settled for an electric motor for our small inflatable flat bottom tender.
The gasoline motor was not an option for me. Heaving a gasoline powered engine on our boat, I would wonder and worry too much about the source of gasoline vapors whenever the tender motor or tank had a leak. First, I have bought LEHR propane powered motor that seemed to be a solution to my gasoline worries. Unfortunately, the fit and finish, and the oil and lube leaks from the crankcase and lower unit forced me to return it.
The only other option was an electric motor … or the oars. We went with battery powered Torqeedo 1003, an equivalent of 3 HP gasoline motor with huge torque (look at that massive 10" prop). It's not fast as its max RPM is 1200, but can push a boat up to 3000 lbs.
It's light, less than 30 lbs, and disassembles into three parts: motor, battery, and tiller. The heaviest part, the motor, is less than 20 lbs. Very easy to store and handle, and easily moved in and out of a tender. The battery lasts around 2-3 hours, with the range 5-8 miles and average speed 2.5 MPH (at half throttle).
The best part ... NO MAINTENANCE ... no gasoline, no carburetor, no oil nor lube, and no filters to worry about.
Now, the issues ... it's expensive at $1,900 street price, and it takes 10 hours to recharge the battery or 6 hours using a rapid charger. The second battery, another $600, seems to be a must ... well, next year ... :)
June/July: the prep work … huh?!
I have had planned too much yard and boat work and overextended myself this year. First, the cleanup after last winter, tree cutting, road fixing, etc, extended well beyond May. Second, there were also some surprises (as always) like the disintegrated cockpit speakers and stretched serpentine belt that had to be replaced in addition to the planned boat work. The most time consuming and the most rewarding additions this year are the new chart plotter, radar, and horn.
More pictures and details in the Prep Work, Launch album.
July: Oh, Canada!
July 1st fireworks in Kingston Harbour in Ontario, Canada.
August: let’s go boating!
Finally … launched and test run the boat. All systems were working and all is well!
Then, we hit the water …
… and relaxed a bit.
September: Long Short Trip … Cobourg ON
In and out in two days, 109 miles one way, just to meet some friends, eh!
September: Full Moon Cruise, Thousand Islands ON
Beautiful full moon, and perhaps the last week of warm days and nights this year.
September: Second Leg Cruise, Thousand Islands ON
Fall is just around the corner, winds are stronger and nights colder.
September: Autumn Cruise, Thousand Islands ON
Last week and weekend of September … a beautiful and warm weather.
October: see you next year ...
November: the wildlife takes over ...
SOME VIDEOS FROM THIS SEASON
Underwater Inspection
Threading the Needle
Undocking
Run Down the Canadian Middle Channel
Slow Pass
Fast Pass
Windy Day
