Electric boat

We tested the electric trolling motor on the Ooze Goose today. There are a number of things that should be avoided during the first test. Go up river instead of down. That way if there is a problem you are traveling with the current to get back. Don't run the test in an area you've never been before. Maybe it's not a good idea to run all afternoon at full speed before you know the range of the battery.

Yep, we did all those things: down river into unknown areas for a fair distance. I more than half expected to have to row at least some of the way back. Nope, we finished the day with plenty of reserve left in the battery.

It was a great trip.

My lovely wife ran the motor. Notice it's mounted off center. That allows the operator to sit centered in the boat. When I get around to building the sail rig the rudder will mount in the center of the transom.



Here I tried to get a shot of the bow of the boat including the solar panel mount. It's only a 30 watt panel, but it does extend the range. If the boat sits in the sun for a few days it will top off the battery.

One of the cool things about swamp boating in the south is seeing things that are rare up north. Air boats come to mind.



My lovely wife was tempted to follow him but I told her not to. He can travel over weeds that would foul our prop.


All in all, another great day on the water. Sure beats shoveling out from a New England blizzard.

-Sixbears