Kayaking the lazy way

[deckofficer]

Didn't get the new kayak in the water till 4:00 PM, because didn't leave the dealer's business till 3:15 PM. No sweat, a couple hours till dark and I'm only running (2) small AGM batteries, one pulled from the T, and the 17 year old one from the T and now in the garden tractor. Video coming later.

The 2 AGM batteries. Use the 17 year old one upriver so that I would have plenty of reserve to get back.


Heading out for 1st cruise upstream on the American River, putting in at Nimbus Dam.


VOM and tools


Heading back after 3 nm up river on that 17 year old battery.

[deckofficer]

I haven't given up sailing to be a power boater, but the winds died this afternoon and I'm glad I had electrons flowing.

MOV02923 - YouTube

[Panope]

Cool kayak. What brand and model is it? Is the motor an inboard or outboard? Also, I remember a while back you were thinking of getting a Takacat inflatable. Any progress on that one? Thanks for sharing.

Steve

[markpierce]

Don't look now, but you are a power boater. Have you state-registered your kayak yet?

It was a nice day on the water today in central California. Winds were easterly instead of the usual westerly in Carquinez Strait today where there was enough wind to sail.

[deckofficer]

Originally Posted by Panope

Cool kayak. What brand and model is it? Is the motor an inboard or outboard? Also, I remember a while back you were thinking of getting a Takacat inflatable. Any progress on that one? Thanks for sharing.

Steve

I will be getting the Takacat, as that will be the grocery getter from an anchorage. It will take around 200~300 w/hr per nm, while the slender kayak at a slower speed only needs 40 w/hr per nm. If I need speed (18 kt) and load/passenger capability, it will be the Takacat, but just me and slow (5 kt) the Ocean Torque. With the lithium batteries I ordered, (8) 3.2 volt 100 a/hr cells should have a range of over 50 miles at 80% DOD. It's an inboard with PWM throttle with reverse.

markpierce,

I have no intention of reg as a vessel because you can't tell it is electric when I launch it and I assist the motor with my paddles for at least some exercise.