It was 41 degrees, however the sun was out, and
the Erie Canal has just been reflooded ...... so out
came my Elco Serenity 14' from its garage and off we
went down the Canal for a cruise of about 2 hours and
12 minutes. Heading east down the Canal and Mohawk
River, we faced a brisk east wind coming straight up the
Canal. This created a bit of a chop but I was dressed
for it and actually enjoyed the fresh air. I set the
throttle at 15 amps and made about 4.5 miles in just over
an hour. At that point I turned around and headed
back - this time with the wind - and all became calm -
bringing back memories of sailing downwind. Wildlife
consisted of mallards, canada geese, black ducks, osprey,
blackbirds, crows and most interesting of all, evidence that
beavers had been hard at work during the winter trimming
the shoreline. Just wanted to report that the boating
season is opening up here in central New York, in spite
of the prediction for flurries tonight. The Erie is
really an ideal place for elctric cruising. I am
fortunate that I live just minutes from the marina and it
takes me less than 15 minutes from garage to cruising
out of the harbor. I also do not have to leave my
launch in the water and it gets washed after every
cruise and is immediately plugged in and soon ready for
the next day. The electronics wintered well and the
boat started up without my having to do anything with
the motor, batteries or anything else. What a joy!
Paul
