Log of the launch Electra

Electra put away for the winter.

Electra's 2006 season spanned 195 days and 34 voyages, most of them between 60 and 90 minutes long. The battery was discharged by at least 10% thirteen times. The deepest discharge was something less than the 136.6 amp-hours recorded previously. Over the life of the boat, the average discharge between charges has been 74.4 amp-hours (15% of battery capacity).

Plans for the winter include replacement of an erratic E-meter, and attention to the brass and bright-work.

I offered to get Alice into a shelter, or witness-protection program, but she could only continue to faintly croak, "Our horns are louder."

Bystanders thought it sounded like Alice was reading from a script written by somebody else.

This was an important voyage, because it resolved the long-standing question of which boat has the louder horns; Electra, or the Karchers' Obsession. Alice Karcher (who has had many opportunities to listen to Obsession's cute little horns) today experienced the commanding voice of Electra, and immediately testified clearly, and of her own free will, that Electra's horns are much louder. Alice's unsolicited testimony, which was captured on video, has completely resolved the horn loudness debate, and eliminated the need to hold a competitive honk-off.

Of course, horn loudness is not important, in itself, but becomes important when recognized as an indicator of skipper manliness.

Robert & Teresa Kough.

It was a calm, pleasant evening: the carp may be too cold to jump. We ventured briefly into Dolphin Cove Marina.

Chris & Mickey Nielson.

We might have stayed out longer, but Barb remembered an urgent appointment ashore.

Pat & Kitty Ward.

Barb Linehan & Don Walker.

As we were preparing to embark, we watched the Delta Queen steam past, on a cruise from St. Louis to Ottawa.

The Delta Queen.

Sheila Johnson and Patti Green.

Wendy Hess and Ann Sanders.

Our fellow-traveller, Whale Tale.

We were naturally aprehensive about having people from southern Tazewell County aboard, and were somewhat relieved to find several Peorians in the group, but we discovered that the Tazewell people were, in fact, charming and erudite; a credit to their race.

There were many boats out tonight, probably because it is a holiday weekend, and because it is the time of year when boaters realize that our boating days are numbered.

TAPS supporters Tom Ritschel, Roberta Parks, Kathleen Mackaman, Frank Mackaman,
Diana Hall, Cheryl Bunn, BEC, Debbie Ritschel, Ron Baurer, and TRC.

It was easier to see at night 50 years ago. I blame global warming.

Ed & Diana Johnson.

Joyce Kamp. This picture would have been better if she had taken it.

Out, again, for 50 minutes after supper with Donna Kinne, Ron & Jean Slonneger, and Breck & Sally Thomas. The weather is so hot that the carp are lying low.

We had the river to ourselves, on a near-perfect evening, with a little fog at the upper end of the lake, and scattered fireworks.

Jennifer Harper.

Col. Barry Meyers

Tom Hoffman & Sherry Thompson.

Mary & George & Mary Bickelhaupt

This was the maiden voyage for Electra's new benches and Sunbrella cushions, which display dragonflies, all flying forward, to increase boat speed.

Stern seats.

Bow seats.

The Dorners came from the Chicago area to meet us at the atelier of artist Robert Cumpston, near Colfax, Illinois. We went on to sample the cultural life of Bloominton-Normal (Biaggi's, Cydney's, and the Garlic Press). Then on to Peoria and a short, windy ride on the river, repeated on each of the next two days.

Mary & George Dorner

Afloat again!

To prepare the slip and lift for the boat's return, I removed the circulator that had kept ice at bay during the winter. This reminded me that we have not yet discovered the owner of the fabric item that clogged the circulator last December (see log entry for 12/06/05). We must attack this vexing mystery with renewed vigor, perhaps using the method that revealed Cinderella to be the owner of the glass slipper.

Note that the propulsion system operates on 36 volts DC, and is not included in this schematic.

This month, we began to make some alterations to the boat. One of the alterations is to add a third 12-volt distribution panel, to handle some additional accessories.

Before: The two original distribution panels.

During: Enlarging the hole. You can't make an omelet without sawing eggs.

After: Three panels.

The panels are arranged so that the circuits on the right are turned on for any cruise; the circuits in the middle are added for night cruising; and the circuits on the left are seldom needed.

This project also includes increasing the 12-volt service from battery to distribution panels from one #10 wire-pair to two pairs, and replacing screwdriver-style fuse holders with thumbknob-style holders.

Working on a boat at National Marine Sales puts some burden on the staff there, but they have been consistently helpful and cooperative.