Today we powered up Mr. Johnson and motored about in the tiny Boom Island marina we have been moored at since we launched. Hazel and I crossed under the pedestrian bridge and out into the wider river.
Shantyboat Runabout
Today we powered up Mr. Johnson and motored about in the tiny Boom Island marina we have been moored at since we launched. Hazel and I crossed under the pedestrian bridge and out into the wider river.
Comments
9 responses to “Shantyboat Runabout”
http://www.bdotememorymap.org
http://www.bdotememorymap.org
It’s so wonderful to see it finally navigating the river—you must be euphoric at this point. Congratulations, Wes!
Absolutely, euphoric. Now if we can just get all the other bugs worked out!
2 questions –
How much extra fuel are you carrying? I don’t think your 5 gallon tank will last all that long….
Steering? – are you really going to steer that from the stern with a tiller arm? That seems like a lot of time sitting back there?I’m surprised you didn’t rig up a pulley system so you could steer from the bow? if so do you need a boat seat? I might be able to round one up for you…
I have been following you guys for a while, and well if you need to know anything about the river from St. Paul to Hastings, I know a lot about that particular area….
I wish you well! Sounds like a great trip!!
We have about 15 gallons of fuel in 3 5 gallons cans.
We didn’t have time to connect up the steering cable and convert the Johnson from tiller to remote steering. It is already wired and routed, but just doesn’t have the connections (and holes in the hull) yet. Yes, the tiller will probably get exhausting. Several wise people have suggested the PVC trick.
I’d love to have your recollections and knowledge of the river as part of the Secret History project. I’ll be doing interviews again after Sunday when we get to downtown St. Paul and stay a few days.
Wes
Hi Wes,
This is Saori from Fuji TV in Los Angeles.
I heard about your trip from Dawn Brodey and would love to speak with you over the phone or visit your shantyboat.
Could you check your gmail and let me know your thoughts?
Thanks so much & Good luck on your adventures!
Glad to see you’re on the river and headed this way, Wes! Looking forward to meeting you when you get to Hannibal. Safe travels!