It was almost a disaster. I tried to launch from a bank that was almost at 30 degree angle and with the wind blowing around 20-25 mph. I almost sunk the canoe and the motor.
Then I pulled the whole rig to a protected cove that had a nice flat launching area. This time around the boat took off nicely. Few lessons learnt -
- Watch out for that wind. It don’t care what motor you have, it will blow that canoe around like a paper foil. So I have to figure out how to weigh down the bow so it does not catch as much wind.
- It is a very wet ride. Next trip will include a sponge.
- Try not to turn with the wind and the waves. You will be prone to flipping over. Try to turn into the wind and the waves.
- When landing, do not step out on the shore side where the bulkhead is slippery. The spectators will get a good laugh watching you first slip on the moss and then get pinned by the boat to the bulk head.
- Stabilizers are highly recommended. I improvised with a couple of life jackets, pvc pipe and bungee cords. There was tremendous difference in stability and tippiness.
No pictures this time. I was more busy getting out of the mud or trying to come loose from the bulkhead and the boat.
LTF