06-10-2010, 01:44 PM
[cool][#0000ff]Howdy.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]My opinion at this point is that the 33 will be plenty for most tubing under most conditions. When used strictly as an auxiliary power source it should easily hold up for a full day of short moves and a final run back to the vehicle.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Using the specs provided with my 30# Endura motor and basic physics calculations, I am supposed to be able to get over 1 hour of running full power on the 33. Breaking it down, it will provide up to 4 hours of running on 2 or 3 power. That is a lot of moving around or repositioning in the breeze. I have had it out 3 times and have used it for just that...for quite a few minor moves...and then powered back in to the car. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]So far I have not taken the 33 below the 80% mark for a long morning of fishing. I will be making trips this month that will put it to the test. I only hope I don't leave myself stranded with a dead battery while still a long ways from the launch site. But, that is why I will continue to carry a small 8 AH backup until I have a better feel for the capacity of the 33.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]As you point out, a heavy battery is not an option for someone with limited strength. The 33 weighs only 24 pounds and should be manageable for almost anybody. One idea for someone who wants more power but can't handle a big battery would be to get two of the smaller ones and rig them in [#ff0000]parallel[/#ff0000] to double the total capacity. Or, set them up with easy-to-access quick-connects so that you could switch batteries in your tube without having to make a run to shore. That's how I have my backup battery system...with a length of both black and red wiring and quick-connects. If the main battery conks out I can just reach down and connect the motor to the smaller backup battery. You can see the wiring setup in the attached pic.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I am not sure the braces are necessary. But, since I feel a definite pull or surge when the motor kicks in I thought it might be good added insurance. Over time that could loosen things up or cause the PVC to crack. I have learned the hard way that even my beloved white construction material is not indestructible and does not last forever. (sniff, sniff) And, since adding the braces the flex and surge do not seem to be very noticeable. I think it helps.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Not all of our marinas are thus protected. Willard Bay Reservoir is a manmade freshwater impoundment created by diking off a portion of the Salt Lake marshes and letting the Weber and Ogden rivers fill it with fresh water. It was built by the feds and they did a good job overall, with high dikes all around the lake...and the south marina. The north marina is not so protected. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]It is always good to have a "Plan B" on any given trip. Too often the weather changes and wipes out our original fishing plans. Nice if you have a "go to" backup plan, but too many times we either sit on shore watching the waves or just head for the barn.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Good luck with YOUR weather. Sorry I don't have any suggestions for a magic fix...or an "anti-wind dance". Just gotta take advantage of it when we get a break and cry a lot when we can't get out. [/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]My opinion at this point is that the 33 will be plenty for most tubing under most conditions. When used strictly as an auxiliary power source it should easily hold up for a full day of short moves and a final run back to the vehicle.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Using the specs provided with my 30# Endura motor and basic physics calculations, I am supposed to be able to get over 1 hour of running full power on the 33. Breaking it down, it will provide up to 4 hours of running on 2 or 3 power. That is a lot of moving around or repositioning in the breeze. I have had it out 3 times and have used it for just that...for quite a few minor moves...and then powered back in to the car. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]So far I have not taken the 33 below the 80% mark for a long morning of fishing. I will be making trips this month that will put it to the test. I only hope I don't leave myself stranded with a dead battery while still a long ways from the launch site. But, that is why I will continue to carry a small 8 AH backup until I have a better feel for the capacity of the 33.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]As you point out, a heavy battery is not an option for someone with limited strength. The 33 weighs only 24 pounds and should be manageable for almost anybody. One idea for someone who wants more power but can't handle a big battery would be to get two of the smaller ones and rig them in [#ff0000]parallel[/#ff0000] to double the total capacity. Or, set them up with easy-to-access quick-connects so that you could switch batteries in your tube without having to make a run to shore. That's how I have my backup battery system...with a length of both black and red wiring and quick-connects. If the main battery conks out I can just reach down and connect the motor to the smaller backup battery. You can see the wiring setup in the attached pic.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I am not sure the braces are necessary. But, since I feel a definite pull or surge when the motor kicks in I thought it might be good added insurance. Over time that could loosen things up or cause the PVC to crack. I have learned the hard way that even my beloved white construction material is not indestructible and does not last forever. (sniff, sniff) And, since adding the braces the flex and surge do not seem to be very noticeable. I think it helps.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Not all of our marinas are thus protected. Willard Bay Reservoir is a manmade freshwater impoundment created by diking off a portion of the Salt Lake marshes and letting the Weber and Ogden rivers fill it with fresh water. It was built by the feds and they did a good job overall, with high dikes all around the lake...and the south marina. The north marina is not so protected. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]It is always good to have a "Plan B" on any given trip. Too often the weather changes and wipes out our original fishing plans. Nice if you have a "go to" backup plan, but too many times we either sit on shore watching the waves or just head for the barn.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Good luck with YOUR weather. Sorry I don't have any suggestions for a magic fix...or an "anti-wind dance". Just gotta take advantage of it when we get a break and cry a lot when we can't get out. [/#0000ff]
[signature]