At Least Get Out of the Wind

Today’s abrupt changes in the weather certainly posed challenges for those of us wanting to be outside. Very early this morning I took advantage of the 37-degrees we had, along with strong winds, to work more on a mounting system for sonar equipment I will use for missing person searches. Some readers might remember that on Thanksgiving morning I went out for a first test. That use made it clear that a more stable mount was needed.

I thought I had an updated process figured out until I challenged my system today. I quickly learned that an even sturdier mount was needed, especially when I was prowling underwater with a boat versus a canoe. The outboard motor put too much strain on my modified version, so…back to the drawing board I went. I also learned that it was really cold and the wind was almost more than my small outboard could handle.

As of this afternoon I think I have designed a suitable system for canoes or boats by way of a very small, very old electric motor. The motor is something I have stored in a back corner of our cabin for years after picking it up somewhere that I don’t remember. The diameter of the motor shaft was too small for the mount, but I easily remedied that with tape and a rubber bushing.

Now, instead of dealing with a C-clamp and loose plastic shaft, I have a true mount designed for vessels that can be easily tipped up to protect the motor and transducer when going over shallow areas or rocks or when moving under motor power rather than muscle power.

Even though the weather turned even uglier than it was when I started this morning, I was able to prepare a system that I think will work. Now, I just hope I never have to use it other than to refine understanding the displays.

While out and about I did see some wildlife. Each species was out in the open, exposed to the wind and sleet. I suppose they have been designed to tolerate the cold and wind, but it does make me wonder why they don’t at least settle into an area protected from the wind. Maybe the swans and mergansers tolerate the blustery conditions to avoid predators. Maybe there is another reason. Whatever, it seems to me that staying out of the wind might be more comfortable.

(Please pardon the image noise. I had to use a high ISO to capture the photos in low light levels.)