We were out for a little over an hour, got her up to about 4.5 knots (according to the GPS). Power is instantaneous as soon as the throttle is engaged.
We even got stuck on a soft sand bar and were able to rock ourselves off by giving it full throttle - forward then reverse then forward.
We started out and the battery meter told us we have 6 hours of battery life at 98% charge.
After freeing us from the sandbar (thank goodness for the Bay's soft bottom) we built up quite a bit of steam at 90% throttle. The battery monitor displayed 2 hours charge life remaining. When I cut back to about 75% throttle, % remaining went up to 4 hours.
Clearly more than enough time to get out, raise the sails and get back.
With the new prop shaft and flex coupler, we no longer experienced any vibrations from the motor - even at full throttle. I think it is safe to say we got that resolved - amazing what a difference a straight prop shaft makes.
And talk about QUIET!!!
With the motor tucked inside the engine compartment, all we hear is the rushing of water under the boat and that annoying shallow water warning beep. Did I mention the "Creek" is really shallow - we learned it's best to hug the channel markers both out and back.
Finally I feel I have the motor working. I am sure folks more mechanically inclinded than I am would have taken half the time to get to this point. But it has been a learning experience.
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