Sea trials of Toqeedo bracket on the Skerry were successful in so far as we did not capsize, sink or do any damage to the boat or engine or crew. There is a distinct list to Port, the engine side, but I can counteract that with my weight once I am in the boat. There was a fair old chop and a bit of wind, and the rudder is not sufficient to steer into a choppy headwind. I had to row to keep our heading. But we could move along about 2.4 knots bang into the wind. I anchored, and took battery and engine off. Not much buoyancy back there and it was tricky getting them off ... I don't think I could put the engine on in any sort of seaway. So, on balance, I think I might leave the engine out of the equation. Even with electric,life is much simpler without engines.
I guess I should give it another go, and tidy up the bracket so it is not such an eyesore. The wind at Laverton was gusting 18-19 knots while I was out so I guess we were doing pretty well to be moving at over 2 knots. Golly I am tired tonight tho! I will have to be careful to conserve energy on the Tawe Nunnugah... minimum possible rowing.
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