Sweet Cheryl 1982 Boston Whaler 15 Sport Page 2

Sweet Cheryl

1982 Boston Whaler 15 Sport
Page 2

Neighbors Afloat on a Whaler

On that same Mobile Bay cruise, Mike is seen running the boat as friend and neighbor Gene serves as copilot. One of Gene's daughters is working the camera. While looking at this picture, Mike decided to do a better job of concealing the wire to the VHF's external speaker. He mounted a speaker on the bimini support because it was difficult to hear the radio's built-in speaker while under way.

An Outboard's Last Mission

As it so happens, this picture of the old Johnson 50 in operation is the last image we have of the motor working. At the end of the 2003 season, we had grown tired of throwing $100 bills at keeping the old Johnson working, and we were really weary of it not cranking while we were on the water. We had trouble again back at the dock on this day, so we decided to retire the outboard.

Young Pilot at Helm

Abby is at the controls during one phase of the old Johnson's final mission as the main power plant for our 15 Sport. Must hide that speaker wire.

Middle Bay Light

Here's the historical Middle Bay Lighthouse in the middle of Mobile Bay. This is where we were -- smack dab in the middle of the bay -- when the old Johnson started for the last time. When we got back to the dock, it died, never again to be revived.

Boat Gets Warp Drive

Fast forward to the start of the 2004 boating season, and we have a new motor! We chose a new-technology Evinrude E-Tec 50, and we are pleased to be among the first owners of this fantastic new outboard technology. As far as we are concerned, the E-Tec line combines most of the advantages of four-stroke power with most of the advantages of traditional two-stroke power. We like the color, too -- a striking dark blue that looks good on an old Whaler.

At the Dock

Here's another shot of the boat interior with the new motor hanging on the transom. The E-Tec 50 is heavier than the old Johnson 50 was, causing a little water to be in the rear splash well at rest. But it's no big deal at all, really. The 50-pound battery and 30-pound kicker are still back there, and the 18-gallon fuel tank is a little more forward in its position under the helm seat. Note that Mike finally concealed the speaker wire inside the bimini support pole.

That's an Ugly Kicker

That old kicker (a Yamaha missing its decals) is the ugliest thing on our pretty boat-motor combination, isn't it? Maybe we need to paint the kicker and get some decals for it. Or, since the new Evinrude has proven so reliable, maybe we should leave the kicker at home??? Nah... redundancy is good.

A Boating Baby

Early in 2004, our daughter Samantha goes on her first boat ride -- a very short cruise on Dog River. She stayed exactly like this the whole time, being perfectly still and neither crying nor showing pleasure. We think she decided if she stayed perfectly still that the whole experience would end sooner!

The Newest Crew Member

Later in the year, Samantha -- we call her Sam -- was enjoying herself on the boat far more. We're pleased to report that "boat" was among her first words, and now she lets us know whenever she sees one.

Put That Camera Down!

Daddy is always taking pictures of Sam. She has gotten used to that, too!

The View North

Looks like we're headed slightly northwest of due north in this photograph of Daddy and daughter -- again on Dog River.

A Sunset Cruise

A late afternoon turns into evening during this outing on the river, as we head back to the boat ramp. The lights mounted on the bow are for docking maneuvers after sunset.

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Contents (c) 2004 Mike Brantley
This page was created on Monday, October 25, 2004.