Trip to the Springs!

freedomvango · Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2025 11:38 am Post subject: Trip to the Springs!

Spent the weekend testing out all the electrical upgrades I recently installed on the boat—and let me tell you, it was amazing! Took a 4-hour cruise at 26 mph from Jacksonville to Silver Glen Springs along the St. Johns River. Conditions were chef's kiss perfect on the water, though it was pretty chilly overall.

I added a thru-hull exhaust and a Chinese diesel heater because I ran out of time to install the gas-fired Espar heater. But I wasn’t about to let that stop me—I had to see the manatees!

We set out around 8 a.m. with temps sitting at a brisk 30°F, but inside? Toasty and warm. The water was like glass almost the entire way—absolutely stunning.

When we got to the springs, it was pretty empty. Just one other boat besides the usual houseboat crowd (you know the type). Later that night, a few locals were out bowfishing, but overall, it was super quiet and peaceful.

As for the manatees—oh man, they didn’t disappoint! Curious and friendly as always. When we stopped, they all came up to hang out with us for the day. Got to watch them roll around and even saw a few babies in the group. So cool!

Overall, 10/10 trip. Totally worth the effort, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Silver Glen Springs by boat by Grant Wilson, on Flickr

Steam in the morning at Silver Glen Springs by Grant Wilson, on Flickr

Steam in the morning at Silver Glen Springs by Grant Wilson, on Flickr

The morning brought some crazy steam from the 72 degree springs in the 25 degree air. Had to get in the water and walk out to get these shots and it was 100% worth it.

clayhubler · Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2025 11:57 am Post subject:

Very cool, I wish I had good winter boating like that close by

DKennaC25 · Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2025 12:37 pm Post subject:

Awesome trip report and pics!

Can you tell me about your solar set up?

freedomvango · Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2025 2:13 pm Post subject:

Its 3ea 200w custom panels that a company Roboteos makes that we sell. They are super light at less than 10lbs each and sunpowa cells so super effective.

they are mounted to a prototype rack that is actually getting swapped out tomorrow for a final production version that can house 1200w total.

The panels go into a victron 100/50 solar controller then into the battery

freedomvango · Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2025 11:42 am Post subject:

https://youtu.be/nG9YJxuWweg

clayhubler · Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2025 5:10 pm Post subject:

Nicely done video

thataway · Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2025 6:28 pm Post subject:

Thank you for the very well done video. Also excellent instructions on dealing with Manatees. I might add that a swirl on the surface can indicate a manatee below--and go idle speed only where near.

I was surprised that other boats were there, and that the gigging boats were active this time of year. In March we see fewer Manatee in those waters. This is one of our favorite places. We miss not being able to go there. The entire Hontoon River is a gem--many parts where history has stood still. You can read books that describe it over 150 years ago.

Thank you!