Trip up the Minnesota river

[thedeuceman]

yesterday afternoon we launched at Ft Snelling, ran up to the ford dam, then picked up Keisha and Jake at hidden falls park. we made a run up the Minnesota river to aprox mile 22.5 (20.7 miles from the launch)

I had no idea i was 9 miles past the maintained channel :/ (did not see a sign) but it was still plenty deep there.

river was low, launch was shallow and i ran into the ramp when coming in to it. but with the lower water level there were a few sand beaches exposed.

it was an awesome ride nice weather (somewhat cool near sundown) and the first time i have been on the Minnesota this year. i thought it was cool that i hit 44.3 with 4 people and gear in the boat and not trimmed up excessively (gas tank nearly empty)

also noticed my trim system is starting to leak down slowly, look at the speed graph and you can see every time i had to trim up.

[thedeuceman]

[David CVX-16]

The Minnesota River has a flavor not found on the Mississippi or St. Croix. Glad that it was deep enough this time of year. Did you see any deer or birds? Joe you should keep track of your miles traveled on the waterways for the summer, down in the Twin Cities and up at the cabin. Bet they add up to a significant number.

After being in the asphalt jungle of the city, it is unbelievable how remote and rural the Minnesota River is being so close to the Twin Cities.

[thedeuceman]

The Minnesota River has a flavor not found on the Mississippi or St. Croix. Glad that it was deep enough this time of year. Did you see any deer or birds? Joe you should keep track of your miles traveled on the waterways for the summer, down in the Twin Cities and up at the cabin. Bet they add up to a significant number.

After being in the asphalt jungle of the city, it is unbelievable how remote and rural the Minnesota River is being so close to the Twin Cities.

Have not kept track of miles, but i do know i am more than half way through my forth gallon of quick silver premium plus.

I totally agree, every time i am out it amazes me how different the perspective of looking up at the roads as opposed to looking down at the river. you just cant tell what its like from up above.

Boating enthusiasts  here in the twin cities are vary fortunate to have all this usable water way within minutes of their homes.

[75starflight]

The Minnesota River has a flavor not found on the Mississippi or St. Croix. Glad that it was deep enough this time of year. Did you see any deer or birds? Joe you should keep track of your miles traveled on the waterways for the summer, down in the Twin Cities and up at the cabin. Bet they add up to a significant number.

After being in the asphalt jungle of the city, it is unbelievable how remote and rural the Minnesota River is being so close to the Twin Cities.

Have not kept track of miles, but i do know i am more than half way through my forth gallon of quick silver premium plus.

I totally agree, every time i am out it amazes me how different the perspective of looking up at the roads as opposed to looking down at the river. you just cant tell what its like from up above.

Boating enthusiasts  here in the twin cities are vary fortunate to have all this usable water way within minutes of their homes.

Yes you are!  To have to drive the distance I do just to be on the water a few hours in a weekend or a day is just nuts here in Nebraska.
Amber and I have been temped several times to move north.

[thedeuceman]

correction on my comment about the maintained channel on the Minnesota river.
the army corps of engineers maintains the channel to 9ft up to mile 14.7 (near the swing bridge)
the 9 ft channel is maintained by private interests up to mile 21.8
the army corps of engineers maintains the channel to 4ft up to mile 25.6

[Jason]

the army corps of engineers maintains the channel to 4ft up to mile 25.6

Thats deep enough!

[75starflight]

the army corps of engineers maintains the channel to 4ft up to mile 25.6

Thats deep enough!

I wouldn't think a Dredge barge would even float in 4ft!

[thedeuceman]

the army corps of engineers maintains the channel to 4ft up to mile 25.6

Thats deep enough!

it is/was

I wouldn't think a Dredge barge would even float in 4ft!

true, but its the army...
im sure they have a special "shallow channel barge" just for that

[Jerry]

Barges go to Savage, but I think it's good to Shakopee. Just a guess.

[thedeuceman]

Barges go to Savage, but I think it's good to Shakopee. Just a guess.

yep, Shakopee is right at the end of the "maintained" 4' channel
i would really like to go exploring on the rivers but it would be "death" for a normal big outboard.
maybe a jet, or...
what do you guys think about a 100hp mud motor

[V153]

Air Boat

[Jerry]

I don't have much motor in the water. Don't call it a "MUDDER" though.

[David CVX-16]

In the 1960's I had a 11' Pabst racing runabout with a 22 HP Mercury and traveled the Minnesota River beyond Shakopee and Savage into the farmland and cow pastures.

The Minnesota River is tricky - could be big washed away trees hidden in the middle of the river.

One year while boating in the 11' Pabst, and boat suddenly came to a stop in the middle of the river - the river late in the fall was so shallow the prop was dragging on the bottom.

[floater1]

Barges go to Savage, but I think it's good to Shakopee. Just a guess.

yep, Shakopee is right at the end of the "maintained" 4' channel
i would really like to go exploring on the rivers but it would be "death" for a normal big outboard.
maybe a jet, or...
what do you guys think about a 100hp mud motor

The bigger mud motors are $$$$.  If a guy wanted a unique set up that could work well in shallow or obstruction filled waters, build your own long-tail style motor like they've been using in Thailand and that part of the world for many years.

[Hyperacme]

Like this ...

[thedeuceman]

So is there just a prop hanging off the end of that thing?

[Jason]

So is there just a prop hanging off the end of that thing?

Oh boy, now you got Joe thinking.

[Hyperacme]

like this ...

[dorelse]

It's a weed whacker with a prop on the end...essentially.  The engine is the pivot point.

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