Aluminum Swim Float

Replacement of our deteriorating, pressure-treated raft was the consensus of the February ‘24 Annual Meeting.

A contemporary, welded aluminum, cedar deck Swim Float seemed the best choice. Raft had a minor custom modification to fit onto our winter storage system. The Dock Doctors of Vergennes, Vermont offered a discount if we transported the raft ourselves to Green Lake, NY. Above is the new raft, up-side-down on the transport trailer.

Before floating the raft, a new anchor system was needed:

Anchor system consists of the old radiator, with chain, connected to bobber (seen next to Eldric) + a new collection of stainless-steel carabiners, jaw & eye swivels, clamps & thimbles, all laid out. Plus rope. The template for this anchor system is based on the cartoon below (Winter tether not installed yet.)

                      Team effort to handle & position the new Swim Float:

New  ladder is comfy.

Many hands really, really help!

New system will be a huge benefit for autumn chores. 

The chain assembly (secured with the tether) eliminates the need to manipulate an anchor! 

Pulling-up an 80-lb weight, on a tippy raft, after a dip into October's cold Adirondack waters is one of the least favorite chores of Happy Hollow.

Electric Safety

Camp, like many older homes, was built with ungrounded outlets. Over time, some outlets were replaced and have a modern third port, but no ground wire. So, those electric units had none of the protection of grounded circuits.

Without a grounded outlet, the risk of arcing / sparks and electrical fire are dramatically increased. Electricity is like water: it always chooses the path of least resistance. So, with ungrounded outlets, that pathway can fry an appliance, like a computer, or in the worst case, flow through a person.

This June, our engineer friend Ed Greenslit replaced 12 outlets and assured their proper grounding. 

He also worked to convert the old dock light switch to properly illuminate the two outdoor entries. Last year, he did troubleshooting for the spotlights in the parking areas.

Camp has multiple issues with contemporary Code compliance. At least one circuit breaker trips during rainstorms. Some areas lack basics, like a light switch upon entering a room.  Major concerns include unbalanced &/or overloaded circuits: the kitchen area is truly a big issue. Another concern is the water pump, which shares power with other outlets. Electricty is a benefit we easily take for granted.

 We’ll talk more at our next annual meeting.