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Planned Road and Float Trip 2019

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zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1310 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/12/2019 : 20:55:56

As most of you know we sold our beloved C250WB in February 2018 and bought a 30 footer Bayliner on a triple axle trailer. We sold it not long after that. After going boat-less through the winter, we kept on looking on websites mostly at sailboats.

You know the feeling when the weather gets milder, spring is in the air and life pulls you from inside to the outdoors. All of a sudden you get an impulse and strong desire to be around boats again.

So... consciously or unconsciously, boat websites get frequented more often with a nagging desire to find something worth dreaming about.

Boats of all kinds get evaluated and scrutinized closer to find something that will raise blood pressure and sends you into dreamland

Then, among all �boats for sale� sites we ended up on one offering 5 different 25ft trailerable Catalina's, 4 in the USA and one in Canada but... all very far from home.

The 5 boats look attractive but the one in Canada stands out a little. �Oh no... you don't�, you say to yourself, �we've already had one like that�. It's too far from home you reason but... the thought hangs around and you go back to look at it again and again. You even, now that the fire has been stoked, place �a boat wanted� ad on the forum while in the meantime you dare phone the broker who responds almost immediately with what sounds like a honey sweet deal

In the meantime you talk cautiously and tactfully about seeing family in the area where the boat is for sale and propose to your wife to visit them. Ah... the reaction of let's do it, is not helping either to stem the overwhelming feeling of getting another boat in combination with a trip and sail-plan in Ontario.

All during the winter you've looked at dozens of trailerable boats of all descriptions but all seem to fall short for one reason or another to the Catalina's water ballasted or even the wing-keeled C250.

And so... to make a long story short, we ended up making an offer on the one in Ontario, flew out for an inspection and clinched the deal. Now how crazy is that!

Along with the decision of buying the boat came the consideration that its location is precisely 4406km (2738 miles) from where we live in British Columbia

Between buying the boat in mid May and leaving by truck for Ontario at the beginning of June we have been kept busy preparing additions, modifications and changes for the boat at home using measurements taken while we visited the boat and as provided by this forum. Thank you guys.

To take all our boat-stuff including bedding, tools, teak wood-work, pots and pans and whatever else we deemed necessary we built a big wooden box to fit the bed of the truck and filled it completely.

The date that we planned to leave was set for June 8th, first to visit our kids in Smithers and attend the graduation of our twin grandsons and from there head east via Prince George on the Yellow Head route to Ontario while visiting friends along the way. Arrival at the boat in Pointe au Baril, Ontario will be, if all goes to plan, sometime in the beginning of July.

Once we arrive at the boat we anticipate to need a minimum of a few days to outfit, install, add and make the interior of the boat livable including outside work such as adding risers below the bow's horizontal mast cradle in order to raise the pop-top while motoring the Trent Severn waterway.

The Payne Marina in Pointe au Baril, where the boat will be commissioned, has granted us permission to outfit the boat on site. After that is completed and we are ready to roll, arrangements have been made nearby to have the trailer's wheel-bearings, brakes, lights, tow-surge-hitch and hydraulic lines checked, serviced and/or replaced.

To keep you updated we intend to post regular reports of our trip east, our sailing experience in Ontario and our road trip back to Vancouver, BC before the snow flies... do stay tuned, there will be more...

Loaded with boat stuff

Our motley crew is all excited

Henk & Johanna
"Floating", a few off your "barnacles".
"Someday Lady" '95 C250WB #151 ('03 - 2016)
"Sea ya" 30ft Bayliner (04-2018 - 09-2018)
"Mariah" '96 C250WB #191 (05-2019 - 15-05-2023)
"Lady J" '00 C250WK #499 (05-2021 - 09-2022)

sethp001
Mainsheet C-25 Tech Editor

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814 Posts

Response Posted - 06/20/2019 : 13:21:05

Henk,

I always enjoy reading your reports/stories. Thank you.

Seth
"Outlier" 1987 Catalina 25 SR/SK/Traditional Interior #5541
"Zoo" 1977 Morgan Out Island 30
"Nomad" 1980 Prindle 16
"Lost" 1988 Catalina Capri 14.2 (sold - yay!)
"Marine Tex 1" Unknown Origin POS 8' Fiberglass Dinghy
https://whichsailboat.com/2014/07/27/catalina-25-review/

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1310 Posts

Response Posted - 07/13/2019 : 15:15:48

Eventful days

The enclosed photo shows something you don't want see happen to your boat... ever!!
I'll start the tale where we left off with our previous submission

We departed home June 8th and traveled with our truck north to Smithers BC an 1146 km trip. Before leaving though we made all kinds of modifications for the boat and took all our pots and pans along in a sealed shut wooden case to be unloaded once we arrived at the boat several weeks later after crossing the country, only 4400km (2734 miles) to the east

After we attended our twin grand sons graduation we headed east with several visits along the way. The trip, including visiting people along the way, took us a week.

We arrived at Payne's Marina on June 30th after and uneventful but great trip. A little road weary mind you. It is after all a long way.

At Payne's Marina in Pointe au Baril, Mark the owner allowed us to stay and assemble the boat in his large modern boat storage area and sleep on the boat to save time driving to accommodations. We did this and worked for a full 5 days from morning to night to get the boat in shape starting with a thorough cleaning of mildew. Once completed we added our homemade modifications including a table, shelf in the galley. shelf in the settee area, a hatch step seat and a few other things.

Finally we were satisfied and moved from Payne's Marina where we, in the meantime, sort of became part of the crew and loved it. Mark the owner runs an efficient and customer oriented lakeside business and will do anything to make people comfortable. More about him later

At the next stop a couple of miles up the road we had the brakes and lights on the trailer checked and repaired.

Once all was in order and road-worthy we drove 300 some odd km to Johanna's family who live in Port Hope, Ontario. We were glad we could stay there. Almost a full week was taken up by getting the boat provisioned, ready and leaving behind what would not be required on the boat since we would be motoring only during our Trent/Severn waterway cruise.

Finally all was ready and we trailered to Rice lake about 15 km from Johanna's brother's place.

Launching was uneventful.

Finally we were in the water. Starting the new-to-us motor we headed in the direction of the marina we had booked for the night.

Not even 10 minutes out, the 8hp Yamaha outboard quit and the wind piped up driving us broadside in the right direction. Restarting the engine failed over and over again. Finally, out of desperation, we phoned for help and a tow at $150.00 per hour. (Should have bought CTow but is was now too late)

Arriving at the Marina we were told that their specialty was servicing Mercury engines but... �we'll have a look at it�, they suggested. The mechanic came out and immediately noticed that the cooling exhaust was coming out of engine ports in the wrong locations.
So, while the mechanic checked on line, I phoned Payne's Marina where the boat, before we left had received a new water pump, oil change and was checked over. Yes, they said all was running well.

Tom, the service shop manager at Payne's Marina phoned back and offered to send out a mechanic to fix the problem but at the lake 300 km down the road no Yamaha's could be serviced and the distance to send someone was too great. Now what...

Before I could turn around the service people at Harris Boatworks on Rice Lake, Ont came out and said that they would take care of the problem. Mark from Payne's Marina had phoned and told Harris Boatworks that he would foot the bill whatever the cost.

Wow... this absolutely blew us away

The boat was picked up with the boat-hauler and brought to the shop. The problem was fixed in the shortest of times.

So back to the water... then things started to happen. For no apparent reason the boat must have shifted or the hauler's bunks spread just enough to have the boat slip sideways down until the motor hit the ground and broke off the skeg.

Quickly shoring the existing pads and under-slinging the boat it was brought down the ramp where the buoyancy of the water raised the boat onto an even keel again.

But the damage on the hull was done. Several deep gouges were made in the fibreglass on the starboard mid section of the hull and the skeg of the motor was broken off.

It was agreed that the next morning the boat would be hauled-out again and a fibreglass expert brought in to assess and fix the damage.

Next morning bright and early the boat was hauled out again, this time with additional pads, braces sling and tackle and work started with no guarantee or length of time that it would take.

Later the same day a welder doing some major repair on a houseboat in the same marina was asked if he could weld aluminum and if he would have the proper equipment to weld the skeg part back on. A delicate and worrisome job.

Both jobs were completed and we were launched back in the water just before closing time the same day.

No, they said, the cost to repair is ours... wow... what service, we are impressed with both companies who will look after their clientele no matter what... thank you guys

Edited by - zeil on 10/20/2019 14:36:45

glivs
Admiral

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USA
836 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2019 : 07:56:26

Incredible story Henk and what a start on your latest journey. Glad things are coming back together and what fortune to work with such reputable marinas. Your pic was painful....did you in hindsight come to learn what caused the boat to shift like that?

Anyway, glad you are on your way again/soon. Fair winds and best to you and Johanna.

Gerry Livingston, Malletts Bay, VT
"Great Escape" 1989 C-25 SR/WK #5972

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4012 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2019 : 08:52:43

With the engine in the down position it's lucky that it didn't also do damage to the transom/motor well. How's the prop? Before leaving I would run the motor and check to see if the prop shaft isn't bent. That's if the prop shows damage.

Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1310 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2019 : 17:33:14

You bet our hearts stopped when the boat slipped in between the pads and hung precariously at a crazy angle. How could this have happened!!

First of all the marina people at Harris Boatworks only haul motorboats and never or very seldom have to work with round hulls. The entire lift with all adjustments and gadgets will accommodate motorboat hulls efficiently and is operated by a staff who do this work daily.

When we needed a lift, since our outboard is bolted to the transom, they reluctantly agreed to take the boat out of the water. Pads were adjusted and secured. Carefully the boat was lifted and transported to the repair shop where the work on the motor was completed.

A short time after the lift, now in reverse, was to bring the boat back to the ramp. The theory is that on the way back the open end of the lift just spread apart since they were not strapped from side to side and spread allowing the pads to slip and create, while widening apart, less grip to the stern pads allowing the starboard side to slip down and only stop when the outboard hit the ground, broke the skeg, and stopped the hull from sliding further down. Panic big time!!

Right away a strap, which should have tied the open end of the lift together, was installed but only just tightened to prevent the hull from being pinched. The center starboard pads held but had caused deep gouges in the mid section of the hull above the waterline.

Slowly with utmost care the lift continued its way to the ramp where the boat, due to the water level, lifted and straightened out.

Wow... now what... Fortunately all scrapes and gouges were above the waterline. The motor was immediately tested and seemed, other than a broken skeg unharmed. The big worry though which could not be assessed until later was the question of the ballast tank seal inside the boat.

Now back in the water for a few days and after carefully checking and inspecting where possible, we are assured that the ballast tank seal has not been harmed and the bilge stays dry.

This has been a nightmare but in the end all turned out well. The skeg is welded back on and the gouges and scrapes completely restored by an fiberglass expert.

Stay tuned as we continue with our adventure....

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1310 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2019 : 05:31:08

When we flew to Ontario in April to view the boat and complete the deal we had the pleasure stay with Janis Ryder who lives in Port Perry, Ont. and who graciously accommodated and spoiled us. She not only housed us but provided invaluable information of local people and services. We totally enjoyed meeting her dad who still fly's his airplane and who maintains his private "airport" It was a pleasure to meet and dine with them

Edited by - zeil on 06/13/2021 14:38:50

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5320 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2019 : 11:22:22

Wow Henk! What a potential disaster, glad you were working with a great boat yard, he�s a rare breed. I�ve seen the �repairman�s shrug� way too often.
I noticed that the swing blade saved the rudder. Did they check the pintles and gudgeons for stress? They will undergo a good deal of wear over the normal course of use, and it�s usually a major problem if they fail unexpectedly.

Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain � Milford, CT

Carl in LA
Captain

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USA
284 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2019 : 17:53:44

In Ontario I presume...?

quote:
Originally posted by zeil

She's back in the water all fixed and shiny again... more to come

Catalina 250 - Pretty Good Boat

wm36
1st Mate

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USA
69 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2019 : 19:19:32

Wow Henk. What a nightmare! Hadn't read your story until now. Hope all the bad is behind you and you are enjoying the rest of your time on your new 250. All our best to Johanna also.

Wayne & Lynn

Wayne & Lynn
Hillsboro OR
1995 C250 WB #151

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1310 Posts

Response Posted - 06/06/2021 : 16:28:38

We'll endeavor to conclude highlights, events and people of our 10.000 plus kilometer round trip from BC to Ontario and back during the 4 summer months of 2019

Our fist stop was in Smithers, BC 1146 km north where we visited our two families and attended grandkids' graduation ceremonies

From there we drove the Yellowhead route going east to Hinton, Alberta passing mount Robson in the Rocky Mountains, BC

Rather than eating fast food we often ate lunch followed by a little "nap", along the way By now we're already in Saskatchewan where we will meet with friends living in Saskatoon, Sask.

No way... that's breakfast?... great food in company of good old friends

We arrived at the Jansens who happen to live in Jansen, Sask. Now how many people can say that they live in a place named after them...

Ah... you know when you arrive by a family living on a huge 6000 acre farm you get fed and then put to work from dawn to dusk and beyond. We're Langenburg, Sask close to the Manitoba border.

Big, enormous equipment, gps and computer controlled for efficient spraying and seeding...

Sam, one of the smiling farmhands was my instructor and go to for the few days we spent on the farm helping

From the farm we drove all the way to Drydon,Ontario where we stopped for lunch at a Mc Donalds and met people we'd never met before but shared an absolute delightful lunch with invitation to stop on the way back to show them our boat. (We stopped on the way home but did not meet again)

From Drydon, Ont. we drove on June 29th all the way to Parry Sound, Ont. There we bought the provisions to enable us to stay on the boat while getting it ready for our road and float trip... yes... we're excited

The entrance to a little place called Pointe Au Baril, Ont where the boat is located... we're getting close

We finally arrived at the boat located in the building which will be our home for the following days to get the boat ready, add improvements and make it comfortable...

To be continued...

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1310 Posts

Response Posted - 06/07/2021 : 11:25:02

Continued...

Sleeping in the V berth of the boat while in the boat storage building and eating on the tailgate of the truck we start the work to clean and make it comfortable by adding the shelves and table made at home before we left

"Stuff", we packed in the case on the back of the truck can now be unpacked and moved aboard. Our bedding is already taken out and in use aboard.

Trust Johanna for an organized and systematic approach to getting everything ready...

Finally the interior is to Johanna's liking. This is moment when the truck and trailer are hooked up for the first time and ready for the adventure ahead. Next stop is a pre-arranged appointment with a wheel and brake shop down the road

At the garage the brakes, lights, wheel bearings were checked with the calipers replaced... wow... we're elated... this we feel is the beginning of our second part with now having the boat with us until we arrive back home in BC

Wow... we're elated and excited... this we feel is the start of our second part with now having the boat with us until we arrive back home in BC

Next stop in Parry Sound for a bite to eat. We stop and park at a Mc. Donalds in Parry Sound, Ont., order and meet, you won't believe it, people who know our kids in Smithers, BC and then this couple who were friends with our friends back in BC. Believe me, we shared a delightful lunch

We finally arrive at the home of George and Els, Johanna's younger brother and wife who built a new house on their farm in Port Hope, Ont. They share the larger portion of the house with their daughter and husband who adopted and now raise 10 kids in the most beautiful setting you've ever seen

Of course meeting our family was part of the intent of buying a boat in Ontario. Here we are meeting family and talking and sharing for hours and hours

Here you'll meet 5 of the children Ami and Jeff adopted. They are all under the age of ten and yes... we spent a lot of time enjoyable with them.
Clowning around with the kids... What a privilege to care for them

There you go... too many times in great company in too many restaurants.
We totally enjoyed the company of the Jansens from Little Current, Ont. who stopped by for the day.

After a wonderful week at the home of Johanna's brother in Port Hope, Ont. were we are ready to provision the boat and make it ready for the boat to get her bottom wet and begin our Trent/Severn waterway adventure.
By now it is July 10th, 2019 well over a month since we left home in British Columbia

Launched and floating on Rice lake in Bewdley, Ont. yippee...

Finally... on the water and ready for the next adventure which, unbeknown to us was to come within minutes from our departure

To be continued...

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1310 Posts

Response Posted - 06/07/2021 : 22:08:51

Reason to smile... we made it... we are finally on the water. Feels good and looking forward to explore the Trent/Severn Waterway or at least portions of the system. There is no hurry, no pressure, no appointments, just whatever we want to do.

Oh boy... not even 10 minutes later the motor, our only means of propulsion quits... try what we may it starts but only for seconds and quits again. Finally driven by increasing wind and waves sideways we phone for help. Yes... sure we'll come is the response, at $150.00 per hour and it's a long way to the marina.
Having no choice we accept the tow line and get towed at twice the hull speed, zig zagging out of control until they slow down and tow us to the marina miles away.

Finally we dock at the marina only to learn that the marina mechanics do not service our Yamaha motors but only Mercuries and besides they are fully booked. Now what...
Evening is approaching and we'll just have to see what our options are as we discuss our dilemma during dinner. We phone Paynes Marina and explain what happened. Oh... no problem... we'll send a mechanic right away not realizing that we are 300 kilometers from our starting point. Next thing we learn that Paynes Marina phoned Harris Boatworks to advice them that they will foot the bill for the towing charge and repairs for whatever needs to be done. You imagine our relieve.

Next morning the boat is on the lift in order to repair the motor which is bolted to the transom

It was quickly established that the only wrong was that the cooling water connection was installed incorrectly. Once fixed the motor purred... but disaster struck

Oh... boy... Cant; believe what we see happening... The boat slipped off the pads when the tractor reversed on its way back to launch the boat. The side-arms of the lift spread just enough for the, in the first place incorrectly adjusted pads, to let the boat just slip in between the pads and only stopping when the skeg of the motor hit the ground. Straps were immediately placed below the boat stopping the sidearms from spreading and stopping further movement.

Carefully the boat was transported back to the ramp. We slept on the boat that night but still shaken.

Next morning we were hauled out again and work to fix the sustained hull scrapes was undertaken as well as the skeg welded back on the outboard. We were thankful that the fiberglass damage was only superficial and could be fixed by a local fiberglass expert in one day.

Fiberglass repairs completed by and expert in such a way that it is impossible to detect

The broken part of the skeg is welded. Fortunately the motor or transom did not sustain any other damage that we could observe during the following months

Harris Boatworks staff looking after us during this entire ordeal

Back in the water... Johanna records the event in her day book for future reference and... a way to deal with the stress and strain

Ah... the piece and tranquility of this beautiful evening view... we finally turn in and sleep forgetting what was behind and looking forward to the next day

Sunday, as is our custom, we find a church and attend the service in this most beautiful church building which is within walking distance of the Marina

With a light lunch and wonderful fellowship after the service

Back on the boat we enjoy just being on the water again

And a delightful supper... food on the boat tastes much better than anywhere else We are excited to depart tomorrow on our first water leg

We arrive at the first lock of the Trent/Severn Waterway and pay for a season's pass... Joe hoe... we made it to our first lock

TCurran
Admiral

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USA
588 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2021 : 04:52:25

As Bob Bitchin says "the difference between an adventure and an ordeal is attitude". Thanks for sharing your "adventure".

Tom Curran
1981 Capri 25 Hull #101 "Dirty Debbie"
1988 Watkins 30
PAFB, FL

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1310 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2021 : 11:08:43

Tom... you're so right...

After the catastrophe, straps were placed below the boat to avoid further slippage as the boat was brought back to the water.

That night we slept on the boat in our slip to be hauled out the next morning for repairs.

After the entire ordeal was over, we celebrated and ordered a full scale "chinese take-out dinner", for the entire marina staff. That evening went down in history as an unforgettable "story telling", highlight of the trip.

Edited by - zeil on 06/09/2021 11:09:39

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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1310 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2021 : 15:34:14

And so we entered a series of locks... at first you're apprehensive and ask for instructions but soon enough it becomes routine with each knowing what to do

The Peterborough, Ont lift lock remains amazing... look it up on Google

July 20, 2019 Lunch is ready... The lock at Lakefield on the Trent/Severn became our favorite location. It was a wonderful tranquil mooring, offering shade, a picnic table, showers, washrooms, little boat traffic and super friendly lock staff. The town of Lakefield was just 5 minutes walk which has grocery stores, several great restaurants and convenient to invite invite relatives and friends

Wow... dining with good family downtown Lakefield, Ont.

Cottages along the route
We noticed a huge increase in the quality and numbers of cottages (houses), all along the Trent/Severn waterway from our trip 10 years before

Buckhorn, Ont. The space along the concrete wall next to the locks quickly fills up every evening with "Great Loopers", boaters who make a circular cruise in usually 35-50 ft "skinkpotters", all the way from Florida and back through the great lakes, canals and rivers including the Mississippi. They are a friendly and inviting bunch (there are exceptions) and dwarf our little boat

We had the pleasure to picnic with a family we first met in BC and who came out to visit us. This is all part of the joy of being on the water.

Diving under the boat to eliminate "clunking" of the centerboard by stuffing pool noodles in the trunk. Yes... it worked but had to repeat it several times later on

No not snow but... birds creating the white mess all over the island

Right in the middle of this picture you'll notice our horizontal mast between the boat. We heard earlier about a bible camp called "Elim", right on the waterway with dock facilities It became a huge attraction for us. Instead of one day we spent an entire week at this camp enjoying everything including making new friends, attending lectures, eating ice cream and camp meals.

So much talent... we got to know lots of them by the time we left this wonderful 1000 campsite and waterfront "city"

Sure... we had young visitors, lots of them and wonder who turned out to be the biggest clown...

Oh the joy of it all... see the wide open water?... all ours to explore... love it and are content

Time to re-provision which we did in the next town. It such a great feeling to have all the food and drink we can muster on board. I'm sure we could survive for weeks

Ever purchased a Costco, or Wallmart chicken? Oh they smell so irresistibly good. So we bought one but, not having refrigeration on board we invited our neighbors to share the sumptuous chicken with us. It became a wonderful shared, story telling, evening meal right on the water

Our "autopilot", did a great job and kept us on track with minor adjustments navigating wide open spaces.

One of the larger "Great Looper", sailboats who are often in a rush to complete the circuit and to follow the sun. They happen to pass the most beautiful areas, towns and areas just to get on with it and forget the first thing. We also met quite a few large boats with engine or breakdown problems, a forced slow-down

It's August 1st, 2019 We're tied up to the wall for the night. Notice the houseboat across from us. It is not the big motor yachts to watch out for but the rented houseboats. They represent danger when they move by inexperienced, untrained and often in a hurry to get to the next lake, river or estuary.
They're, mind you not all, often hilarious to watch and observe.

If... only we could raise the mast... you could... but it would limit you to one lake only... too many bridges, power lines, locks, etc.

We're waiting on the "blue line", which indicates that we wish to be shuttled through and wait until the opposite traffic is pasted before we receive a green light to enter the lock.

Once in the lock, you tie to a black guide line and let your line slide up/down with the boat. Wait your turn a indicated by the lock master and follow instructions. Above all give houseboats due attention at all times, you never know...

If there is a favorable time in the boat ... this is absolutely it. We can just do this in comfort for hours and read, look around, sense the movement of the boat, drink coffee, talk a little bit, and continue reading. Ahhh... would not know what more is to be desired except supper, evening walk, a glass of fine wine and just the two of us (detwoofus)

Granted our boats are small but... ample room for two. Keeping everything shipshape makes life pleasant. We use the aft berth for all storage in open containers such as shoes, his and hers clothing, layer and rain clothing etc. The galley is a delight with lots of space for pots and pans and stuff. Coffee pot and cups are readily accessible and in full view Food is kept below starboard settee and galley counter and my ample tools below the port settee. Our fold-down and pull-out table is very convenient and space saving. The step extension is used daily during dish washing. Navigation equipment and misc. is secured against the head's partition. our Princess stove is at this point not functioning so we bought a inexpensive on pit butane burner which works super. At night we close-up with bug screens in all openings which is a must in Ontario...

Even though lily pads look beautiful they are to be avoided as an indication of shallow water and a tangled mess.

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Response Posted - 06/11/2021 : 15:36:49

Some locks are intimidating in heights such as the one by Burleigh Falls, Ont

A "cruise ship", approaching the lock. In order to fit inside the lock it will hydraulically "lift its bow", and fit within a foot side to side, end to end, entirely filling the lock. Of course we befriended the captain who happened, when prompted, to recall an old deck hand we met on a mission trip in Hawaii. Even more important when the staff asked, at a nod of the skipper, if we have had lunch. When we answered no she said, "just wait a minute", disappeared to return moments later with a huge tray of the most delicious "cruise-ship", food we've ever tasted. It was so much that we happily shared it with our neighbor skipper and the lock staff and still had left over for our guests that evening. Wow... how super special.

The friendly staff providing us with a huge tray of the most delicious "cruise ship", food we've ever tasted. Now... who can ever top such an event!! (Sorry... we have no photos because we were balancing the food)

A huge thank to you guys aboard cruise ship "kawartha Voyageur"

At most locks staff are waiting to be of help... any kind of help... with a big smile. No wonder since these young people have a glorious job for the summer and in some cases year-around looking after water levels of the system

Lock by Selwin, August 16th, 2019

A sign indicating distances to locations on the system

Feels like we're in Holland... in some locations the water is above the surrounding area (Peterborough area)

In the "tub", at the Peterborough famous lift lock dropping tub and all straight down while the "tub", next to it is raised up.

Peterborough is not just well known for its lift lock but also for having the most wonderful "Belgian's national dish", restaurant serving heaps of mouth watering mussels complete with "Belgian Duveltje", beer...

That evening we attended an ear deafening concert right next to the slip in our marina located just about downtown Peterborough. I guess we're showing our age... in spite of this boat life still agrees with us. It is now August 17th, 2019 we're slowly meandering our way back since even though it is a long way off, we need to be home before the snow flies in BC 4500 km away...

Leaving the marina located just about downtown Peterborough offering an entire downtown within walking distance.

Down the Otanabee river towards Rice Lake and haul-out at Harris Boatworks

So good to have a watchful and alert skipper...

August 21st, 2019 Back at Harris Boatworks enjoying a couple of just quiet days before hauling the boat back on the trailer and continuing on land

Evening... a few more days of just enjoying being on the water...

wm36
1st Mate

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USA
69 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2021 : 19:41:44

Wonderful travelogue Henk and Johanna! What an adventure! Gives me the itch for something beyond the Columbia River, but that will have to do for this year.

Wayne & Lynn
Hillsboro OR
1995 C250 WB #151

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1310 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2021 : 10:03:34

Wayne... follow your dreams... it's all posible because our boats are the "queens", when it comes to versatility on land as well as on the water...
Heading west again we only have to go about 4500 km (2800 miles) before we're home. Hopefully before the snow starts flying.

zeil
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Canada
1310 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2021 : 11:28:26

After hauling the boat back on the trailer we're "camping", in the yard of Johanna's brother starting the 3rd and last phase of our trip
But... before leaving for the west we will have days of get-togethers and a super surprise

Kids show up and request to repair a bike. Opa, they conclude, "you're not very good at it", after observing me critically and me using a "make do", tool...

In return the kids help stowing the awkward furler on the fence posts until we're ready to move on

Family members just happen to stop by...

And then... surprise, surprise... our kids from British Columbia showed up on their return trip from P.E.I with their two daughters and 2 dogs. They undertook a 12.000 km plus (8.000 Mile) round trip. So good to see them

Hours and hours of wonderful talking followed...

And of course just the men...

And the kids...

After a week of being with family it's time to head west

But not before some hilarious moments...

Saying goodby and until the next time. Thank you for a wonderful time

Downtown Port Hope, Ont. The place where Johanna grew up

Visiting the farm of friends in Little Current, Ont on the way west again.

While om the farm and reading after dinner the power went out. Just a classical photo...

Little Current, Ont is well knows among the great lake boaters for a wonderful safe harbour and excellent accommodations

Even though we would have liked to launch the boat in this water haven, time was pressing to make miles going west

Northern Ontario is beautiful with excellent roads. Our next stop was in a KOA campsite in Thunderbay, Ont. were we "blend in", well with the other campers
Notice the lobster trap we were asked to take west by our kids

It so happened that the camp celebrated "Halloween", with a cherry-picker snow bubble blower. It was hilarious and fun for all

Kids received hand-outs and collected candy and sweets...

We did have to keep a neat interior of the boat since people were intrigued by the idea of camping in a boat... Because of the overall length of the boat and truck we had to park on a bit of an angle to fit

The red line in the photo is our furler which is wrapped in pipe insulation foam and taped with builders tape. It held up well during the trip

To be continued

Edited by - zeil on 06/12/2021 16:45:10

zeil
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Canada
1310 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2021 : 16:39:53

September 1st 2019 Ready to continue on the road. Next stop is an overnighter in a motel in northern Ontario and then on to Langenburg, Saskatchewan just past the Manitoba border. A long trip to say the least. The truck, trailer, brakes and tires are doing good.

We arrive at the farm, are welcomed, and are assigned tasks for a week. The harvest is in full swing. Any extra hands are welcome... even mine BTW that is Johanna dwarfed by the machinery

I'm assigned to that monster with a 20 ton hopper behind shutteling the grain between combine and the B Train highway rig.

Yes... that's me from about 1100 hours till well past midnight. Nah... don't stop, we'll bring you lunch and supper, "just keep going".
During the pitch dark night I "lost", my way in the fields and had to be coached. Oh... you're a sailor eh?... and getting lost here in the fields?
Funny the dead quiet that followed when I radioed politely in a small voice "I'm not sure where I am", can you provide direction... when the answer "go south", finally came, it was even less helpful. Because I stopped the work, they finally came and got me.
By the way... I loved the work and excitement of "bringing in the crop".

Johanna is braving the climb up into to the combine to experience the modern technology of a joystick operated combine

That's Johanna high up as a passenger in the combine...

My "prairie", boat for an entire week

September 6th, 2019 "Bringing in the harvest"

The trailer gets a new new extended trailer hitch in the workshop. A frequently used and well equipped maintenance shop is for sure not a luxury

September 10th 2019 We're back in Jansen visiting the Jansens with the boat parked in front
but overnighting with our friends

From Jansen, Sask. we drove a little out of the way to Melfort, Sask. and parked in front of the house of our friends.

Strathmore, Alberta, Stopping at friends who offered us hospitality for the night and of course we enjoyed way too much food. But what do you do in wonderful company

Here we're a beautiful safely parked and getting closer to home

Oh no... everything's wet... no choice but to "dry out". What happened was that the boat hatch slid forward and created an slight opening between hatch board and the slide hatch letting in the rain we encountered along the way. All our boat papers, clothing and other things were soaked.

Banf, Alta. You cannot drive through this area without stopping we both agreed. So we pulled over and spent a glorious 3 or was it 4 days being tourists and treating ourselves to some sightseeing, walking, touring and eating out. Loved it

We're happily parked and very comfortable between all trailers, rigs and other campers. Good thing is that we're "out of season", since it is September 13th with the air getting crisp with here and there a snow flurry

The next leg of our trip will bring take us to British Columbia. Just past the border in Golden, BC we are pulled over for an inspection. Several official looking people explain that they will inspect the boat for... zebra mussels and dive, without ado, below the boat. Minutes later they come up and show us, from the trunk of our boat, a tuff of dried seaweed with the dreaded mussels attached.

Bunch of dried seaweed with mussels attached... from this moment the boat is quarantined for a minimum of 10 days we're told and will be under an official "seal", with the boat attached to the trailer. After ten days we will come to your address and release the boat we are told. Kind of shaken but in agreement with the stringent instructions we continue on our way.

After a long trip we look for a campsite and locate one close to Armstrong, BC and camp for the night after befriending the camp official who "sold", us with a smile firewood we don't need.

Ah... we did use some firewood after all during a chilly dinner in the campsite next to the boat. That night it rained and rained and never stopped the next day so... we decided to pack it up a couple of days early and head for Chilliwack, BC where our youngest grand daughter lives. We're getting close to home

September 16th, 2019 Just in time for Amy's birthday... Thank you Opa and Oma for coming all this way in time for my birthday...

You need that haircut young man... wow... a pony tail would almost do... what happened with the rest on top?

We're home safe and sound... thank you Lord for a wonderful, outstanding, unique, experience and trip
Now the work of starts of sorting, cleaning and storing starts... The family who needed our house while we were gone just left a fed days ago. It al worked out so well

Yes.. it all came over nice and dry... let's unpack and sort it in the garage

Mariah, hull number #191 is finally home

Stuff gets sorted on a sawhorse legged table and distributed from there

September 23rd, 2019 The boat and we are finally home after a glorious trip.
Thank you all for accommodating and following us

Recipe for fishchowder... for those who enjoy cooking more than completing trip reports

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