Easy to operate
Each boat is equipped with a 60 hp outboard motor which provides plenty of power to take you on your trip but not too much power. We'll show you how everything works and we'll then take you out for a drive and make sure you're comfortable before we send you off on your adventure.
The Basics of Docking
The first thing to remember is that boats don't have brakes. And they don't stop on a dime. For example, those freighters you see in the river, traveling at 4 knots take on average 1 kilometer or over ½ mile to stop.
Plan your approach. Don't leave it to the last minute. Set yourself up on your angle of approach INTO the wind. Slow down, use reverse as your brake and have everyone onboard focussed on docking. In the few minutes it takes to dock, everyone's attention should be on that and nothing else.
Know where you are at all times.
When you're in the river looking ahead, that land mass you see; is it an island? Or the mainland? You can't tell just by looking at it. The 1000 islands are beautiful. But some of the islands are about 3 inches below the surface of the water. (That's a joke.) Islands UNDER the surface of the water are called shoals. Shoals are made of rocks. Whoever is driving the boat should pay attention to where you are at all times. The Navionics app for your smart phone or tablet is HIGHLY recommended. You can download it from the Apple App store or from Google Play.
Be boat smart to be river happy.
Coming Soon: Rout movies to help you avoid the underwater islands (rocks and shoals).
To Book
Phone: 613 382 2842
E-mail: platch@houseboatholidays.ca
