Toronto boaters rejoice — Skipperi is officially launching its first full season in the province’s capital on May 1st this year.
What started as a Finland-based startup, Skipperi is setting out to “democratize” boating by providing a convenient subscription service for boaters, allowing them to cruise throughout Lake Ontario “without the hefty cost or maintenance hassles of boat ownership.”
Skipperi also offers a training program, meaning even those with little to no boating experience can get out on the water this summer.
A monthly membership starting at $475 grants members access to all Skipperi fleets globally, with all costs covered, excluding gas (which is billed according to usage.)
Skipperi uses app technology that allows users to access more than 40 fully equipped motor boats on Lake Ontario, including Starcraft boats that range from 17 to 23 feet and feature Yamaha outboard engines. All of the boats offer perks that range from Bluetooth sound systems to swimming decks.
The app also handles booking a boat, including check-in/out times and reservations. Skipperi’s boats utilize a digital dashboard with maps and geofencing, which can inform users of speed limits and no-wake zones.
To ensure accurate billing, Skipperi analyzes fuel consumption via data-enabled engines and AI.
Members can access the smart fleet from several harbours in the GTA.
Mercury Marine has announced—for the first time—a trio of all-new electric outboard motors that the company says will form the foundation for a full line of battery-powered boat engines.
The company officially unveiled its new Avator 7.5e electric outboard motor at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on January 3. Intended to power smaller vessels like cartoppers and inflatables, the Avator 7.5e outboard generates 750 watts of power, allowing performance comparable to that of a 3.5 horsepower gasoline-powered outboard but with the advantages of no noise, no fumes, no emissions, and no need to buy fuel or cart Jerry cans down to the dock.
The Avator is powered by a user-changeable 48-volt, 1 kWh battery that fits inside the top of the motor’s cowling. Replacing the battery is a simple matter of opening a door, lifting out the exhausted cell and sliding in a fresh one. The company says most users will have two batteries so they can allow one to recharge while the other is in use. “We could have just made a bigger battery,” said Mercury Marine president, Chris Drees. “But this motor is meant to be used on smaller boats where that additional size and weight wouldn’t be practical. This is much easier, it allows you to always have a fresh battery at the ready, and it’s super easy to use.”
Drees says that the Avator 7.5e is just the first model in what will become a full line of electric outboards for Mercury. “We also have the larger Avator 20e and 35e models, which will be released later this month. We’re going to have five electric models by end of this year.”
The company says the new motors will begin shipping to dealerships across North America in late winter or early spring, just in time for the coming boating season.
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If you’re looking for a gift for the angler or boat enthusiast in your life, we’ve got some ideas. From floating keychains to a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, there’s something for every boat lover to enjoy during the boating season. Here are 10 great gifts to consider.
YETI Tundra 35 hard-sided cooler
This portable YETI cooler is perfect for cottagers who love to entertain on the boat. It’s big enough that it can hold 21 cans and comes with one dry goods basket.
Adequate eye protection is a must when out on the boat. These polarized sunglasses will help protect the eyes from the elements like sun and water and hey, they’re cool looking too. The nylon frames are durably built and there’s a special lining to prevent slippage.
Help the angler in your life stay organized with this compact adjustable multi-reel case. The thick padding protects up to 10 valuable reels and the extra pockets are great for storing leaders, tippets, and tools. With padded interior compartments, a hard-sided exterior, and vent to release moisture, this case will prolong the lifespan of fishing equipment for many years.
The iconic Sperry boat shoe is a classic choice for a reason. The signature wave siping on the rubber outsole gives it that ideal wet/dry traction you need in and around the boat. They’re comfortable, a little sporty, and have a hand-sewn moccasin construction.
Stay connected to friends and family on any boating adventure with this compact satellite communicator. It has two-way communication and interactive SOS capabilities with special routing navigation that takes you back to where you came from. You can also share your location with anyone using the MapShare feature.
Certified with an IPX7 waterproof rating, this speaker is perfect for all water-related activities. It’s designed to work even when submerged in water up to three feet deep for 30 minutes. That’s one resilient Bluetooth speaker.
This highly breathable full-brim hat is made for sunny days on the water. If it happens to take a dip in the water, no biggie—it floats. The semi-rigid brim has a dark underbill to reduce glare and protect the eyes. The vented crown has an internal mesh lining for a cooling airflow. The toggle adjustable chin strap will keep the hat securely in place even in windy weather.
Stay safe on the water with this personal rescue strobe. It has three activation functions for alert signaling and a white coloured LED that can be seen at greater distances at over three miles. It will also flash continuously for 56 hours to visually alert search and rescue of your location.
Keep cell phones dry on the boat with this floating waterproof phone pouch. It comes with a detachable lanyard and special cushioning to protect the phone in case it drops on a hard surface. If the pouch falls into the water, it can stay dry in one meter of water for up to 60 minutes. The phone’s side buttons can also be accessed while in the pouch.
Dropping keys into the lake can happen, but it doesn’t have to be a big deal if you’ve got a floating keychain. These floating boat keychains are brightly coloured and easy to spot. They’re more practical than traditional keychains when there’s water involved and they make for great gifts.
My grandfather, Eric Carman, has been sailing for 70 years. He’s faced life-threatening storms, six-month trips, and upended boats, all documented in log books over the years. Here are some of his most memorable trips.
From Newcastle, Ont. to Jacksonville, Fl.
In 1994, Eric was enjoying another peaceful morning at the marina. That was until Roy Campbell, a friend from the Royal Navy, said that Sinclair MacDonald wanted to drive his boat to Florida. “You should have heard Roy: ‘Why would you truck a boat to Florida? It’s an experience of a lifetime!’”
It was no trouble crossing the border in Phoenix during the ’90s—a driver’s licence and a smile sufficed. Their first stop? The Statue of Liberty, of course! “We gave ferry boats the right of way; they were on a mission,” Eric says. Honkkkkk. The next day, they rolled into the dense fog, blasting their horn to alert other boaters.
Past the fog, they visited once-in-a-lifetime sites. From lighthouses to the West Point Military Academy, and the George Washington Bridge, they saw it all before joining up with the famous Hudson River.
Success! Making it to the 320-kilometre mark called for a celebratory lunch at Schaeffer’s Canal House in Chesapeake City, Maryland. “I loved the old harbours, restaurants, and docks. It’s a whole different world that takes you back a century,” Eric says.
Returning to the journey, winds slapped the boat to-and-fro, right into the worst of the Cape Fear storm—accurately named. “Roy advised that we should stay put for the night, but Sinclair wanted to stay the course. It wasn’t until they were eerily close to a large bed of rocks that Sinclair demanded they turn around immediately. Back at safety, Eric and Roy had a good laugh, knowing they would never actually venture through such deadly weather.
The storm passed just in time for a pit stop at Donald Trump’s Marina in Atlantic City. Waking up the next day to blazing red and orange skies is a bonus only enjoyed by the earliest of risers. But, you’ve heard the tale right? Red skies in the morning, a sailor’s warning.
Bad weather barrelled through bringing 10 inches of water in 10 hours. “My biggest piece of advice is to keep your eye on the weather and take your time,” Eric says. “What’s a couple of hours of waiting in exchange for your life?” After the storm passed, they bathed under sunny skies and rejoiced for a calming peace of mind, finally.
Next stop: Jacksonville.
Photo courtesy Eric Carman
The iconic New York skyline, pictured from the New Port Marina in New Jersey
Photo courtesy Eric Carman
Cape Fear Lighthouse
Photo courtesy Eric Carman
A sunrise guides Eric and the gang on the intercostal waterways
Photo courtesy Eric Carman
Early morning fishing for shrimp
Photo courtesy Eric Carman
Eric, Roy, and Sinclair at the end of their journey in Florida
From Port Severn, Ont. to Lagoon City, Ont.
Eric recruited his son Stephen, friend Roy Campbell, and a guy called Squid on a four-day trip to transport his 35-foot trawler back to Lagoon City.
Eric and Roy may have not been afraid of the storm after Lock 44, but they couldn’t say the same about the other crew. Eight-foot waves jolted them side to side. “Stephen and Squid ran to sit in the life raft, leaving Roy and me to control the boat in those gruelling conditions,” he says.
Using sea charts and plotting by the sun, “sometimes you have to hold your breath and hope that you made it,” Eric says. He was especially concerned about the length of the waves. “An eight-foot wave on the lake is much worse than being on the ocean,” he says. “In rough weather, don’t go straight into the waves. It’s best to move at a 25 to 35-degree angle, but no steeper than 45 degrees,” he says.
Legend has it that the one-ounce belly warmer, a naval tradition, was what really got them through the storm that trip.
Eric and Vera standing in front of their 35-foot trawler. Photo courtesy Eric Carman
From Lagoon City, Ont. to Daytona Beach, Fl.
What’s a good alternative to harsh Canadian winters? A six-month, 4,858-kilometre boating trip to Florida with friends, of course. The group’s first major hiccup on Lock 18 took an unsuspecting crash. “While we waited our turn at the lock, I tied the line down at the stern, which Vera was then in charge of untying. All of a sudden, the stern was up in the air and the bow was dropping down fast. She never untied the line! I ran to get the big hunting knife and cut the line quickly. Smack! The boat crashed down. Thankfully, there wasn’t any damage!” Eric says.
The turbulence and troubles only continued down south. On the Atlantic, they encountered ten-foot waves and hurricane warnings. “Hour-by-hour, we were getting away from the land, and drifting towards Africa,” he says. “Rolling, bouncing, and rocking. I was scared for the others on board,” he says. “If we didn’t turn around when we did, we would have run out of fuel and capsized.”
Out of the eye of the storm, the skies cleared around Jacksonville. All was calm until Eric sped past a boat, a little too fast. Big mistake. Blaring sirens signalled for them to stop. “I tried to play dumb, but knew that I had made a grave mistake in the ‘no wake’ zone,” he says. Whew! Off with a warning this time.
Their final destination was Daytona Beach, where Eric and Vera met Sarah, their first grandchild. “She swears she touched the dolphins that swam beside us,” he says.
On the way home, you guessed it…more trouble! This time, it was the gearbox and the transmission. “Fortunately, the boat was under warranty. Unfortunately, the repairman was no help,” he says. “I knew they were wrong. Like a car, you get to know the sound of a boat at different speeds. I was not going into the ocean. I may not have come back,” he says. Eric called again and got the job done this time around.
A six-month trip and countless challenges along the way, it was five-foot waves in Trenton that almost took them down. “One of my engines went down. Sarah took the wheel, and I ran down to the controls to fix the engine. You know what the fix was? Good ole’ duct tape!”
Photo courtesy Eric Carman
Waving to Lady Liberty
Photo courtesy Eric Carman
Pulled over for speeding by the U.S. Coast Guard in Jacksonville, Fl.
Photo courtesy Eric Carman
Now this boat looks fun!
Photo courtesy Eric Carman
A quick bite to eat at the Riverboat Restaurant
Photo courtesy Eric Carman
The Annapolis Boat Show
From Lagoon City, Ont. to Christie’s Mill, Ont.
Picture this: 360-degree views of vibrant fall colours along the Trent-Severn Canal and on the shores of Georgian Bay. This is the exact trip that Eric and Vera set sail on with a group of eight other boaters in October. Starting at Lagoon City, they made their way to the Narrows at Atherley, through Sparrow Lake’s thick marsh, and then to the Big Chute Railway Marina. “People travel just to see the famous Big Chute (one of two contraptions that take your boat out of the water with a travelling carriage), Eric says.
Onwards to Georgian Bay, the final destination, the boaters had to be extra careful because the buoy system reverses on the bay, where green buoys are port-bound and red are stern-bound.
If you’re conscious of the environment—or perhaps gas prices—or you enjoy exploring lakes that don’t allow gas-powered engines, think about choosing an electric boat or personal watercraft. If you choose electric, your neighbours will likely be pleased (and stay asleep) when you slip out of your dock silently for those early morning or late night rides. Many boat and PWC manufacturers are releasing fully electric models, with more to follow suit.
The sustainable electric Princecraft Brio 210-2S pontoon boat seats up to nine passengers. Photo credit: Princecraft
Brio
The Princecraft Brio 210-2S pontoon is a 21′ 7″ pontoon powered by a Torqeedo electric engine (available in 2.0 RL, 4.0 RL or 10.0 RL) and has room enough for up to nine passengers. The Brio line carries ultra-light lithium batteries and charges fast, and a fully charged battery will give you up to four hours of enjoyment on the water.
Starting at $30,419
The Bruce 22 can hit a top speed of 65.9 km/hr and is suitable for water sports. Photo credit: Vision Marine Technologies
Bruce 22
Bruce 22, made by Vision Marine Technologies, is able to hit a top speed of 65.9 km/h, allowing you to practice water sports with this all-electric model. Accommodates five to eight passengers, has a propulsion power of 5 hp, speed of 6 mph and is powered by a lithium-ion battery.
Starting at $73,995
Super Air Nautique’s GS22E fully electric wakeboard and ski boat will provide two to three hours of fun on the water per charge and has a ballast of 1,850 lbs. Photo credit: Marine Max
Super Air Nautique GS22E
Utilizing an Ingenity drive system, the GS22E is 100 per cent electric with zero emissions – its design contains 90 per cent fewer moving parts than the gas-combustion towboat in its class. The boat has instant torque and a very responsive drive system. This 22’ wakeboat delivers two to three hours of water sports, a ballast capacity of 1,850 lbs., and can be recharged in as little as 1.5 hours with a DC fast-charge system. The AC systems require a 12-hour charge.
Starting at US$292,711
Pure Watercraft’s 25’9” electric pontoon boat features a General Motors automotive battery pack and single or twin Pure Outboard motor. Photo credit: Pure Watercraft
Pure Watercraft Pontoon Boat
Pure Watercraft has designed a 25′9″ electric pontoon boat, created in collaboration with General Motors (GM). Powered by GM’s automotive battery pack and single or twin Pure Outboard motors, this pontoon boat carries up to 10 passengers. Pricing starts at US$45,000 for the single outboard model and US$65,000 for the twin outboard model. Currently taking pre-orders.
The Zin Z2R electric boat can go up to 56 km/hr and delivers a flat wake. Photo credit: Zin Boats
Zin Z2R
This Seattle-based start-up has created the Zin Z2R roundabout fully electric boat. It’s 20’ long and powered by a 55kW Torqueedo electric motor boasting a top speed of 56 km/hr. A full charge is reached after 5 hours on a traditional 120-volt circuit and has a range of up to 193 km. The battery has a 9-year warranty and can take about 10,000 cycles—or about 27 years. The Z2R’s instant torque makes it great for waterskiing. Because it take off like a bullet, the boat planes on the water quickly, delivering a flat wake. It’s also beach-able.
Starting at US$250,000
Taiga is dubbing its newly released Orca as “the world’s first electric personal watercraft.” Photo credit: Taiga
Taiga Orca
Taiga is dubbing its newly released Orca as “the world’s first electric personal watercraft.”
Photo credit: Taiga
Taiga Orca
Taiga Orca Personal Watercraft
Taiga Motors Corporation’s fully electric Orca is speedy and quiet, with up to 120kW (160 hp) and peak torque from zero RPM. Three model levels are available, including the Orca Carbon, which has a carbon fibre composite hull – Taiga says it’s hydrodynamically engineered for dynamic control on the water. Orca’s Level 1 charging connector can be plugged into a standard outlet.
Ever notice how many of our common phrases have nautical roots? Learn all about the boat-related origins of these familiar terms and then try them out at the cottage this weekend.
Bamboozle
Originally a nautical term from the 1700s, this word has been getting a lot of love from Gen Z recently as internet slang. Once used to describe pirates who would fly a friendly nation’s flag to deceive other ships, the meaning hasn’t changed. Past and present, the term is used when someone is fooled or cheated.
Going overboard
First recorded in 1931, this term refers to someone falling off the boat, usually in water. Although, perhaps, explaining the origin might be going overboard.
At the signs of strong winds and crashing waves, the crew would retreat to their chambers in the ship’s base and hide until the storm passed—they were literally ‘under the weather.’ The term is now used in a more figurative way when someone is sick.
All hands on deck
If a captain wanted all hands on deck, then it was a command for all crew to come together and help navigate the boat in a storm. Today, it’s a call for everyone to work as a team and help out.
That ship has sailed
Back in the 1800s, if you missed the ship’s departure, then tough luck, because there was no way to catch up to it and the next boat wasn’t scheduled until the following week. Today we use it to mean that you lost your chance and opportunity.
“Sink or swim” today is a motivational push to either face your fears and succeed or fail on your own merits. Nobody likes the prospect of failure but, it doesn’t compare to this term’s terrifying origin. Suspected witches were once catapulted in the water to determine whether they were guilty or innocent of witchcraft. If they were real witches, it was said that they’d be able to swim with the help of the devil’s power. Either way the suspected witch would die: by drowning as a wrongly accused innocent, or, if she lived, she’d be executed by officials for surviving.
Runs a tight ship
If the ropes were taut, then it signalled that the captain was in control of the crew and the boat was smooth sailing in the 1900s. There might not be ropes involved today (or a ship), but we still use the term to describe an organization or team that works effectively and efficiently.
Some sayings like ‘hunky-dory’ never die. One theory links this funky phrase to Honcho dori, a road in 1876 Japan, where sailors would go for some fun. Fast-forward to present times, we guarantee that your cottage dad also uses hunky-dory to describe the perfect day he just had.
A sailor would need to literally learn the location and use of the ship’s ropesin order to be a successful member of the crew. Nowadays, it is more broadly used to mean getting acquainted with the skills and basics for a new setting usually as a first step to being a helpful part of the team (which at a cottage could include using rope to tie a knot—but only if you really want to).
Bottom’s up
Did you know that men used to be tricked into joining the navy? Recruiters would put coins at the bottom of beer glasses, and when the unsuspecting sailor got to the coin, it was deemed that they’d taken payment for joining the Royal Navy. A drinking mate would say “bottom’s up” to hint that a friend should check the bottom of their glass to avoid the coin. Presently, there’s no tricks at play—just a clink! And a lighthearted “bottom’s up,” as we cheers our homemade Caesars to a great weekend at the cottage.
From l-r: Kevin Sha Varghese, 21, Geo Paily, 32, and, Liyo Mavalil Yohannan, 41. The men died tragically in a fatal boating accident. Image credit: Malayalee Cultural Association of Calgary/Facebook.com
The Malayalee community is rallying around the families of three men who died in a boating accident on Spray Lakes Reservoir, near Canmore, Alta. after the boat they were on capsized on Sunday, July 10. One man, Jijo Joseph managed to survive. According to Father Thomas Kalariparambil, the four men were close friends who attended St. Mother Teresa Syro Malabar Catholic Church in Calgary and often went on fishing trips together.
Canmore RCMP, Kananaskis Emergency Services, Alberta Conservation Officers, and a cadaver dog were a part of the search team that helped recover the bodies of Liyo Mavalil Yohannan, 41, Kevin Sha Varghese, 21 and Geo Paily, 32. RCMP was unable to confirm why the boat capsized or if the boaters were wearing lifejackets at the time.
A GoFundMe for Yohannan has surpassed its $100,000 goal. He was the sole provider for his family of 10, and the money will go toward supporting them. “The funds raised here are solely to ease the financial burdens of his funeral expenses, his family’s expatriation from Canada to India, aging parents’ medical expenses, education for his children, and support for his wife,” stated a post on the GoFundMe page that was created by the Malayalee Cultural Association of Calgary.
Itching to spend more time outdoors and try a new sport? Well, dragon boating might be for you. Whether you want to participate or just watch, dragon boat events (often referred to as regalias) are happening across Ontario all summer.
And, good news—you don’t always have to have prior paddling experience to hop in a boat and participate. Many teams and festivals hold beginner clinics and workshops. You’ll learn technique, power, and teamwork to set yourself up for fun on race day.
Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival
Don’t miss out on Ottawa’s Dragon Boat Festival at Mooney’s Bay Park and Beach from July 24 -26. There’s something for everyone: from a dragon boating competition to family-friendly activities and a concert lineup featuring Serena Ryder, the Strumbellas, Steve Neville, Stoby, Rebelle, and Frown Line at Mooney’s Bay Park. Friday kicks off with opening ceremonies, followed by races on Saturday and Sunday. Individual and team registrations are closed, but you can still watch the races and enjoy the full festival line-up, like the silent auction and beach bar. For more information, visit dragonboat.net.
Paddle with South Niagara Canoe Club
Are you a beginner to dragon boating? The South Niagara Canoe’s Learn to Paddle event is on July 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Welland International Flatwater Centre. Anyone aged 18 to 65 is welcome, and no experience is required. Bring a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet, along with proof of vaccination. Expect a mild-to-moderate workout. Register now because spots are limited.
Saturday Sunrise Paddle in Port Perry
Paddle from Port Perry to Seagrave and back at sunrise on July 30 with the Scugog Dragon Boat Club from 6 to 9 a.m. The trip is 20 kilometres in total, but don’t worry because you’ll be able to take a break, grab a snack, snap a photo of the beautiful waterway, and switch the side of the boat you’re on mid-way. Participants must be at least eight-years-old and over 88 pounds. No experience is necessary. This event is free, but a $10 donation is appreciated. Book your tickets on Eventbrite before they sell out.
Guelph Dragon Boat Festival
Head to Grand River Conservation for the Guelph Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, August 13, at Guelph Lake for friendly competition and a chance to win a medal. Each team must pay a registration fee of $850, which includes 25 parking passes and all necessary boating equipment. Teams compete in a 200-metre “knock-out” style race. Winning groups can race up to six times! You’ll want to push hard to win, but try to conserve some energy because there’s a 2000-metre sprint final. An exciting line-up of food, drink, and merchandise vendors will also be available. For more information, click here.
Barrie Dragon Boat Festival
You’ll want to grab a paddle for Barrie’s 18th Annual Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, August 20, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Heritage Park. This year it’s all about community spirit, vitality, and unity—funds raised will support the Barrie Public Library’s ‘Future Branches’ campaign. Groups can register by paying a $1000 fee and $500 charity donation. All paddlers must be 16 or older, and each team must have at least eight females, with a minimum of 16 paddlers and one drummer. Have a few paddlers who want to practice before the big day? You can book a one-hour session for $120, typically between 5 to 9 p.m. on weekdays, which includes a steersperson. Coaches are also available for hire. For solo paddlers, join a team! Questions? Contact Jeff Aldridge at Corporate Recess at barrie@corporaterecess.ca or visit the main event website.
Toronto GWN Dragon Boat Challenge
Whether you’re a new or experienced paddler, you can participate in this exciting sport at the 27th Annual Tim Hortons GWN Dragon Boat Challenge at Toronto’s Marilyn Bell Park on September 10 and 11. Participants can choose between two packages: Train & Race or Race Ready. The first package includes five practice sessions for $175 at the Balmy Beach Canoe Club on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. starting August 10, with Sunnyside Paddling Club on Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. starting August 8, or with the Mississauga Canoe Club on Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. starting August 9. No need to practice? Sign up for the Race Ready package, which includes one training session and entry to the challenge. The event will offer a variety of activities such as an interactive Kids Zone and entertainment on the main stage. For questions, contact info@gwnevents.com or visit this website.
Stratford Rotary 25th Dragon Boat Festival
The dragon is making its way to Stratford’s 25th Annual Dragon Boat Festival. Book September 17 off on your calendar because you’re headed to Lake Victoria for a day of racing, fun, food, and entertainment. Watch the 500-metre recreational Hong Kong-style dragon boat races, with eight boats racing. And whether you’re watching or competing, you’ll want to fuel up at the licenced food and drink area. You can find more information at the Stratford Rotary dragon boat festival.
Who doesn’t love spending a weekend on the water? Before jumping on your boat this season, it’s important to prepare with the right boating safety procedures and supplies. OPP Sergeant Dave Moffatt, the provincial marine coordinator of the Highway Safety Division, shares five preventative boating safety tips before stepping on board.
Put on your life jacket
Wear a life jacket or PFD on a motorized- or human-powered boat (including a standup paddleboard or any other craft used for navigation). “Life jackets keep your head above water, while a personal floatation device keeps you afloat, but doesn’t always keep your head above water,” says Sergeant Moffatt. If you become unconscious, a PFD might not stop you from drowning.
Tip: Sergeant Moffatt recommends an automatic inflatable PFD. “Our entire force wears them. It’s a cheap investment for your safety and comfort,” he says.
Be prepared
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.
1. Check local weather forecasts or head to Transport Canada for a map showing marine forecasts and warnings. “If there are heavy winds or thunderstorms, skip boating because bad weather can travel fast,” says Sergeant Moffatt.
2. Know the area you are boating in—especially when using a human-powered boat in rapid-ridden and high-level waterways. Only experienced boaters should attempt to navigate rapids. Check water levels through the Surface Water Monitor Centre.
3. Sergeant Moffatt recommends taking a preparation course to improve knowledge of boating safety—“Boating is difficult, and you can never learn enough about it,” he says.
Zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs
Never consume alcohol or drugs while operating a boat (including human-powered ones). Alcohol affects your judgment and response time by intensifying your body’s reaction to sun exposure, wind, and fatigue. In fact, one drink on the water can be equivalent to three on land, according to Transport Canada.
Deck out your boat
Time to accessorize—there’s a lot more equipment you need on board than you might think, and you have to know where it all is. “During inspections, you wouldn’t believe how long it can take for some people to find their safety equipment,” says Sergeant Moffatt.
According to Transport Canada, mandatory boating safety equipment includes a PFD or lifejacket for each person on board, a buoyant heaving line, a manual propelling device or anchor (at least 15 metres in length), a bailer or hand pump, a sound-signalling device, navigation lights, a 5BC fire extinguisher (a fixed fuel tank or a fuel-burning unit is sufficient, too), a waterproof flashlight, and a boating licence (with any motor of 10 hp or more).
Inspect your boat
Sergeant Moffatt recommends fastening your plugs, ensuring both the lights and motors are working properly, and assessing your craft for damage each time you ride. “It is important to have a regular maintenance schedule and have your engine looked at before the season starts,” he says. Consider scheduling free Pleasure Craft Courtesy Checks with Transport Canada volunteers, who will identify any potential problems or safety concerns.
Tip: Don’t forget about your trailer while looking after your boat. Examine the axles, bearings, brakes, and lights for proper operation.
Celebrate Canada Day on historic canals and waterways in Ontario and Quebec, for free. Parks Canada is waiving admission to locations it runs including national historic sites, parks, marine conservation areas and lockages such as the Trent-Severn Waterway.
The cost of a lockage depends on the waterway but for the TSW it is $1/foot for a single lock and return. For a detailed list of lockage fees and information on mooring permits, click here.
The news comes after Parks Canada decided to partially reopen the locks along the Trent-Severn Waterway after rising water levels posed a risk to boaters and property owners, and threatened to erode the shoreline.
