I meant to give a big shout-out and thanks to
Millhaven_Nice_Guy (Marc), and
Wintermute for giving excellent advice to my post a few months ago looking for pointers on how to do this trip - Marc's suggestions on timing and where to layover on the Rideau were spot on! (btw, we started our trip on July 9, and the weather was great - except for some showers on the Ottawa River stretch). Proves again how helpful this forum is.
firecadet613 wrote:
Looks like a great trip! I can't imagine doing a trip like that in a 205...the scenery looks worth it though!
Interesting point. Well, like anything there’s good and bad about a 10-day trip on a 205:
BadSleeping, or rather some form of it – not a lot of room in that cuddy for a Sealy or Serta, and rolling over is a unique experience every time
Storage – one has to be both creative and lean in terms of what can be brought on-board. Not a lot of places to stow things.
Eating – no galley, nor a place to install a BBQ. Load up in the morning with whatever is available where you’re overnighting for breakfast and lunch – always on the lookout for a decent restaurant for dinner.
Heavy water – while not bad in 1 or even 2 footers, anything higher, or strong winds can make for a brutal, bone cracking ride. Once, heading into a nasty easterly on Lake Ontario, its was so bad that the Admiral was crying…Never again.
GoodSize – the 205 is small enough that it’s relatively easy to find a berth at a marina, or a spot along a lock wall for the night. Most places can always squeeze you in…
Gas – the 5.0 litre V6 isn’t frugal by any means, but compared to larger boats with twins? No contest.
Speed – lots of times and places that you can open it up without guilt or fear of having to take a loan out for your next fill-up (see above)
Access – quite simply, you can go a lot of places others can’t
Trailering – small enough that you can hook it on and shuttle it around to different spots – big enough that you can spend a few days on it (see “Sleeping” above…)
Envy – I was surprised at how many owners of large cruisers would mention how much fun they had when they used to own a small boat – more flexibility, less worry and cost, and less anxiety. I offered trades, but no takers yet.
On the other hand, those 248’s and 258’s sure looked nice out there, and it wouldn’t take much to convince me to make the move up!
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But by the weather in those pictures I am guessing he was there sometime between July 7th and August 25. The weather was crap before and after those dates.
