www.iFourWinns.com

Not sure if many have seen or heard of Big Chute, but boaters in Ontario who have travelled the Trent-Severn system all look forward to a ride on "the Chute" - its the only marine railway of its kind in North America. Very cool, and always a crowd pleaser - both on and off the boat! If you've never heard of it, have a look....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeAmril0mpI

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2005 Sundowner
2008 Highlander V6

We saw this last year. We stay near Bracebridge for a week each summer and took a ride over one morning. They were going to take us through on our kayaks but we passed on that. It definitely is something to see.

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2002 Horizon 190 5.0gl

Very cool. What is there a chain of lakes or something, and the train jumps the boats to the next lake? Do you stay on the boat while the tripis made? Wonder what the cost is for the ride.

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Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

Tool cool. They should add a boat wash while its moving!

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Michael Bova


"Swept Aweigh"
2003 Four Winns 328 Vista

Previous Boat
2003 Crownline 230CCR

They used to have a similar system here on Lake of the Woods from the Winnipeg River to the lake side. Closed many years ago to lack of use. Was nice while it lasted...

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Rob
2007 Four Winns 180 Horizon

The UK version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s9p0bVkmvQ

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Regards
Beyond the Blue

"If we improve with age I'm now excellent"


Ex 1998 238 Vista 5.0Gi SX DP
Lexus RX300

Thanks for that post BTB - I actually recall seeing a documentary about the Falkirk Wheel on TV. What an awesome sight and amazing engineering achievement!! You Brits must be proud!

Jeff, the cost of taking the Big Chute is the same as any other lock on the system. On the Trent-Severn system, they charge about $1 per foot for each lock, or you can buy weekly or seasonal passes for all locks. Its a pretty cool ride, and yes, all passengers stay on the boat as its lifted out and transported up or down a 60 ft incline. The huge dolley is run by pulleys and can fit about four or five 20-25 footers each trip (more or less if boats are bigger or smaller...)

I've been on dozens of times, and each trip is still a thrill. Cameras are always clicking, so I'll search for a few pics to post.

Just to show our British friends that they're not the only ones with a cool lift lock, here is a video of one of two lftlocks that we also have on the Trent Severn system, This one is near Peterborough, Ontario:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mnf2fFnPykA

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2005 Sundowner
2008 Highlander V6

those are pretty cool. Would like to take a ride on them some day.

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Todd
1988 Four Winns Horizon 200
AKA "Summer School"