Recommendations on Trailer Logistics Trent-Severn Cruise?

peterbrownell

We are in the begining stages of planning a cruise from Trenton to Port Severn on the Trent-Severn waterway (next summer or the summer after next). We are in Vermont and will be trailering our Tomcat up to Lake Ontario and putting in (hopefully) near Trenton.

Just wanted to get any suggestions on potential logistics for the launch (near Trenton) and haul (around Port Severn).

We were thinking we could launch and then park the trailer (at a marina ?) on Lake Ontario near the beginning of the waterway. We would cruise up the Trent-Severn to the Georgian Bay ending up at a marina somewhere. Could take a bus or train plus taxi back to retrieve the trailer then drive back up and haul for the return to Vermont.

Any suggestions on good places to start and /or end and best transportation back to the trailer.

Thanks, in advance, for your advice and expertise.

Best
Peter & Linda
------------
C-Dory Tomcat 255 "Destiny"
Lake Champlain Vermont

thataway · Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 5:07 pm Post subject:

We have found that one way car rentals work the best for getting back to a location or trailer and rig. Taxi's and busses can be in-convient. The cost of a rental is usually no more. If it is just a partial day's drive, then just a one day car rental, and the wife drives the car back while you drive the rig and trailer.

stlof · Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 5:21 pm Post subject:

Now that seems a bit sexist, Doc.

Will-C

Peter,
I have a Ports Cruising guide for the Trent Severn. Check out www.portsbooks.com It has just about all the information you would need to plan and do the trip. For me I would trailer the boat to Trenton area launch it and then take the tow rig to Port Severn with someone following in a rental car. A municipal marina in Trenton is the Frazer Park Marina phone 613 394 2561. There are launch ramps nearby on both sides of the river. This is all down stream of lock number one. At the other end I would call Bush's Boat Livery and Marine at 705 538 2378 they have showers dockage w power and a launch ramp. I would call and ask them about storing your trailer and tow rig while you are motoring up the waterway from Trenton. They have been in business for a 100 years and are close to Port Severn lock 45. The Port Severn area Chamber of commerce phone number is 705 326 4424 for tourist info call 705 538 0817. If you want to borrow my book pm me with your address. The only stipulation is an no brainer, you return it. It will be a couple of years before I can make it up there.
D.D.

Ron on Meander · Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 8:55 pm Post subject:

Ah yes the Trent Severn. One of the most relaxing and entertaining boat trips around. We did the Trent Severn and the Rideau in the summer of 09. We launched at Smiths Falls, about the halfway point on the Rideau and went up to Ottawa and then retraced our path back down the canal to Kingston on Lake Ont. Up Lake Ont. from Kingston to Trenton and then on to Port Severn and into Georgian Bay. We reloaded Meander on the trailer in Midland Ont.. Midland is a nice little town on the bottom end of Georgian Bay. It has a nice marina and a decent ramp. Some pictures from the trip here.

A couple of our favourite locks from the Trent Severn.

Peterborough.

And the Big Chute Railway

Great fun and a not to be missed C-Brat adventure.

Cheers
Ron

BRAZO · Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 9:09 pm Post subject:

We launched the CD22 at Lock #28 Burleigh Falls then parked right in their parking lot for the 2 weeks. We then went down to Petersbourgh then back to Port Severn and then back to Burleigh Falls. A bit of back tracking, but it was well worth it.

Certainly one of our favorite trips.

JamesTXSD · Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 11:21 pm Post subject:

LOVED the Trent-Severn! The photo Joan took of Wild Blue in the Big Chute Railway is one of my favorites...

Oh, and this one of a bridge reflection...

Highly recommended for a summer cruise. Interesting cruising, met some great people, shopped the farmers markets, and just enjoyed the heck out of the area. Thumbs Up

Best wishes,
Jim B.

peterbrownell · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2010 8:19 am Post subject: Thank You

Great information and encouragement. Thank you all for your help.

Sounds like this is definitely a bucket-list cruise for us. Will keep all posted when we decide to do the trip.

Have a fun and safe holiday season.

Best
Peter & Linda
---------------------------
C-Dory Tomcat "Destiny"
Lake Champlain, Vermont

thataway · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2010 6:18 pm Post subject:

STOLF,

Although I'll put Marie, my wife up against anyone on the forum in handling a boat and trailer, or big RV and trailer, many women do not have the level of experience of confidence.

Not at all sexist in my comments or thoughts.

thataway · Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2010 6:23 pm Post subject:

STOLF,

Although I'll put Marie, my wife up against anyone on the forum in handling a boat and trailer, or big RV and trailer, many women do not have the level of experience of confidence.

Not at all sexist in my comments or thoughts.

Making snide remarks about me does not contribute to this forum.