Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Lock 44 The Big Chute

The Big Chute is not really a lock but a unique marine railway.  the Big Chute railway portages your vessel across land and down the chute on twin tracks.Hydraulic powered slings lift your boat and slowly more it across the street.  All this went well but not a half mile later the engine overheated and we had to shut down. When we were taken out of the water the impeller went dry and the impeller did not pick up again.  this impeller is what sends water to the engine to cool it and keep us going.  Major TROUBLE. We were so lucky to have the boat Tie a Knot right behind us.  They grabbed our line and waited for Mike to check the damages.  We then dropped anchor and Mike ran our water hose to the engine to keep water running and we made our way into the marine we had planned on going to for the night.  Tie a Knot stayed with us until we both reached the marina.  It is always good to make friends along the way.  Mike has worked on getting out the ruined impeller and can you believe it he did bring a spare one.  What a captain! At this time he is still working on the repairs but should be done soon.  It looks like we will still be here tomorrow because of the high winds that moved in this afternoon.  Several boats are here in Port Severn waiting to cross the Georgian Bay which is after the next and last lock on the Trent Severn Waterway.   Quite an exciting day!


The Big Chute  











Wood Slates and Straps
       
What a View
               
Looking Down the Front View

1 comment:

  1. This looks like an amusement ride. I guess it wasn't so amusing when you developed trouble but what a day!. It is a blessing to be prepared.

    ReplyDelete