carrying a scooter-gctid348812

[Guest]

I am wondering about carrying a gas scooter on my 38. I intend to travel away from home port for several months this coming summer. I am not too worried about the weight (200 and a bit pounds) as I weigh more than the scooter and I can safely stand on the swim platform so that is where I would carry it.

It would be better to put the thing on the bow for weight distribution and to correct the starboard list at the same time but a bow hoist would be tough to reinforce and look like crap.

Just kind of wondering if others have found the need for this luxury and how they dealt with it. I had one a few years ago when we took a 42 houseboat through the Trent system. It was fantastic in eliminating costs for taxi and got us to the beer store and grocery and laundry and exploring. It was also fun. It however was usually at the same level as the docks and could be wheeled off and on. I like the look of the hoist at Harbour Freight rather than a marine version because I can change the orange color to white, it has a broad plate and it has a strong and easy rotating hydraulic jack lift which should be enough . Any thoughts?

[Machog]

I have a friend with a 3988, that puts a scooter in his cockpit with the help of a small single arm davit.

Get the lightest scooter/moped (50cc) you can find and spend time to get it balanced with a single connection.

BUT, beware saltwater, on the rear swim platform. I think it would be trashed in weeks if not days.

The heavy constant spray that comes up from the stern would ruin your scooter in short order. Even when my buddy has his secured in the cockpit with a cover, it is still showing signs of corrosion after only one season. Make sure you lash it down well so it won't tilt suddenly and damage boat and scooter.

Machog

[Guest]

Thanks - I m lucky - completely fresh water

[Guest]

A couple of thoughts...

First, Ive had 5 big guys and a 15HP outboard on the swim platform of a 3888. I think you're A-OK weight-wise.

Second, I looked at a 38xx that had a proper davit on the foredeck. The pipe penetrated the deck and went down through the galley up against the master head bulkhead. You would never know it was there until you looked for it.

[Guest]

Mike

Not such a bad idea but I am heavy on the starboard and light on the port. I think the pipe, even it it looked elegant from the outside would not be such a good idea in front of the relief facility

[dmcb]

Are you going to boat Georgian Bay/North Channel or going the other way?

Doug

[Guest]

It is an interesting question which way to get to the Trent from Detroit - do I want to spend more time at the inlet or the outlet as I am halfway in between. Nice to see a moderator asking.

I am thinking entering the north first for a number of reasons. First I like the Presquile outlet and it is free and second I can hobble along back to windsor at the end of the season better or stay wherever I get stopped by weather

[Guest]

bobsyiruncle wrote:
Mike

Not such a bad idea but I am heavy on the starboard and light on the port. I think the pipe, even it it looked elegant from the outside would not be such a good idea in front of the relief facility

I've regretted not taking photos of that boat. The owner had a number of clever mods. I think the same thing could be done port-side. The pipe would drop down tight against the shower bulkhead, but on the master cabin sid eof the bulkhead. I'm not suggesting it's the best way for you, just a possibility.

[Guest]

bobsyiruncle wrote:
It is an interesting question which way to get to the Trent from Detroit - do I want to spend more time at the inlet or the outlet as I am halfway in between. Nice to see a moderator asking.

I am thinking entering the north first for a number of reasons. First I like the Presquile outlet and it is free and second I can hobble along back to windsor at the end of the season better or stay wherever I get stopped by weather

I'm not following you. When you say Presquille, do you mean the Presquille at Brighton?

By the way, both ends are outlets. The high point is at Balsam Lake, in the middle.

[Guest]

@mike

Yes, Presquille at Brighton. Unless some crazy regulator has become involved the sheltered beach is a great spot and free. I have been through the Trent a number of times with various boats when I lived in Ontario and it doesn't so much matter which direction you take it. It is always good.

It may matter however if I return to Windsor/Detroit late in the season and I think I would prefer working my way back along the shoreline of lake Ontario and Erie where there are lots of facilities rather than Huron which is comparatively more exposed and more isolated

[dmcb]

Keep in mind Michigan has a harbor or refuge no more than 50 miles apart on the Great Lakes, so you are no more than 25 miles from one.

[Guest]

As you said, either way through the Trent-Severn is a great trip.

Have you tried the Welland Canal yet? Descending the Welland Canal (south to north) is nicer than ascending. You can descend with 2 persons on board instead of 3 for an ascent.

[Guest]

I have not told my brother yet what his job is going to be for a day (the third person)