Has anyone taken Rideau Lock System down from Smith Falls ?

shagdrrotten · **Joined:** Thu Nov 07, 2002 8:53 am **Posts:** 123

I'm thinking of buying a 28 ft boat that is in Smith Falls and bringing her around Quinte to Bowmanville.

Just calculating gas prices ( marina locations and gas pumps ), lock passes , map purchases etc and it's a little overwhelming for a newbie.

Will take a week off before May 24 weekend and get her done if she passes inspection this week.

Any tips or warnings or FYI's would be appreciated on this thread or via PM.

Thanks in advance.

JoePa · **Joined:** Sat Jun 19, 2010 10:22 am **Posts:** 47

You'll be going through a couple locks - should have no problem - just make sure you stay in the channel and hit the locks while they are still open -

Bassn51 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 30, 2015 12:09 pm

Verify with Parks Canada but I believe the system opens May long weekend, I could be wrong.

With the new staffing model, lockmasters looking after multiple locks it might take a few days just to get down to the big water. Haven't personally been on the rideau in a few years but have heard some horror stories from friends in Ottawa and others that travel the Trent system.

shagdrrotten · **Joined:** Thu Nov 07, 2002 8:53 am **Posts:** 123

Thanks, I better bring extra food and beverages and more tackle and fish crisp.

SteelKrazee · **Posted:** Thu Dec 03, 2015 7:35 pm

Don't know if you've ever handled a boat that size before but if you haven't give yourself some time to get a good feel of the controls and how to manoeuvre in tight spaces. Even a light cross wind coming into a lock can put you hard into the lock wall or another boat. Not a nice scene. Twin engines offer better manoeuverability than singles and with time and practice you'll be able to steer with the engines only, that's if your boat has twins. I've never made that trek personally but I know the lock systems can get pretty busy on weekends, best to do it during the week if you can. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE.

Best of Luck!
Mike

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Has anyone taken Rideau Lock System down from Smith Falls ?

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