First post, Hello! My boss is considering a 75 Hatt MY 2000-2002. The Trents specs say it'll fit , but Im looking for first hand experience on large boats going through and some pics in the locks.
Welcome to the forum. I have done this trip. It is wonderfull. The locking will not be a problem, the lockmasters know what they're doing and typically fill largest first. The only exception is when the "houseboat rentals" are in the area. The lockmaster puts them in first so as not to risk damage to the real vessels. These things are basically a box mounted on a float with a motor strapped to the back and the operaters aren't much better. ou will definately have some skinny areas but if you can handle your vessel in close quarters with wind you'll be fine. All but two of the locks are your standard drive in, flood and open type. The other two are not for the weak of heart. Located in peterborough is a double action hydraulic "bathtub " Your boat will fill it so you will be alone.Your bow will hang over the end giving you a very different view from the helm. The other is called "Big Chute" it is near the Northern end. Big Chute is a marine railway where you pull into slings the car it then comes up out of the water over a hill and drops you back in. Unfortunatly I don't have any pics handy. I believe the Trent web site has pictures. You will want to allow 4 weeks to properly enjoy this trip as there are many places that can easily use 2-3 days. One word of caution. The exit at Port Severn is a PITA ( unless they fixed it) You have to go under a bridge as you enter Georgian Bay, the channel is extremely skinny right under the bridge (maybe 17') compounded by a sharp bend into some more narrow channels. You might want to google earth the first lock at Port Severn. As for fuel I would recommend entering with what you need for the trip as fuel docks to accomadate your size are limited to just one or two marinas. Hope this helps
Lots of help, thank you! I googled everything imaginable about the severn but cant find any photos of large yachts in those 2 locks. Ive read there is a cruise boat over 100' that travels the canel, so i know its do able! If I dont find pics Ill post my own in 2 months!
Use Google earth to look at the locks and exit into the bay. I believe you can call he locks direct as well. One other thing I forgot to mention there will be a fee from the Parks Service that you have to pay in order to use te locks.
I've taken a 75' Hatteras to the Great Lakes on 5 occasions. Everytime was through the Erie Canal. I'm not sure you can clear the Trent Severn, as the lowest you can get with the arch down is approx 19'.