Newbie from Lake of the Woods Ontario

[LOTWCS22]

Ya it was a bit coolish, June in Canada! The sun had problems as well with smoke from a big fire graying things out a bit (can see in the pics no blue sky that day). Water temps are still too cold here for my liking in mid-July (per Cobalt gauge is 75). As they say "it's refreshing". I don't fall for that one any more!

[Traveller14]

Well I'm into week two of ownership....loving it. Need to figure out better dock protection (and skills) to avoid more rubber scars from the dock corner bumpers. It seems the old sun baked ones just smear themselves on the boat, but otherwise am loving it. Took a maiden trip 90 minutes (each way) down the lake to an old camp lodge a friend owns. Thank God for Garmin. We have 5 hours on now. She ran great, 8 adults cruised right along, but avoided constant speeds and only pinned it once (had too!!) Only problems is stereo crapped out, so have appt to get swapped for new.

hope all had a great 4th weekend!!

Red Indian pic1.jpg

I decided to add ‘dock protection’ with our new Cobalt investment. I used to just have grey edging at the slip entrance that always left a mark on the boat if I made contact. It rubbed off easily enough but it also wasn’t big enough to protect on rough days ( 3’ rollers with wind at 45 degrees are common as in the first picture which was taken today). I just added all this white padding which makes the slip as close to idiot proof as I can get it. On a windy day I aim somewhat left of the slip and turn the nose in at the last minute. Usually this works perfectly but occasionally the wind makes me look stupid. If things go badly half way in I now can stop then inch ahead slowly while it nudges the cushions. The lift came with guides that are basically planks just above water level covered in carpet. They seem to work well to center the boat and are out of site. The slip is 11’ and I have an all white R5. BTW I know there are a few pilots here (A7) and as tough as I find docking in a cross wind, I think it must be child’s play compared to landing a plane. Do runways have fenders??

[Traveller14]

...and speaking of planes, this guy landed right in front of the cottage twice today. So cool! Went by at deck level a few hundred meters oot before landing then kept his speed up turning into a neighbours cottage for a drop off. 10 minutes later he is back in the air. Unfortunately I’m always slow with the camera.

[AsLan7]

Great shots T14!

....and yes those crosswinds can be challenging. The one benefit of being a pilot is it is ingrained in us to always know where that wind is blowing and what to expect before landing (or docking)....and even then it can be a challenge as gusts unexpectantly hit.

Btw, gorgeous canoe too.

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[LOTWCS22]

I agree with AsLan7, awesome pics T14. Love the multi slip set-up. Are the bumpers solid rubber or air? Brand? My cradle is going to be tight to the slip and boat so those would be perfect for run up. Love the boat house.

[Traveller14]

I agree with AsLan7, awesome pics T14. Love the multi slip set-up. Are the bumpers solid rubber or air? Brand? My cradle is going to be tight to the slip and boat so those would be perfect for run up. Love the boat house.

Thanks. The boathouse is now my new favourite place. There is a 3rd slip on the outside where I’ll move the seadoo so I can eventually buy a 2nd boat.

I bought these dock fenders from Overton’s. Taylor Made. They seem to be good quality

https://www.overtons.com/taylor-made-st ... ght-bumper