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Writer's pictureSparkling Star

Narrow Channel Passage Day End at Sunset Cove (#29)

We had a full day of passage through Trent Canal and Kirkfield Lock to Sunset Cove Marina. This passage was the most stressful. We were warned by Loopers and especially locals to stay directly in the middle of the channel. Our Bobcaygeon local friend said to run over a fishing boat if needed because even the edges of the channels can cause damage to your boat.


We also called "securite, securite" and announced that we were entering the Trent Canal to alert other boaters.


SECURITE - (pronounced sea-cur-i-tay) is the safety signal. This is used to transmit information about the safety of navigation. For instance, if a large commercial vessel is coming through a narrow channel, this signal would be used. Can also be used to transmit weather information, such as when a powerful storm system is approaching.


However, this didn't seem to stop some of the other smaller boats from coming through. Our Looper guide said if we were going to be passed to stop. So, we did - twice. The total width was probably around 40 ft wide, and our beam is 15. We are not more used to narrow passages because of the Locks, but this was a bit more stressful with trees looming

and visible rock walls waiting to take a bite of our beautiful boat.

Waterfalls along the way were beautiful.

We had one more Lift lock (Kirkfield), but this time we are going downstream so we got this terrifiying view of the second highest hydrolic lift lock in the world. Go to far and you are off the edge....

After the Lift Lock we went through the historic Canal Lake Bridge. If the light is right you can get beautiful pictures of the reflection to make a full circle.




After starting our day as soon as the locks opened at 9am, we arrived at Sunset Cove at 4:30pm. It was a long day.


When we hooked up our electric, we couldn't find a breaker. The staff shared that the electricity was "always on." The staff was friendly, showers were clean, but the "always on" electricty was a bit concerning. No issues though.

In an earlier post I mentioned that Hydro was anothe word for electricity. Look a the sign in this picture for "30 AMP HYDRO".

Sunset Cove Marina

Location: Between Lock 36 and 37 on Trent Severn

Stay: 1 night

Pros: Easy docking, showers hand wooden platforms that Laura loved, friendly staff

Cons: Electricity maybe not compliant, no laundry


Rating: 3.5 stars

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Is that thing very maneuverable? I was just remembering stern and bow thrusters from my few weeks at sea - sounds like you can get them for small boats. I was also thinking you could strap a bunch of old tires around that thing! :)

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We definitely have bow and stern thrusters. At such low engine speeds we need to run off the engines to make the sharp turns and go very... slow!

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