Bottom Line

Recently, friends of ours were returning from their summer holidays trip to Georgian Bay, where they met some fellow boaters. I was going to say 'ran into fellow boaters', but it was this other couple who actually ran into something.

It seems that they had touched bottom in the channel leading out of Port Severn (the last lock, as one enters Georgian Bay). Their boat is a large express (roughly 45' long), which probably draws 4' of water - or more, depending on the running angle. As is was, it was suggested to them that they wouldn't have a problem passing through the narrow (and not too deep) Potato Channel. Unfortunately, they hit bottom, bending their prop and shaft.

Another painful reminder to always check your charts and not rely on hear say only. Sure, local knowledge can be a valuable source of insights, but that must be balanced with your own knowledge of your boat and it's limitations. That helpful boater you talked to last night could have a completely different style of boat or setup that might not necessarily reflect your needs on the water.