Boaters' Dream Ride - Enter at own RISK! Have to see it! Big Chute Railway | DIY with Kevin

Embark on a journey through time and technology at the Big Chute Marine Railway, Lock 44, along the Trent-Severn Waterway. Built in 1917 and reconstructed in 1978 adjacent to its original location, this unique marine railway stands as the sole operational system of its kind in North America. Discover the fascinating story behind its creation and its pivotal role in preserving the upper Georgian Bay lake system.
The video begins with sweeping aerial views of the tranquil Trent-Severn Waterway, nestled amidst the lush Canadian wilderness. Against this backdrop, we introduce the Big Chute Marine Railway, a testament to ingenuity and environmental conservation. Unlike traditional locks, this railway uses a cradle system to lift boats out of the water and transport them overland on rails.
You'll witness firsthand the railway in action, capturing the smooth transition of boats between different water levels. The footage showcases the precision engineering of the cradle system, designed to lift and lower vessels with efficiency and care. This method was chosen over a lift lock to prevent the invasive sea lamprey from spreading into the Georgian Bay lake system, ensuring the preservation of native fish populations.
Throughout the video, we highlight the operational mechanics of the railway, emphasizing its robust construction and durability over decades of service. Close-up shots reveal the intricate details of the cradle system and the railway's infrastructure, illustrating the careful planning and execution required for its design.
As we explore the historical significance of the Big Chute Marine Railway, archival images and footage offer glimpses into its early days of construction and development. The railway's implementation was a pioneering solution to environmental challenges, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to aquatic species management and ecosystem preservation.
The video concludes with panoramic views of the Big Chute Marine Railway against the scenic Trent-Severn Waterway. As the sun sets over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the serene waters, we reflect on the enduring legacy of this engineering marvel. Whether you're fascinated by history, intrigued by technology, or simply drawn to the beauty of Canada's waterways, this video provides a captivating glimpse into the past and present of the Big Chute Marine Railway.
Join us on this remarkable journey as we celebrate the innovation and environmental stewardship embodied by the Trent-Severn Waterway and its iconic Big Chute Marine Railway. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more immersive shorts that explore the wonders of waterway engineering and natural beauty. Stay tuned for future episodes uncovering more hidden gems and extraordinary stories from around the world.
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[@williamwintemberg]

I didn't think something like this still existed. These were used back in the canal days before railroads to lift barges. So Cool!

[@DIYwithKevin]

Ya, they kept this one around to stop sea lampreys from moving further inland. Otherwise, it likely would have been replaced with a lock too.

[@williamwintemberg]

@@DIYwithKevinAhha! It was kept for good reason. That answers a question I didn't bother to ask. Silly me! Thanks for getting back!

[@Nomadcreations]

WOW, an Engineering Masterpiece to design & Create/Build, I hadnt seen one in "action" before. & Great NON-BSOP Reporting! Seriously! Thank You

[@claudethibaudeau2714]

Wow... I had no idea that we had one of these. Very awesome 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@atcdan133]

This brings back a lot of memories from my childhood. We used to vacation up there and took the railway many times. I loved it

[@DIYwithKevin]

@@atcdan133 Amazing.

[@georgethomas7814]

That's just amazing and the presentation was brilliant. Great combination of unique and peculiarity

[@DIYwithKevin]

Thanks George! Amazing place.

[@utz3710]

Tippy toes as it goes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!❤😊

[@TheKurtsPlaceChannel]

Very entertaining and fun to watch. Thanks for posting this.

[@DIYwithKevin]

@TheKurtsPlaceChannel Glad you enjoyed! Cheers

[@SRM_NZ]

In the summer of 1972...we lived in Owen Sound and the Trent-Severn Canal System was our summer vacation of that year.....The entire family packed up our 19' SeaRay with dog in tow and set off on a camping adventure like none other.....I'm now at the age whereby I'm getting ready for the furnace and also live on the other side of the globe today....but that summer was, by far, the best vacation I ever had....

[@DIYwithKevin]

Amazing. Thanks so much for sharing. A special vacation area.

[@MultiviewCa]

Ok, that was incredible. What a crazy video. Nice work.❤

[@DIYwithKevin]

Thanks, cheers.

[@roguewarr4662]

I have been on this many time's this is safe and a fun way to get from one body of water to another . Big Chute is a great adventure on the Trent system.

[@DIYwithKevin]

Well put. It is a great adventure.

[@AllisonPearce-fg4dl]

Epic!

[@DIYwithKevin]

Indeed!

[@kerrytodd3753]

Very unusual….thanks for posting!

[@DIYwithKevin]

Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers

[@marcellebaudry5786]

super

[@Imsorrybut-st6pb]

That was totally unexpected. Wow.

[@DIYwithKevin]

Glad you enjoyed. Crazy place.

[@MEdGrant]

That is an impressive wall for the relatively short time they’ve been working on it. Compare that with how long it takes to build an earthworks dam which is essentially the same thing.

[@DIYwithKevin]

Very impressive.

[@JoeSchmucketelli]

now, if you could redo bottom paimt n zincs on the way, viola

[@DIYwithKevin]

That's funny. I thought of that. A great way to inspect your hull, if you could disembark.

[@1970gregg]

😅wow, that looks like a lot of boat hanging off the back.

[@DIYwithKevin]

Agreed, Gregg.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Bizarre!

[@gatecrasher1970]

we have one for a canal that even crazier in UK

[@DIYwithKevin]

Cool, do you know what it's called? Would love to check it out.

[@gatecrasher1970]

@@DIYwithKevin Anderton Boat Lift & Visitor Centre, Cheshire and also even crazier the Falkirk wheel in scotland

[@johncraig9869]

Been up & over

[@DIYwithKevin]

Very cool.

[@gillmartin1758]

If I remember correctly, the railway was preferable to locks to keep out invasive species.

[@DIYwithKevin]

Correct, good memory! The sea lamprey.

[@rainysunday6186]

Whelp. Guess I won’t be fishing in Canada.

[@skunkjobb]

It looks like the rear sling should have been much more to the rear. I have a similar boat and with the sling in that place, it would be dangerously close to tipping backwards. Cool boat lift anyway, doesn't waste any water from the hydroelectric plant like a regular lock.

[@DIYwithKevin]

Ya, we thought the same thing. We went through on a 35-footer and then watched others and saw how close they were to the edge. Good thing it wasn't a bumby ride!

[@lorcandonohoe1881]

Check out Scotlands Falkirk canal boat lift - amazing!!!

[@DIYwithKevin]

That's so funny, I saw it on Instagram just yesterday. So crazy. Doesn't even seem real!

[@Awol991]

There are two hydraulic lift locks on this canal system as well. Trent-Severn Waterway. One of them, the Peterborough lift lock (20m) is a balanced bathtub lift, not quite as high or as spectacular as Falkirk (24m lift).

[@thebob95035]

Somehow, the music is louder than the dialog. Looks like an interesting subject

[@DIYwithKevin]

Thanks for letting us know.

[@user-ml1hu7co2w]

google "the slope lock of Ronquires and the lock of Strepy-Thieu Belgium also the lifts of the canal de centre

[@DIYwithKevin]

Amazing Roger, thanks for sharing!

[@ronblack7870]

what's the maximum length , weight , boat / ship this can handle? the thing looks way bigger than the boat in this video.

[@DIYwithKevin]

Great question! The cart is 100 by 24 feet. According to their website... The maximum size of vessel which can be transported on the carriage is as follows: Vessel weight 90 tonnes (99.0 tons) Length 30.3 m (100') Beam 7.3 m (24')

[@FastlifeTodd]

Any idea how many vessels make the passage yearly ?

[@DIYwithKevin]

According to Parks Canada, there were 250,000 boat passes annually during the 1980s on the entire lock system, but up-to-date figures are hard to find.

[@Utubeisazzho]

How much money does it cost for this toll

[@DIYwithKevin]

@Utubeisazzho It depends. There are a number of different passes for traveling the system. If you just went through this lock and back, it's $1.25 per foot, based on the length of your vessel.

[@jseaz]

is it free?

[@DIYwithKevin]

No, you purchase a transit or lock pass depending on how far you plan to travel. I believe there is a seasonal pass for the entire Trent as well.

[@keithmayhew2161]

Temporary & quick dry dock..

[@DIYwithKevin]

Lol, exactly.

[@hrtymongrel]

music too over powering .. life ain't no song.

[@DIYwithKevin]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@user-kj1od5ed7p]

The loud music sucks

[@DIYwithKevin]

Thanks for the feedback Mark.

[@michajohan8110]

this is not cool. in Poland, on the Elbląg Canal, the first such slipway in the world was built and it was built 100 years before this one and is driven only by water power

[@DIYwithKevin]

The slipways in Poland are amazing, long, and picturesque. Thanks for mentioning!

[@billt6116]

@@michajohan8110 Why would that be "not cool"... ? Cool is a slang word meaning realy good. I think there must be a misunderstanding, Because that IS pretty cool!.. And good on you Poles For thinking. Less material, and less work Then building regular locks