The Most UNIQUE "Lock" in NORTH AMERICA (The Big Chute Marine Railway)

The most unique lock on the Great Loop isn't a lock at all... it's a marine railway called The Big Chute located on the Trent-Severn Waterway! The experience consists of driving your boat onto a railcar, and then the railcar goes over a road, down the hill, and to the water on the other side. We've been looking forward to this experience since we first researched the Great Loop and are excited to share it with you. In this video, we briefly go through the history, environmental concerns, and engineering logistics behind this unique boating experience.
Thanks for watching!
Cheers from the Loop,
Jennifer and Elliot
#trentsevern #boating #bigchute
🎥 Episode #306 | Filmed on August 3rd, 2022
🇺🇸 America's Great Loop | Coldwater, Ontario
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ABOUT US
Hi! We are high school sweethearts from Atlanta, Georgia who decided to take a year off to travel around the world. Together we decided to create vlogs for our journey as a fun way to remember it. On September 15, 2019, we left Atlanta with 3 bags, 2 one-way tickets, and 1 goal of traveling for a whole year. Little did we know, 6 months later we would find ourselves in a nationwide lockdown in India. After spending 5 months in India, we came back to the United States and decided to purchase a 34’ Trawler, dive headfirst into boat life, and kick-off America’s Great Loop.
The good, the bad, the ugly - and most importantly, the real and real funny. We’re not here to tell you “how it’s done.”, just how we’ve done it. And that whatever it is that’s calling you - the way you’ll do it is much more attainable than it may seem.
Thank you for following us along our journey!
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Note - Some of these links are affiliates. We recommend stuff we love and if you like it also they might give us a small kickback. Thank you!

[@SchoandJo]

Thank you for watching! This video was filmed on Aug 3rd. 💰 Find out how much the Great Loop Costs: schoandjo.com/great-loop-expenses/ 🔒 Learn how to lock: schoandjo.com/how-to-lock 💌 Want to keep up with us in real time? Sign up for our weekly email to be filled in our current cruising plans and adventures. schoandjo.com/sunday-summary

[@robmills7453]

I've done Big Chute in 3 boats, 2 of my own (40ft Silverton, 29ft Regal) and my parents boat (34ft Silverton). Always feels like we have a flying boat on the way down.

[@SchoandJo]

I bet it never gets old!

[@GenerallyGeneralLee]

The railroad from Rome down to the toe of Italy's "boot" meets a ferry with railroad tracks on it, the whole train goes onto the ferry which then crosses the water over to Sicily, where it meets up with another track. This reminded me of that.

[@SchoandJo]

Interesting!

[@svechappe6075]

We took my parents' 36 foot powerboat over the previous Big Chute back in the early 70's. Besides not having a leveling system, it also used a chain to pull the train car up to the crest of the hill. The car would then be stopped temporarily on the crest, which was pretty much level, and they would have to manually unhook the chain that pulled it up the hill and then connect a second chain that then controlled the rail car as it went down the other side. So, for a few seconds, the train car was sitting on the crest of the hill with your boat on it and not connected to anything other than gravity. Pretty crazy.

[@nancyharris4913]

😯

[@12000Jetlag]

I follow a Canadian couple on their site, Boating With Boogaboo, who live by Lake Semcoe. The regularly travel the Trent Severn Waterway and I have watched them go over the Big Chute many times. That part of Canada is so beautiful......another bucket list trip when I retire aboard my Sea Ray 340 Sundancer Jetlag.

[@user-kx8ev2yu9m]

Thanks for making us KZbin famous for a day - Jeff & Cathy on M/V Serendipity

[@thomasellwood9699]

It never gets old, no matter how many times you do the Big Chute. I told you guys you would love the Trent Severn.

[@marathonrefrigeration9593]

I was at Big Chute this last weekend. It was around 6 pm so I believe it was closed but beautifully silent. Such a peaceful place.

[@anniesmith2]

I have been up there so many times to watch the boats go through the Chute, but always wondered what it would be like to actually be on a boat going down. It’s is an amazing place in early spring with ice on that rocky river going down. The chute of course is not open but I still like to go up for the scenery and the silence. I take the back road up from Coldwater (20 min) and have seen moose, turtles, bears, and beaver dams along the roadway when it’s quiet. Thanks for the great video. Stay safe!

[@SchoandJo]

Its a beautiful area, no doubt!

[@leonewilson9101]

My husband and I loved up at Georgian Bay. We took our holidays on our boat. Thank you for the ride with you!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Leone!

[@Pitster73]

This is my area. It really is something else to go across and experience. Love hanging out here

[@gillmartin1758]

I don’t know if it’s still there, but the “ little chute” railway was just off to one side. It could only handle boats up to 40’ I think. The big chute was just being built I believe when I was a kid as boats got so big so quickly. As you mentioned it really serves a purpose in keeping invasive species at bay.

[@suzylarry1]

I am a land lover , I have seen most of this system as I live at the Peterborough Lifelock city Peterborough I have travelled by land to see all the Trent has . I am amazed as to how many folks around the Trent system have not visited these beauties. You have the luxury to have done so by boat. Best of luck to you on your waterway travels.

[@kxrv6629]

Thanks for the video. We have been traveling fulltime in our 25 ft RV for over 5 years. We happened upon the Marine RR yesterday, but it is late in the season and we didn’t get to see any boats go through the process. So your video gave us the experience vicariously. Thanks!

[@SchoandJo]

Oh darn! Most Loopers are transiting that area around Late July - August, glad you got to see it in our video though!

[@bbmatthews2002]

Dang y’all, y’all been on fire with churning out videos last couple days. Well done!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much, Ben!

[@stevengilbert6672]

Absolutely, your best video ever!!!! We, who live here, take things like the Big Chute and Southern Georgian Bay for granted. It was so wonderful to witness your experience as you see the area for the first time.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

WOW!!! That was absolutely EPIC! Such a freaking cool experience and we couldn’t help but smile along with you. 😱🎉

[@SchoandJo]

Haha thanks y’all! It was so fun!

[@ritvenerus2195]

So amazing!!! Been looking forward to seeing your experience on the Big Chute, well done!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much!

[@gregwhayman9695]

hi guys, you're post are amazing. we boat on the trent severn. all summer in our 80 crisscraft, I've been over on the railroad 100s of time's glad you enjoyed it so much

[@SkipHarpers]

Super video guys. Best video of the Big Chute!

[@andykober2283]

What an incredible experience! Thank you for sharing.

[@michaelgarrity6090]

That thing is wild. Most amazing kind of boat lift, probably anywhere in the world. Very cool that you all showed most of the process. Great job.

[@mikepech6822]

The chute is quite experience. It's too bad the weather sucked so bad. But at least you had the preferred position at the front. Your videos are awesome. I figured why. Aside from the content of scenery and elements and explaining everything in detail. Plus your appreciating of of our scenery and people. But the big thing to me as well is your relation with each other. I've done and have seen it all, but the way you express it all, kind of like doing it all over again. I hope you are going to have videos coming when you get into Georgian Bay. It's considered to be the best fresh water boating in the world. The 30'000 islands was my second home when was living there.

[@martinkok5123]

Never seen that before, and I 'm sure I never Will. Very cool .👍👍👋

[@SchoandJo]

Awesome, glad you liked it Martin!

[@BellsRidesAboardSeaBoss]

That was so cool to see and to hear y’all’s reactions. I enjoyed this video so much, thank you.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks!

[@DonBracy]

That was totally awesome!!! Thanks so much for sharing your incredible journey

[@carolwestermann5309]

LOVED this episode. ♥️♥️♥️ You both smiled for the entire 25 minutes. What an adventure for the three of you. Ollie made some new friends. Great information on the history and mechanics.

[@garyfrost7501]

I've been following you guys for several months now, and must send you a huge THANK YOU for helping us prepare for our upcoming Great Loop departure in 4 weeks! Continued success and happiness to you both!!

[@buckpowers4837]

Good video especially seeing how the chute works and the feeling of the boat being out of the water. Enjoy

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Buck - it was a day to remember!

[@donaldbrown9437]

Very interesting! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@murrayallan1960]

I agree you look amazing, I'm learning so much from your videos, thank you 💕

[@scottarmstrong5273]

Thank you for sharing your adventures I will never be able to do the great loop but I can vicariously do it and travel it through your videos..THANK YOU so much!!!

[@suzanneaydelotte801]

This was such a spectacular video! The BIG CHUTE was so cool! The joy on your faces made watching this adventure even better! I love Ollie’s comments and your enthusiasm for what you do! Travel safe!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much Suzanne!! It was such an enjoyable day!

[@fredrikberglund1009]

Great video as always , just love to follow your adventure. Spring is coming here in Gothenburg Sweden so soon ill be on the water as well 😊

[@SchoandJo]

It's coming soon! Thanks for watching Fredrik!

[@danc00]

Awesome video as usual. Thanks for sharing your journey. Stay safe.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks for watching Daniel!

[@MsMixd]

We spent about 3 years at the Big Chute marina. I would spend my weekends sitting at the back of the boat, sipping a margarita and watching the big boats go over. Good times. If they still have them, try the deep fried butter tarts at the restaurant. They are incredible.

[@SchoandJo]

Ohh deep fried butter tarts seem awesome!

[@MsMixd]

Stop at the restaurant next time around. I don't know if the same chef is still there, but if he is, you're in for a real treat. By the way, if you like privacy and some good fishing, go back out around the island, turn left, and make your way toward a little wooden dam at the end. You can drop anchor and spend the night there. There are pickerel to be caught to the right by the pile of rocks. Also, there's a nice waterfall and a deep pool on the other side where you can swim and take a shower. 😉

[@cruisingdirtstar]

Another great video! Love seeing the excitement you both have with boating in the Trent. Can’t wait to see what you think of GBay. Ollie is such a sweetheart and seems to be enjoying the journey as much as you guys.

[@johndanson1481]

Been waiting for this, awesome, as expected, thanks for sharing with us, what a great and unique experience! Thank YOU, Both!

[@SchoandJo]

Thank YOU for watching John!

[@jeffspicolli593]

I've been over it and sitting on the bow for the very last part of the descent 20:29 is thrilling.

[@SchoandJo]

It really is!

[@henriaube2278]

That was such a thrill! Now, just wait till you have to go down the slight rapids tomorrow on your way to lock 45 to enter the magic kingdom of the Georgian Bay Small Craft Channel to the French River Basin! Enjoy...it's likely the highlight of your trip.

[@richardstever3242]

I see you travelling in my neck of the woods. Welcome to Canada. I do alot of tinny camping on Beausoliel Island staying at Chimney Bay. From there I travel to Honey Harbour, Macrae Lake, Bone Island and the Gibson River. Suzuki makes a 30 lb - 2.5 hp motor for around $900 US.

[@bobr9689]

What a wonderful vlog you made with this episode! I've seen boats getting hauled out of the water by either the straps or by railway, at marinas for maintenance, but not both. What an experience! But I am confused (like others) why you had to shut off the seacock? Hopefully, you can explain their (lockmasters) reasoning behind it. Hope you have great weather for the rest of the journey.

[@jessicahurst8128]

So the water won’t get into the engine through the exhaust when the engine is turned off.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Bob! The reason why it was suggested was this: when you start your engine, you run water up through your sea strainer to cool your engine. If you leave your sea cocks open, the water that primed that system will drain out. Then when you start it afterwards the engine will need to re-prime and theoretically if your impellers run dry for too long they will rupture and then it'll be a mess. I say theoretically because I don't think there is a problem re-priming, especially when the system is still generally wet but its better to be safe than sorry! Hope this explanation helps!

[@bobr9689]

@@SchoandJo Thanks for the explanation. Never having gone through a lock system like that, I didn't realize the possible damage running the impellers without water could do (makes perfect sense now!) Remember, my experience with locks was only on the Great Dismal Swamp Canal. Happy cruising - always look forward to your vlogs and newsletters. My dog, Gisselle & I say "Hi Ollie"!

[@justbeingdad62]

My favorite episode so far. You could actually sense your emotions 😅😢😊!!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Pat! It was an amazing day!

[@brustar5152]

You didn't do the glass of water thingy. We were told to put a glass of water on the deck and glance periodically at it. That was in the seventies though so maybe they just want you to not bother today? Also; the suggestion was made that if we hadn't had the boat out of the water for some time that this was an excellent opportunity for one of us to walk the sidewalk and snap photos of the bottom. It's even cool to be in a car waiting while you watch a boat go by in the air.. If you ever get over to the old country, their canal systems are worth renting a "canal barge" for at least a couple of weeks and they have one lock that is a rotating lock like the cylinder of a revolver. You go in and like a ferris wheel you get rotate and lowered/raised to another level.

[@SchoandJo]

We didn't hear about the glass of water, that sounds like a fun experiment! We would LOVE to check out the canals across the pond, its on our bucketlist so hopefully one day!

[@ampegor]

I remember that day we were anchored near Killarney and heard the warning on the radio. I have been to big chute a few times but never with the boat (yet). Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@johnlowell7394]

Outstanding.

[@vernholmes7940]

That was cool!!!!!!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Vern!!

[@hfdzl]

Very clever solution gotta keep those bearings greased!

[@HalStrider]

this video makes me so happy

[@captainblacktoe1328]

Been waiting for this episode since I started following you. I wasn’t disappointed!

[@charlesamilton]

been waiting for the big chute, couple of years away for me but I am re-psyched !! gonna keep preparing and dream of my loop

[@SchoandJo]

Woooot woot! Thanks Charles!

[@johnmichael893]

❤I loved this video I’ve watched it a lot of times

[@jrac863]

That was an experience of a lifetime great job guys

[@SchoandJo]

It really was, thanks for watching!

[@TakeATripTogether]

Wow, that was amazing! You did just a great job capturing that experience. We don't have a boat so it was a thrill to be able to experience the Big Chute with you guys!!!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks!! It was an incredible day! 🤩🤩🤩

[@Skagitrover]

We got hauled on a cradle lift yesterday, another unusual method of boat transport. Looks like you had fun!

[@mb-br6lc]

We enjoyed this video so much ,we watch it twice,my wife and I loved the look on both your faces 😮, cheers guy and happy Easter

[@willhoyle752]

Have watched tons of videos on the railway. Yours was the best of them all.

[@SchoandJo]

Wow, thanks Will!

[@moniquecampagnaro7464]

I didn’t know about this. How interesting ! So many things we don’t know about our province.

[@hughosborn7292]

another great video !! Thank you !!!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Hugh!

[@HopeOfJoe]

"Thanks for watching."...........Thanks for sharing ‼️👍🏻 The CHUTE has to be an experience. No question. See you next time. ✨ 🌊 💨 🛥🏝🌞✨

[@opinionsmatter5201]

Jen has evolved SOOO much from nervous and worried a bout almost every thing to being cool sailor.

[@scottabercrombie376]

I think you transferred your excitement/nervousness to me while watching. Going to get a beer now.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks, Scott! 🍻

[@bobahlberg6360]

Awesome!

[@sailinglatis]

Awesome experience for you and us!!🇨🇦

[@jeremystory6981]

THANKS for historic ,,would not have now😊

[@richardlay1492]

We going do that trip one day thanks take us along lol I check the under the boat to make sure all good free haul out

[@SchoandJo]

Haha it really is...

[@richardhill2260]

Great video, good explanation of this interesting method. Thanks. And stay safe

[@karenprice5439]

Awesome video ❤❤ u did excellent . To bad it was a rainy day...But a awesome experience..⚓⚓🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@mcouture8169]

Elliot, you are so well trained with Jen's question about "How does my hair look?"... and without any pause, answering "Amazing!"... You two (three?) are great! btw.. any info about the hull?

[@luvtheoldusa]

I laugh love watching your adventure in the beginning I watch you eat so health lol NOW cream filled donuts and butter tarts growing up in Buffalo I loved the things your showing and including Tim Horton. To the point I live in Florida now and get Tim’s shipped to me monthly. Enjoy and try to stop at Mackinaw island Michigan

[@jackiegaudette6225]

We did Big Shoot in a 15 ft fishing boat !

[@aeneas-sails]

impressive piece of L-glass on that camera!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much 🙏 we love our cameras

[@timothyjones6601]

I have mixed emotions; probably the most nerve racking experience ,and at the same time, I want to do it!! I would be shaking so much I'm not sure if i could even dock the boat afterwords.😁

[@andrewwylie2117]

Btw… music selection has been great. Do you have a playlist posted somewhere?

[@Wooden_boats]

This is flight on your boat! 👍

[@andrewwylie2117]

“Embrace the pivot “

[@SchoandJo]

💯

[@kirkhuddleston9387]

Very cool 👍

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Kirk!

[@sachagra1]

Another great video. Curious about closing the seacock, I've never done it, where did that advice come from?

[@12000Jetlag]

Awesome video! I recently found your channel and have enjoyed watching your adventure on the Trent Severn. I have a SeaRay 340 Sundancer on Lake Erie and hope to boat some Canadian waters when I retire next year. I have a couple of questions about the Big Chute. 1. Closing the seacocks for the "ride over" serves what purpose? 2. When you enter the chute, do the hoist straps adjust to your boat to lift where the manufacturer says lift or are they straps permanently in place and it lifts from where ever you pull in? Looking forward to seeing your other videos while I am waiting to take my boat out of winter storage. Thanks for sharing! Ollie makes a great crew member.

[@georgearmstrong681]

Good questions. I'm curious about both of these. Cool video. This is one of the experiences I most want to have if I ever get to do the loop. Keep it up you two. I was just in Jax to see family and talked about your videos. My wife went to Wolfson.

[@tcoker6616]

It’s called “Shelter in Place”!

[@scottarmstrong5273]

You say that tomorrow you have one more lock and you enter the best cruising grounds.. But you have been on the best cruising grounds from day one!!!

[@newtron1]

EPIC!

[@paulbromell8018]

A little too late now but, you could Pivot and go right back up again.

[@SchoandJo]

haha that would have been something... Maybe next time we are in the TS we'll get the two-way pass!

[@robertfraser845]

no lift locks they are a must go to also there are 2 of them

[@Tnapvrvideo]

Nice share! What is the longest boat the chute can accommodate?

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks for watching! It looks like the max beam is 24 feet, and max length is 99 feet.

[@Alcochaser]

Yes, the famous boat train. After this..the next weird thing is the corps of engineer fish zapper just south of Chicago

[@georgelasko7019]

Where doesSho and Jo come from? It has nothing to do with your names or the boat. Have been enjoying you since you started your 2nd loop. Very entertaining 8:33 rest of the loop!!

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Yikes and WOW!

[@donb270]

Makes you want to do the loop a second time !

[@fuzzybutkus8970]

During the lamprey discussion I was strangely turned on and repelled at the same time.

[@SchoandJo]

😂😂😂

[@Bubba-tx1vx]

Can we get an oh my gosh count ! 😄😅

[@michaeltutty1540]

Those rapids are called Big Chute.

[@SchoandJo]

👍

[@johnmichael893]

Why did you have to close your sea cocked and re open them is this like a sea sstrainers

[@SchoandJo]

You don't have to per-say, but it was recommended to. The reason is that if you close them, the water stays in your lines. if you leave them open the water will drain out. So when you splash again on the otherside, your impellers will have to work a little bit harder to pump that first initial water into your system.

[@doncritzer2798]

That thing is from the Flintstones ha ha haa

[@jeremystory6981]

👀⚡️⛈️😅😅

[@skylarlee8767]

I did big chute twice last yr

[@SchoandJo]

Its such a cool ride, wish we could've done it multiple times

[@Ayl-bw1iq]

I just started following and watching my my husband and two daughters. We love your channel but are confused.. on instagram you say you have completed the loop but here are north? Are you working through the loop a second time? 🤍