Open Water Boat Launch

[Albany]

Good morning,

Might be a long shot... but I am wondering if any of you know of some open water (river or lake) around the Calgary area I could back a boat into. To be clear, I do not need to run the boat around, just need to be able to start the motor and power up with it still on the trailer.

I believe policeman's is still quite shallow and the little "bay" is still ice covered?

A gentleman yesterday mentioned the fire department launch under 17th - I launched my drift boat there years ago, but heard it is now locked. (...and yes, I am aware of the regulations around running a motor inside the city limits, but as I will not be "operating" the boat, willing to take my chances)

Thanks for any assistance / information.

Regards,

[Jeff336]

If you can get your hands on an old 55 gallon drum cut the top off and fill it with water. Makes it a lot easier to work on the boat in your own garage.

[pikergolf]

Would this work for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXu9vJ5dLB8

[Albany]

Thanks guys - I appreciate the responses

It is an outboard jet and I have tried the drum of water in the past (ends of making a huuuuuuuge mess...) and there is a garden hose hook up on the motor to run 'dry' but this is only good to start it and basically run at idle - the impeller need to be submerged to actually "power up".

Thanks again.

[silver]

When I don't want to bother looking for a lake or river, I use a cube. A cube is a plastic fluid container with an aluminum frame around it. It is about 4 feet square, holds a cubic meter of fluid. I got mine from a job I worked on for free. I cut a hole in one side and part of the top.
I have a Mercury 65 jet, I tilt the motor all the way ahead, I can move the empty cube fairly easily and as I move the cube forward I can lower the motor. Then just put about a foot and a half of water in it.
This isn't a perfect setup, I have reved the engine up but didn't hold it for long. There is so much turbulence and aeration going on in the cube that I was afraid the engine was almost free wheeling, I didn't think there was enough load on the impellers.
But if all you want to do is start it and do a bit of light running, a cube should work. The real downside is the scum of oil left from the engine exhaust and the fact you have to store the empty cube.

[Foot Stomper]

The Bow River in Cochrane for sure! Just go under the bridge on HWY 22.
Be sure to come in the afternoon when the river is up.

You could even go a ride if you want!

[J0HN_R1]

Have you tried the Sikome boat launch ?

You have to access it via Bow Bottom Trail.

[goldscud]

No motor boats in the city....except the Fire dudes

[Albany]

Foot stomper -

Is the bow ice free up in cochrane? Boat launch open?

Thanks!