Whales Everywhere!
The Whale warning flag proudly on display aboard the Ing’s Ransom to let other boaters know that cetaceans are nearby.
What it takes to be a boat charter captain...
Congrats to Derek on finishing up all his course work for becoming a boat charter captain!
What does that entail exactly?
Well, it is a pretty involved process, as it should be. You want to feel secure knowing that the person that is taking out into the waters of Howe Sound knows what they are doing, above and beyond what a casual boater might know.
To be certified by Transport Canada as a Small Vessel Operator, Derek had to complete the following courses - involving over 60 hours of study time.
Small Vessel Operator Proficiency
Small Domestic Vessel Basic Safety
Restricted Operator Certificate - Maritime (radio course)
Marine Basic First Aid
Derek took his courses from the good folks at Safer Oceans Systems. Click here to learn more about the certification they offer for Small Vessel Operators. He took his first aid training from the Red Cross in North Vancouver.
Ready to get out on the water with a captain that knows what they are doing, so you don't have to? Contact us today to book your boat tour or custom boat charter!
The Bowen Island Event Guide 2023
The oh-so lovely Bowen event guide, featuring all kinds of wonderful island businesses (including us 😁 ) has been mailed out to all households on Bowen Island. Looking for online access? Head over here: https://issuu.com/bowen.../docs/biu_event_planner_2023r
Kudos to the Bowen Island Undercurrent for doing such a fabulous job with this publication! It really is so nice to flip through and the photos are just gorgeous ♥
If you’re having a special event this summer on Bowen (or beyond) and would like inject a little seaside class or fun time ocean vibes, get in touch with us to find out more about our custom boat charters. We can transport you right to your dock of choice, or set up that special day out on the water with your nearest and dearest. Our custom charters allow you to call the shots.
With the Bahama Blue Bertram at your beck and call, you’re sure to make an entrance like no other. Get in touch with us today to find out more!
Looking ahead to Summer 2024…
Yes, Derek is restoring another boat… and another Bertram (the venerable Bertram 31 FlyBridge from 1975)! The ‘Magragthea’ will be ready for the Summer 2024 season. {Bonus points if you can identify where the boat name comes from! }
She will have a capacity of 10 passengers and will be available for boat tours in Howe Sound and private charters.
This is our most recent rendering of what the 31 Bertram will become….
Small to do list:
Raise the roof
Patch the hole in the roof
Fabricate flying bridge console
Fabricate swim grid
Fabricate interior
add/Fabricate 'Silent Drive'
All new mechanical
All new electrical
Faring
Paint
New upholstery
Stainless fabrication
Bimini top
Engage Infinite improbability Drive
Stay tuned here or on Facebook for progress updates!
Progress vids on the Bertram 31
Just sharing a couple of progress videos for the Bertram 31. This is the boat that we will be launching for our boat tours and private charters in summer 2024 with a capacity of 10 passengers. A long way to go but we’re so excited for the finished product!
The journey begins…
The re-vision of this 1975 Bertram has begun. After finding her on Vancouver Island, it was time to bring her home to Bowen. Here are some shots from setting off from port in Nanaimo… destination Snug Cove.
Thanks to Mike Shannon and Old School Marine for the tow!
The boat that started it all…
Derek was always into boats and being out on the water, from fishing on the lakes of Manitoba and Ontario as a young lad, to taking advantage of each and every opportunity to get out on the Pacific once he moved to Vancouver. And he has always been mechanically inclined and able to roll up his sleeves up and get things done, whether it was tinkering on his cars, souping up e-bikes or fixing and mastering his many, many tools in his woodshop.
But it wasn’t until he met this neglected and ready for the scrap heap 1968 Bertram that Derek found a new calling and passion - taking classic boats, redesigning and refurbishing them and making them even better than they were in their original form (shh, don’t tell Bertram). Hard to believe that this beauty was once destined for abandonment. The “Ings Ransom” is now a fixture in Howe Sound and a well known boat easily identified from the shores of Bowen Island whenever she zips by.
Welcome to this exciting new boat charter business!
Coming soon… boat tours and private charters in Howe Sound!
Welcome to this exciting new business!
We will soon be offering boat tours and private charters within Howe Sound on the Salish Sea.
Aboard one of our restored and modernized open air cruisers, we intend to serve up a relaxed and enjoyable experience for you, your friends, and your family.
Pick up from Snug Cove, Bowen Island and Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver.
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