Dispros Cruise Lake Muskoka
16th August 2021
Numb Bum on Lake Muskoka
By Tim Du Vernet
Saturday, August 14th was a typical weekend on Lake Muskoka- wake boats and jet skis cris-crossing the lake and a few sailboats taking advantage of the howling wind, on an otherwise sunny, but cool day.
Until a strange, soft and persistent motor noise gently rose out of the background din. It was the sound of 16 one and two cylinder Dispro engines being piloted by their owners, who are members of the Dispro Owners Association, out for an UUMMT. These 16 putt putts, or Disappearing Propeller Boats, cruised the Bracebridge area of Lake Muskoka, with a lunch stop at Johnston’s Park on Eilean Gowan Island.
These 18’ powered dories originated Port Carling more than 100 years ago and at least one boat on the cruise was over 90 years old. One of the most remarkable features of the DOA and these little boats is their ability to put a smile on your face, whether a spectator or owner. It was great fun to receive waves and to be captured by cellphones as we went by. The boats also have the unique ability to draw diverse walks of life together for outings such at this. The Dispro has the power to draw together many walks of life and from great distances as well. Participants came from as far as Niagara-on-the-lake.
Highlights of the tour included Strawberry Point, Browning Island and Baxter and Wilson island shores.
Despite the near gale force winds, these little boats are well-equipped to handle surprisingly rough seas and have been known to challenge Georgian Bay and even the Mackenzie River. Everyone arrived safety and it was great to see friends again, after such a long break.
By Tim Du Vernet
Saturday, August 14th was a typical weekend on Lake Muskoka- wake boats and jet skis cris-crossing the lake and a few sailboats taking advantage of the howling wind, on an otherwise sunny, but cool day.
Until a strange, soft and persistent motor noise gently rose out of the background din. It was the sound of 16 one and two cylinder Dispro engines being piloted by their owners, who are members of the Dispro Owners Association, out for an UUMMT. These 16 putt putts, or Disappearing Propeller Boats, cruised the Bracebridge area of Lake Muskoka, with a lunch stop at Johnston’s Park on Eilean Gowan Island.
These 18’ powered dories originated Port Carling more than 100 years ago and at least one boat on the cruise was over 90 years old. One of the most remarkable features of the DOA and these little boats is their ability to put a smile on your face, whether a spectator or owner. It was great fun to receive waves and to be captured by cellphones as we went by. The boats also have the unique ability to draw diverse walks of life together for outings such at this. The Dispro has the power to draw together many walks of life and from great distances as well. Participants came from as far as Niagara-on-the-lake.
Highlights of the tour included Strawberry Point, Browning Island and Baxter and Wilson island shores.
Despite the near gale force winds, these little boats are well-equipped to handle surprisingly rough seas and have been known to challenge Georgian Bay and even the Mackenzie River. Everyone arrived safety and it was great to see friends again, after such a long break.