Voyageur II

[mab05]

I was curious if anyone knew how strict they are on weighing bags. I am planning on going on a 11 day trip and I know that my bag will be over 40 lbs but I wasn't sure if they would actually weigh them.

Thanks!

[Keweenaw]

They don't weigh them. If you have one pack to be stowed plus a daypack that you're taking on board you're fine.

Bob

[Capt Don]

I beg to differ...
Things have changed, while we don't weigh every bag, we do have the means to do so and will if they feel heavy. After lifting several thousand 40# backs, we can easily pick out the heavy ones. The reason is this, the USCG inspects and certifies passenger vessels that carry over six people. Passenger capacity is part of the certification, these are based on several factors, weight being one of them. Technically, passenger luggage, gear, packs etc. over 40 lbs must be classed as freight or cargo, any freight weighing 140 lbs or any fraction of can be carried but passenger capacity must be reduced by one. This is a federal regulation and we and the Coast Guard take it very seriously, do I agree with it, that really doesn't matter because it is one of the many rules we operate within. Many years of not informing passengers led to widespread disregard of the policy, several years ago we took corrective action by informing everyone making a reservation of the rule. This can sometimes result in additional charges, less than half of that of passenger fare, so I prefer to carry passengers, not freight, but some passengers need the service so we provide it. The problem with overweight gear and ignoring it until you arrive is if the boat is full I no longer have the option of freight, I can't bump someone with a reservation to carry the freight. My advice is to be aware of the limit and try to meet it, don't fill your water supply until you reach Windigo, they have good water. I don't want to stress anyone out over this, if a pound or two over, ok, if three, ten twenty pounds, we'll need to address it. A small, I repeat, small carry on is fine to contain the items you need while onboard, not as auxillary gear storage.
I hope this helps.

[Nick]

Or, just pay for the extra freight when you make your reservation. That has worked well for me in the past.

[mab05]

Thanks for the info. I think we will end up paying the fee which is fine. We are heading out within the first week of June so I'm sure there won't be a ton of people so that will help us out....Can I pay for the extra weight fee when we get there? If I've already made my reservations?

[Capt Don]

I would you prefer contact us directly by email or phone to discuss this.
Thanks

[rxgac]

Two weeks and counting. Any tips on grand portage and the ferry's other than showing up early and being ready. does canister fuel need to be out of our packs? tia

[Tom]

One week for me! Woo hoo!

A few tips:
Don't show up TOO early. Not like 4am or anything. The parking "lot" is adjacent to some camper trailers, and disturbing them would be unkind. The dock is really only about a five minute drive from the casino hotel and trading post. The trading post might be a better place to hang if you're running early. If you do find yourself there early, stay in the car. The crews stay on the boats, so let them have their morning coffee. Eventually, you'll see the folks start to move down toward the boat (about 45+ minutes before departure) and then you can go.
You'll be staying on the dock for a while, though, as they typically load the packs before the captain allows folks to embark. Kinda depends, I think, but just listen to the Captain's orders (in this case, Mike) for instructions.

For the Voyaguer II, fuel does NOT need to be out of your pack, so store away. They store the packs on top the boat (under a tarp thingy for those wondering if it will get wet.)
For the Wenonah, fuel MUST be removed. I find labelling canisters with a sharpie helps. Packs are stored in the hold. They take all the fuel and put it in a bin for the voyage; and then distribute it back out when you arrive.
For both boats, don't store/pack your windbreaker/or coat. Carry it with you on board. Even though it may be plenty warm enough in the bay, out on the main lake with a breeze will have you shivering.

I'll let you discover for yourself the secret merits to the engine covers of the Voy-II and why they feel so good on a return trip.

Enjoy!

[fonixmunkee]

Just a reminder that the VII leaves at 0730 CST now, instead of 0800 like last season!

Other tips for the VII/Wenonah:
- Do NOT camp at the parking lost overnight before your boat...it is not allowed.
- Camping is $15 for one tent at the Casino, $10 for each additional tent, per night.
- If you want to stay at the casino near the dock, TUESDAY NIGHTS they have the "tuesday night special," which is a room (two queens or one king) for $39 (regular $49). It's obviously only valid on Tuesday nights (hence the name), and you just have to go to the casino's guest services desk and ask for the "tuesday night room coupon." You have to sign up for their player's club (free), and you'll probably get a bit of junk mail, but it's a small price to pay for saving $10 and having a hot shower in the morning.
- All beer in Grand Portage (except in the casino lounge) is 3.2% ABW!
- Make sure you thank Capt Don and Capt Mike for all the hard work they do.
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