[Tilt11]

So after being here for years now, I had my first, while basic, experience on the Connecticut River yesterday. Took one of 90 minute cruises and have to admit, it has gotten me wanting more. I cant afford a real boat, and maybe not even a canoe or anything now.

Does anyone have experience with such things? Im pretty sure there may be canoe rentals, but anyone know if there are actual boat rentals on the river? Would love to be able to spend the day out there, bring a cooler, shore up on one of the beaches of the state park there.

I have to admit though, is it safe to canoe where motor boats go? I assume you would just have to keep close to the shore. As far as a boating license, do you need one to rent a boat on the river? Thats if they even have motor boat rentals.

Yesterday was a perfect day for it. Not a ton of people out there for some reason, so it wasnt too crowded on the water. Weather was great, scenery was beautiful, water seemed nice. Makes me wish I would've gotten out on the river years ago. Did more to save for a boat or something, since I imagine just a decent boat is the price of a vehicle.

[CTartist&musician]

Originally Posted by Tilt11

Makes me wish I would've gotten out on the river years ago. Did more to save for a boat or something, since I imagine just a decent boat is the price of a vehicle.

I used to work at a Marina in Greenwich when I was young. There are a lot people selling boats second hand and the people at the Marina's can get you in touch with sellers. I used to think I could never have a boat in my life but when my husband and I retire we want to get a little motorboat. I am going to go around to the Marina's in the area where I retire. I could never buy a new one but I am sure I can pick up a nice second hand little motor boat.

Also start going to some of the boat shows and start looking at the boats and get to know all the people in the boating community.

[MrGompers]

Boats are a huge money sink. Much worse than cars or motorcycles. I wouldn't touch one with a 10 foot pool.

For canoes you can check out "Collinsville Canoe & Kayak" I don't know anything about prices, but it looks like a good place to get started. You can rent canoes here too.

Collinsville Canoe & Kayak

[mels]

I am an avid kayaker, so this is all from a paddler's perspective. I'm not sure where on the CT River you were but I wouldn't have an inexperienced paddler go out there alone. The CT River is tidal and can have some swift currents. Couple that with motor boat traffic and the wake they leave behind, it could be a not so great experience for you. However, it all depends where on the rive you are looking to put a boat in. The tidal marsh area of the CT River near Essex would be perfect for you...dropping your boat in around Hartford and paddling down through Middletown may be too busy for you on a summer weekend (weekdays would be quiet).

There are a bunch of places in CT to rent canoes and kayaks, so you don't need to own one if you don't go regularly. Collinsville Canoe and Kayak, as mentioned above, is a great place and located right on the Farmington River. They rent all sorts of boats (kayaks and canoes) and SUPs. Connecticut also has many good sized lakes where you won't have as much traffic as the CT River but will still have many places to pull ashore and lunch, swim, etc.

[willow wind]

Other fairly safe places to kayak on the CT River are the Hamburg Cove, Whalebone Cove & Selden Creek area . This would be the south eastern part of the river in the Old Lyme/ Lyme area. There is a state boat ramp off Cove Rd. in Hamburg Cove which is just off CT Rt 156. Very picturesque, lots of wildlife & birds.