Being at the right place at the right time (and in the right boat) can save lives.
On Wednesday, August 24, 2022, the Seven Winds Marina in Port Franks, Ontario, received a beautiful seafoam blue Crownline Finseeker 280 DC into inventory. The boat was quickly unwrapped, pre-delivery inspected, and readied for her maiden voyage on the waters of Lake Huron.
Two days later, Mr. McClennan and Mr. Hubley took the Finseeker on a sea trial. After pulling out of the marina and entering the Canadian side of the river system, they opened up the twin Mercury Verado 250s and reached the impressive speed of 52 MPH. They knew the time was right to put the 29-footer (length with engines) through the paces onto the big waters of the lake.
Entering the narrow channel that leads to the lake they were met with winds of 25 mph and gusts up to 45 mph and choppy waves reaching four to five feet. That didn’t deter the seasoned boaters who knew the Finseeker 280 DC was up for the challenging conditions.
They immediately noticed a lifeguard in a kayak being pounded along a steel sea wall in an attempt to reach several swimmers who were in distress and on the verge of drowning. McClennan and Hubley sprang into action, and credit the Finseeker’s joystick control and stability in the water with allowing them to reach and rescue five children (ages 8 to 15) and a young man (age 20).
All together the Finseeker safely returned to the harbor with nine people (and a kayak) aboard.
According to Hubley, “The Finseeker 280 DC is the real hero. She handled everything we could throw at her. At times we had to ride with the waves and get the boat to a 45-degree angle. There were moments where we thought we might capsize, but she held steady, stayed in position, and handled the harsh conditions with firm confidence. The high windshield kept Captain McClennan dry and allowed him to focus on the mission at hand. The boat’s wide beam (112”) held her steady in the worst of conditions.”
“This boat is worth every penny,” Hubley adds. “We want to thank Kevin Riem / Evan Forbes and the entire Crownline design team for designing such a safe, well handling boat with great features, plenty of room, and fantastic performance. We would recommend calling it ‘the hero edition.’”
NOTE FROM CROWNLINE: The boat’s captains give credit to the Crownline Finseeker 280 DC for this successful on water rescue, but the real heroes were Captains John McClennan and Gary Hubley. We are proud to partner with such brave, skilled, and selfless individuals. Thank you!
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