EXTENDED TRIPS ABOARD LUCKY ENOUGH
One of the questions we’ve been asked is simple:
Could we realistically spend four weeks aboard Lucky Enough?
The honest answer is yes — with the right mindset.
Our 2008 Regal 2565 Window Express is not a 40-foot trawler.
It is a compact cruiser designed for weekends and long getaways.
But on a system like the Rideau Canal, extended cruising is not only possible —
it’s part of the dream.
Living Space
The Regal 2565 gives us everything we truly need:
- Forward V-berth
- Mid-cabin berth (perfect for storage on longer trips)
- Enclosed head
- Compact galley
- Comfortable cockpit seating
For two people who actually enjoy spending time together, this layout works. It requires organization, discipline, and a minimalist approach — but it does not require sacrifice.
The Practical Reality: Tanks & Range
Extended cruising on a 25-foot cruiser is less about space and more about systems management.
| System | Capacity | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | ~272 L | At displacement speeds we can travel significant distance between fill-ups. Fuel stops simply become part of the rhythm of the trip. |
| Fresh Water | ~96 L | With conservative use, this supports several days aboard. Marina water fills every few days keep things comfortable. |
| Holding Tank | ~45 L | Pump-outs every 2–3 days become part of planning — easy on the Rideau where facilities are frequent. |
The Rhythm of Extended Cruising
A four-week trip is not one long vacation. It becomes a lifestyle.
- Move every few days
- Plan marina nights for power, water, and pump-out
- Grocery restocks in small towns along the way
- Laundry stops built into the route
- Weather days spent reading, relaxing, or exploring ashore
On the Rideau Canal, this rhythm works beautifully. Short distances between towns. Shore power when needed. Safe, protected waters.
What Makes It Easier
- Good ventilation and airflow
- Organized storage bins
- Reliable battery management
- Solid dock lines and fender setup
- Comfortable canvas and cockpit shade
None of this is extreme. It’s simply refinement — making the boat work for us.
Is It Luxurious?
No.
It is compact. It is intentional. It is simple living on the water.
But for two people cruising the Rideau at 8 km/h, stopping in small towns, tying up at locks, and watching quiet mornings unfold from the cockpit — it may be exactly what extended boating is meant to be.
Four weeks aboard Lucky Enough isn’t about space.
It’s about pace.