Big fun in small boats in the waterways of Clayton Bay

BACKWATER BOAT HIRE

  

Our fleet of small boats is hired from the shores of the Clayton Bay  Wetlands Caravan Park. We have a range of craft ideal for exploiting the  enjoyment available in our waterways. If you want to paddle, row, sail or  motor we have something to offer. Clicking on the links below takes you to  descriptions of the boats, including a photograph, an illustraton and the hire  fees.

 The standard hire area is shown on the chart below. If you want to see it all,  it's a day's easy  paddling at a pace that allows you to enjoy seeing the bird  life and having a relaxed outing. A canoe trail guide that will help you plan a  course to suit the weather conditions on the day is available from Rob or  Jane, or from SAILS at Clayton Bay.

 If you just want to look around try one of our outboard motor boats. These  are not speed boats but adequate to chug about and see some of the area, at  least that which the shallow water or aquatic plants do not put out of reach.

 The small boat sailing in this area is great. The afternoon sea breeze provides  for sparkling performances from catamarans and good hard sailing from  dinghies. Exploring the waterways and backwaters is a perennial delight that  engages all ages. If you are new to sailing or would like to learn, check out  our Sailing School page.

 If you want to get the family out on the water try a row boat or two. A couple  of ours are small enough for kids to handle on their own after a little free  tuition and they can have a safe adventure close to the Caravan Park under  mum or dad's watchful eye.

 

 A row boat and a fishing rod make a relaxing combination. Row out quietly and lower the anchor,  wet a line, relax and work on avoiding dehydration with appropriate refreshments. The micro  fishing trip is tops for the little ones to remember and even the older kids to enjoy.

 Carp are the common catch for the novice - but not good eating if just thrown into a pan but a litte  effort with spices can make a tempting dish. Serious size fish are caught,but there is no kiss and  put back with these fish, not untill they are dead at least!

 Use the following buttons below to view our fleet and if you have any questions or wish to make a  booking then email.

HIRE AREA


Click on the Compass Rose link to print the map below.

The hire area is primarily restricted to the area shown on the chart so we can cover it with our support and retrieval vessel. It also happens to be the most interesting part of the Lower Murray. Most hirers find it takes a full day to adequately explore. Come and see it for yourself and you will understand why those who know it, grow to love it and then don’t tell too many other people about the place.
They are right, it does not actually suit every one.
The times that are ideal for water-skiing are few & far between and then only on a blue moon.
It also fails as a Jet skiing area, but for those of us who can see past these drawbacks, - it's near perfect!

SAILING BOATS

Sailing is the most rewarding of sports, relaxing of pastimes, enjoyable of escapes. Sailing can be as simple or as complex as you wish. Sailing can be serene or exciting. Vary the boat, the weather, the crew or the destination and the experience is new again!
Come and try!
 Hire Fees 
 
There is a standard Bond for all sail craft of $100, refundable if boats and gear are returned clean and undamaged.
Fees listed cover the boat and hire for one person and include PFD (personal floatation device).
Hourly Rate for sail boats is $25.
Extra people up to the listed capacity of the boat are charged $5.00 /hour each, $10.00 /3hrs each or $15.00 /6hrs each. PFD included.
A call out fee of $10 applies if immediate service is required when the office is unattended.
Fee for pre booked 3 hours is $60.
Fee for pre booked 6 hours is $90
 LYNX (Sidewinder)
Windrush Surf Cat 14 12'LOA [3.6m]		 $25/hr

Capacity: 2 adults.
The 14' cats are the versatile favourites.
Sparkling performance for 1 adult and are also great fun for two.
 TWYNNS 1
Windrush Surf Cat 12 12'LOA [3.6m]		$25/hr


Capacity: 2 adults. A fun to sail small cat.
Wet, but fun. The stability of a cat is
usually reassuring for the beginner and this cat is as simply rigged as they come.




 SAYL
Windsurfer 12' LOA [3.6m]
$25/hr
 


Old style Windsurfer sail board for
beginners - large board with
a not so small sail.


 

ROWING BOAT, KAYAK OR CANOE
 Rowing and paddling allows you to quietly explore the backwaters and reedland areas to observe or photograph the abundant birdlife and other creatures that inhabit this wonderful Wetland.

There is a Canoe Trail brochure you can buy for $2.00 that gives you a chart, a snippet of the history of the area and an idea of the wildlife you may see. Use it to pre-plan your adventure and get the best out of the weather conditions on the day.

Rob will be happy to advise on the most appropriate boat or boats for your use and the best places to go with the weather conditions prevailing at the time.
 Hire Fees 
 
There is a standard Bond for all rowed and paddled craft of $50, refundable if boats and gear are returned clean and undamaged.
Fees listed cover the boat and hire for one person and include PFD (personal floatation device).
Hourly Rate for rowed and paddled boats is $15.

Extra people up to the capacity listed for the boat are charged $5.00 /hour each or $10.00 /3 hrs each or $15.00 /6hrs each. PFD included.

A call out fee of $10 applies if immediate service is required when the office is unattended.
Fee for pre booked 3 hours is $40
Fee for pre booked 6 hours is $60.
 BASS - 9' LOA. [2.75m]$15 / hr



Capacity: 1 person
Plastic, kayak, Australis - Bass
A short beamy and stable canoe that turns on a sixpence but does not track so well.
 LOON - 10' LOA. [3.1m]$15 / hr



Capacity: 1 person
Plastic kayak, Old Town - Loon
Longer, leaner hull that tracks better but turns slower than the Australis - Bass
 ARAWA - 12' LOA. [3.6m]$15 / hr



Capacity: 2 adults
GRP Canoe, make unknown
Smaller canoe easier to handle for
kids to small people
 RED INDYAN - 15' LOA [4.5m]$15 / hr


Capacity: 2 adults & 1child
GRP Canoe / Kayak maker unknown
Part decked design with low freeboard gives good performance in windy conditions that make the full canadian canoe a bit of a handfull.

 CANADYAN - 15' LOA [4.55m]$15 / hr



Capacity: 4 adults
GRP Canadian canoe, maker unknown.
A good load carrying canoe for two and their gear or a young passenger or two.
 CITRON - 8' LOA [2.4m]$15 / hr



Capacity: 2 adults.
Roto molded plastic dinghy, Nylex.
Lots of flotation and ideal for the older kids to go exploring the shoreline and backwaters.
 LILY - 8' LOA [2.4m]
$15 / hr

Capacity: 2 adults
GRP dinghy, maker unknown
Stable, solid, worthy. Ideal fishing platform
or to take the kids out on the water.

 ROWENA - 9' LOA [2.7m]
$15 / hr

Capacity: 3 adults
GRP dinghy, maker Savage
Stable, larger dinghy, easier rowing &
perfect to take off with for a picnic..

Row Boat
Canoe
Kayak
Catamaran
Sailing Dinghy
Holiday House
Bookings
Sailing School
Mooring Monitor
Launch and Retrieve
Telephone: 8537 0372
Rob Hylton
Mobile: 0411 450 411
'Wyndwood' is located @ 123 Island View Drive, Clayton Bay, S.A. 5256
web: www.backwaterboats.com.au
email: claytonbayescapes@activ8.net.au