Page 27 - Dockside Magazine Muskoka, Summer/Fall 2018

Professional
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW FEARMAN
When summer comes to an end, the amount of pleasure boat traffic on the lakes drops considerably. Work boats, on the other hand, are busier than every: the weeks after Labour day are when contractors ramp up their efforts to complete projects in the fall.
This is when wait times for barging services are at their highest: which is not ideal when
you’re trying to get materials and equipment to an island or hard-to-reach cottage before the seasons turn.
That’s where AM Barging can help fellow contractors and builders avoid the line-ups.
Roger Haviland, President
of AM Group of Companies, says the company could see wait times increasing, and frustration levels rising among contractors and cottagers.
Which is why they decided to commission their own barge and launch a barging company.
“We know what it’s like to tell clients they have to wait two to three weeks because there’s no barge available,” says Roger. “We can help other companies get to their water- access only clients a lot faster.”
AM Group commissioned a barge and hired a seasoned captain this spring. It’s already been a boon for
the clients and staff at AM Group of Companies.
The transportable barge has been travelling throughout Muskoka, Lake of Bays and Georgian Bay this summer. With excellent access to islands and hard-to-reach
waterfront locations, materials and equipment are delivered more efficiently.
“The difference is night and day,” says Roger. “No longer waiting for other people’s schedules has put us ahead of the game. We work around our clients’ schedules and make it more convenient for them.”
Roger says the 34-foot long and 14-foot wide barge is
the biggest on the lakes. It can carry up to 9,000-lbs. of equipment and personnel, including a bobcat and excavator. On most jobs, they can transport everything needed in one trip.
State-of-the-art technology – such as touch screen navigation
system and night vision cameras – provide safety and service. The twin 300 HP engines combined with joystick piloting afford great maneuverability.
The custom-built barge features a drop-down ramp
at the bow with stabilizing
bars to protect sand banks and shorelines from damage while on-and-off loading. It also has specially-designed fenders with extra cushioning to protect docks and other valuable assets.
“We customized every aspect of the build to our specifications,” says Roger. “It’s the perfect barge to transport everything a contractor needs to complete a project.” DS
BY CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
COURTESY
AM Group offers barging service to fellow contractors
Brandon Stewart of AM Group
of Companies
705-481-8888 • www.AMBarging.ca
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