BUMPER BOATS 

Manufactured and Installed in 1982     Made by Eurounion, Torquay 

The Bumper Boats are always a popular attraction.  A 2 stroke, 200cc water cooled engine propels an inflatable polyurethane floatation collar around the lake.  The engine can be steered by the operator to push the boat in the required direction of travel.  Unfortunately a 16 stone (102 kilogramme) weight limit is put on the boats - not enforced on many occasions as we don't often meet people of this size wanting to use the boats! 

NAUTIC JETS 

Manufactured and Installed in 1990     Made by Heega 

Nautic Jets provide the occupants with the chance to "fly" into the water.  A metal ramp, which is inclined with its lowest end in the water, allows a boat to be propelled from the highest point, down the incline in free fall until it arrives almost at the end.  Here the ramp is angled upwards, thus launching the boat into flight, before crashing into the water.  The Boat is boarded in the water. When laden, it is hauled up the ramp by an electric motor, until the boat hits a limit switch at the top. It is then released to free fall down the ramp. 

THE WATERCHUTE 

Manufactured and Installed in 1926       Made by Charles Wicksteed & Co. 

The Waterchute is designed to give the occupants an opportunity to plunge into water at speed. The boat is boarded by means of a tower which is reached via a staircase.  Once aboard, the "sailors" are restrained before the descent starts.  When all the passengers are seated, the boat descends on the railed ramp and crashes into the water.  Fins on the bow of the boat create a spectacular wave which adds to the attraction.  Once the boat has floated to the end of its permitted travel, it is hauled back up the ramp by a rope, which is permanently attached to the rear.

An electric motor, which runs continually, winds in the rope that the boat is secured to.  This rope also acts as an important safety feature as it is designed to break if the strains on the ride become too great. 

The Waterchute underwent refurbishment in 2002. 

MONORAIL 

Manufactured and Installed in 1990     Made by Vercoma Internationa, Holland 

The Monorail presents the opportunity to see the Waterchute lake from a nicely elevated position, sitting 3 metres up above the ground on a steel track in a plastic "bubble".  The braced box sectioned track is supported on steel posts set in concrete, and this meanders its way for 255 metres around the lake.  The cars were specially made for us to simulate helicopters and they are made from plastic with a steel chassis which ensures that the helicopters can't be de-railed.  Power is provided by the occupant who peddles his way around the circuit, arriving eventually, at the station where each car is pneumatically braked to avoid the possibility of running into the back of a stationary vehicle.

Other Rides and Attractions

Mr Wicksteed's Veteran Cars

See separate page

Splashing Seals

A firm favourite with our smaller customers!

Canoes

An opportunity for many to experience boating for the first time without their parents or guardians!

Rowing Boats

What a beautiful setting to relax in.  Ask the children to count the swans!

Sandpit

'Wicksteed on Sea' - don't forget your bucket and spade!

Promanade