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Salty Sealine

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Viewed a Sealine 320 Statesman on Monday with folding arch, holding tank and bow thruster. 34" long with stern drives. Need to be assured that it is not too large to go single handed through the locks.....

Guess if I'm first into the lock then no one else need worry!!!
 
At 34" you don't even need to use the locks, just lift it out and walk round.

Even 34' shouldn't be a problem. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
34" or 34'?? /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif I have a 38' princess, no bowthruster and it's no problem at all. Bit of pre planning and careful of the wind, easy.

When you first get the boat b*gger around in it a lot in an empty bit of river and coming alongside, practice putting her where you want her when under no pressure and it'll be a lot easier..

Also worth trying it on one engine, as I had a petrol powered sealine and had to do 7 locks (Henley to Windsor) single crewed following an engine failure.
 
Will be very different to the Princess (that will be on shafts) but with a bow thruster and a bit of practice you will be fine, flybridge low enough to grab bollards in locks and high enough to un hook it (if that makes sense)

Will blow around a little bit but if you have both lines handy and fair bit of practice you will be a master in no time. The statesman has a nice driving position for that sort of work (upstairs).

BUT if you do see a single engine version stay away from it! There is one on the Thames that I have driven a number of times and it is hell to maneuver.
 
Granted it will (love my shafts, me!) but again, with practice it's not too big a boat to single crew, especially with a 'thruster.
Good luck, you'll be fine! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
I managed a Princess 435 single handed and without Bow Thrusters and never had a moments problem. It does however depend on your own skills.
 
I do my 32footer with twin outdrives and no bowthruster no problem, generaly the bigger the boat the more docile it is and easier to position, biggest problem is how easy it is to get from the helm position to your lines.
 
Twin outdrives AND a bow thruster wow.

When coming down stream with wind on the beam,just make sure you ignor the ass lock directions and use the wind to fasten you on the wall. Getting off is easier as you have dropped in level and gained some shelter.

I say ignor the ass lock keeper as from experience they don't assess the boats windage when loading the lock, putting high sided boats to windward. The lock downriver from Henley can be very windy and hard to moor in.
 
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