Forth Clyde Canal

[Adrian_Morgan]

The 96th boat to make the passage from the Firth of Forth to the Clyde had a totally trouble free time. Despite reported problems of depth and unfriendly locals, neither were evident. The passage was a joy, the BW staff helpful and the cost a derisory £27 (it would have been even cheaper if we had not bought an 8-day transit pass). We lifted not a finger to lock in the two days it took. BW staff opened everything, which must make it the laziest and cheapest canal in the land.

However, a few points. I would not unreservedly recommend a bilge keeler make the passage until the weed is cleared. We met a number of frustrated bilge keelers who had to stop every hour to clear weed.

Also, more than 4ft 6in draught would be a problem until dredging work is finished this winter.

But for a 5 ton, long keel, 4ft 6in draught boat the canal was a doddle. We only picked up one Tesco bag on the prop in 40 miles, and cleared the intake strainer twice (duckweed).

The passage through Glasgow's Maryhill was a delight, with curious locals at every lock. We did go through early in the morning. We were not shot at. Fire bombed or stoned. Indeed the farther west, the friendlier the people. One miserable angler complained we'd ruined their day.

Anyone who would like a fuller description, please email me. More (hopefully) in YM soon.

 

[Strathglass]

Glad it went ok Adrian

 

[claymore]

Adrian

Have you any advice or information on mast heights/clearance?
thanks

 

[Twister_Ken]

Air draft is (I beleive) 2.7m, so its a mast-down jobbie.

 

[Adrian_Morgan]

Air draught is around 9ft. Get a copy of the comprehensive Skipper's Brief from BW (Scotland) and all will be revealed. Draught is a guaranteed 5ft, but we scraped the clay bottom twice at a (sea)water draught of 4ft 6in. That probably means we were drawing 4ft 7in in fresh water. It was not a problem, although at some places you must keep dead centre to avoid shopping trollies, etc. Stick to the middle and 5ft draught is probably OK. Just. BW say they will dredge to 6ft this winter and clear the weed. It will be a monster task. Long keel is definitely the way to go at the moment.

The mast has to be dropped, the nearest place being Port Edgar which leaves a 10-mile slog to Carron sea lock. We had horrendous wind against tide, the worst par of the entire trip.

 

[claymore]

Thanks for that Adrian. Are there facilities at Bowling for mast dropping or would I use somewhere like Rhu or Kip and motor up?

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by claymore on Fri Oct 5 13:21:39 2001 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[Adrian_Morgan]

There is a brand new 1 tonne mast crane at Bowling, with a hand crank (very precise gearing). The staff aren't allowed on board, for some reason, so it's up to the owners to tie the rope round the mast. We stepped at Bowling with minimal difficulty, despite being wooden, nearly 40ft and keel stepped, but I'd done it a few times before. Deck stepped masts would be a doddle. Make sure it's well lashed for the Firth of Forth leg as it can be bumpy. Lash midships as the bow tends to swing out in some locks going up (not so bad going down) and we touched masthead on wall (no damage).

 

[Danny]

You download the Skippers guide from www.scottishcanals.co.uk

 

[claymore]

Yes, thanks for that - I'd just done so when I read your message.
regards
js