HW Cromwell lock - How late can I leave it??

[si.carlin]

Hi Guys,

My question is, how late can I depart Cromwell (for Torksey) after HW? 1HR, 2HRs?

I've been through Cromwell a good number of times before, and leave approx 4.5hrs - 5hrs after HW Albert dock (Hull) as per the lock keeps advise. My draft is 2'10''. An economical cruise is about 5.5kts however can open her up if needs be. I'm trying to plan my trip away and expect to be filling up with petrol at Farndon at 10:00 on the 4th June, (Petrol being the limiting factor here!) and by my calculations, HW Cromwell is 11:11 BST. I'm not 100% but think its a about 2-2.5 hrs Fardon-Cromwell depending on the 2 locks.

Many thanks your your reply's in advance

 

[Trundlebug]

The short answer is, whether you can get down the tidal stretch from Cromwell to Torksey all depends on how much fresh water is flowing, if you're wanting to do it around Low Water (LW).

If there's been plenty of rain a few days beforehand you'll have no problem at any state of tide. HOWEVER you will need to follow the line on the TBA chart to the letter, and watch your depth gauge all the way to guide you. Accuracy becomes much more important at LW.

Just by way of example, I've done it at the end of a drought at LW and got to Torksey no problem, although we went over a bump turning into Torksey cut, but we are familar with the route having done it many times before.

It's much better to go with another boat that is familiar with the route on your first trip, just to give that extra bit of confidence because it all seems to happen very quickly otherwise, you seem to have to have eyes everywhere. If you can't you'll just need to concentrate hard and keep to the red line.

You're correct with your timing, at about 5.5 knot through the water will give you between 6 and 7 knots SOG and it'll take about 2 hrs. Yes it's also 2 hrs Farndon to Cromwell.

 

[Momac]

Not any help to you but ...........I usually go through Cromwell at 1 hour after HW Hull. This means a slightly longer travel time to Torksey but arrival is met with plenty of depth. The shallow bits are towards Torksey.
There is no depth issue at the Cromwell end of the journey unless there has been a drought.

 

[CX54WEK]

There should really be no problems on the stretch from Torksey to Cromwell at any state of the tide provided you stick to the channel.

If you are not locking up into Torksey but staying on the pontoons in the cut then you can really leave Cromwell whenever you want. If you want to lock up then you need to arrive at Torksey with in the lock opening times and with enough water to get over the cill into the lock.

If you are unsure of where the channel lies or uncomfortable traveling at lower water then leave as Martyn says about 1 hour before HW Cromwell. This does involve pushing the tide for the first part of the trip but the tide is so little in the upper reaches that it really shouldn't bother you.

If anything travelling this stretch towards low water is easier as you can see where the extents of the sand/mud banks are and steer clear of them.

 

[si.carlin]

Thanks for the reply's.
As per my original post, the opening time of Farndon petrol pumps is the limiting factor. I can't start my trip earlier than planned, as myself and the Mrs have time already booked off work. We only have 8days, and would like to spend a few days in Wells-next-the-sea, so getting to Torksey is a must on the Saturday.
I could always wait for Hull HW+1 as per MartynG's advice, however would be getting dark for arrival.
Sounds like a breeze then leaving 1hour after HW, I have the chart and will follow the channel as always.
The only time I've touched the bottom is by the caravan park to the west of the river, just south of Torksey lock. I'm sure I was on the red line there too??