Med to UK using French Canals - anyone done it?

[keelbolt]

If so, how long might it take? A friend of mine wants some help bringing his 32' back from the Med at the end of the season. Wants to go through the Canals. My concern is the length of time that will take, but then again, given the weather this year, and the prospect of Biscay in late Autumn, maybe he isn't so silly.

Anyone done it? What time scale should we plan? What's the best route?

KB

 

[ChrisE]

What does your mate's boat draw? AFAIA, 1.5m is the maximum draft for the passage.

 

[keelbolt]

1.7 mtrs I believe.

 

[dk]

It can be a long haul against the considerable current in the Rhone, so you'll need a very reliable engine. Reckon on 4 weeks, but if you want to enjoy it take a little longer and stop in nice places along the way, like Avignon - even Paris. Max draft around 1.8m, depending on the route you take, although this can drop to 1.5m in places. Also, later in the year they close some of the locks for repair, which also sometimes involves dropping the water level in certain areas. You would need to check with the authorites - they publish a list of works somewhere i believe.
D

 

[ChrisE]

Are you sure about the 1.8m?

I know of a R38 ,draft 1.7m that made it about 10 years ago, but that was during the spring with lots of water and even then they ploughed over a couple of rocky bits. I've heard that in recent times there's not a chance.

 

[dk]

Sorry, you're right. I think you would definitely be safer to assume no more than 1.6m, dropping a little later in the year. I have heard of boats drawing 6ft getting through in the spring, but I think the authorities now state 1.67m as maximum draft.

 

[BurnitBlue]

Done it a few times there and back, once starting in Holland and other times from Sweden via Lubeck. Some German transits I have met declare a through route of two weeks. Others take all summer and even winter in the canals so it is impossible to give a time frame except to say that to attempt it in two weeks would be truly hard work with some luck thrown in with lock times.

 

[MrCramp]

If you look at and/or do a search on the Livaboard forum you will find this subject, and your question, has been aired on many an occasion.

 

[thechevychase]

Would suggest 1.6 max in Winter. VNF website will give info on winter lock closures