Robert Caplehorn
New Member
Hello, I want to take my 27 foot cruiser along a 10 mile stretch of the non - tidal Thames. Any tips on doing this? I am particularly concerned about procedures in the locks securing the boat single handed.
Navigating solo
- Thread starter Robert Caplehorn
- Start date
capnfishy
Well-Known Member
Hi Robert, let me know where and when you are going and I'll be able to tell you if the locks are manned and what to do if not.
stingrayfan
New Member
If the locks are manned, it's not too scary and most lock keepers will help if asked. Easier with 2 of you though!
Medskipper
Well-Known Member
That size of vessel should be easy if you are competent at close quarter handling. Have a bow rope attached to the forward cleat and a stern rope to aft. Feed the bow rope down the gunnel and into your cockpit and loosely attach it until needed. The ropes of course should be on which side of the lock you wish to come in on. Gently come to the lock side,halt and step off your vessel holding both ropes. You now have full control standing about midship. Alternatively fix a rope on a midship cleat if you have one, stepping off your boat you again have control around midship.
good luck.
rustic
Member
I would run a long rope over a front bollard, back to the cockpit, run a long rope over a bollard behind the stern, pull on either rope to position the boat and hold it's position in the lock. Works going up or down.
Might need more than a flick of the wrist to release the rope over the bollard when going down, so choose the side the lock keeper is lol... and smile.
The secret here is to position and hold the boat so the rope from the bow to the bollard is as short as possible so the stream when going up, doesn't get down the side of the boat. Hence the need for the stern rope going over a bollard well astern, to keep the boat as far back as possible.
This worked well for us on wide locks on the inland waterways, never tried it on the Thames yet.
Might need more than a flick of the wrist to release the rope over the bollard when going down, so choose the side the lock keeper is lol... and smile.
The secret here is to position and hold the boat so the rope from the bow to the bollard is as short as possible so the stream when going up, doesn't get down the side of the boat. Hence the need for the stern rope going over a bollard well astern, to keep the boat as far back as possible.
This worked well for us on wide locks on the inland waterways, never tried it on the Thames yet.
ProDave
Well-Known Member
I would say the No 1 thing you want for single handing is a mid ship cleat with a long line led back to the cockpit. You can step off the boat and have control with that one line. For mooring you tie that one off first then sort out your bow and stern lines. In a lock that one line may be enough on it's own or at least it will tie the boat up while you sort out the others.
It doesn't matter what waterway you are on, or even at sea. When single handing my little sailing boat, this is exactly what I do when coming into the harbour.
It doesn't matter what waterway you are on, or even at sea. When single handing my little sailing boat, this is exactly what I do when coming into the harbour.
capnfishy
Well-Known Member
Strictly speaking, both bow and stern lines are required when locking up or down, especially when in the chamber with other boats and when a keeper is on duty. However, when solo, out of season and when there is no keeper on duty, you may choose your own method. I agree that a middle line is very useful, I use it and you will notice that the EA patrol and tug boat crews rarely use anything else when alone in a lock (but they are exempted from some of the rules before you ask).
Most lock control pedestals have operating instructions stuck on them.
When locking up, stop by the chamber stairwell and climb up the steps, with your mooring lines, then secure them to a couple of bollards. The boat won't go anywhere but do watch that it doesn't get caught on bits of the chamber structure as it rises.
When locking down, once you have secured your boat near the chamber stairwell, possibly using a boatman's hitch or other slipping hitch, and not tied it off to bollards, you can start to operate the control pedestal for the lock. Keep a close watch that your boat gunwhale doesn't hang up on the edge of the chamber or your lines get tight. Once the chamber is empty and the gates are open, pull your boat to the chamber stairwell and get back on board. If you want to be a good egg, stop at the layby and nip back to close the gates afterwards, it's appreciated by all of us.
Most lock control pedestals have operating instructions stuck on them.
When locking up, stop by the chamber stairwell and climb up the steps, with your mooring lines, then secure them to a couple of bollards. The boat won't go anywhere but do watch that it doesn't get caught on bits of the chamber structure as it rises.
When locking down, once you have secured your boat near the chamber stairwell, possibly using a boatman's hitch or other slipping hitch, and not tied it off to bollards, you can start to operate the control pedestal for the lock. Keep a close watch that your boat gunwhale doesn't hang up on the edge of the chamber or your lines get tight. Once the chamber is empty and the gates are open, pull your boat to the chamber stairwell and get back on board. If you want to be a good egg, stop at the layby and nip back to close the gates afterwards, it's appreciated by all of us.
Actionmat
Well-Known Member
Go for it. I often cruise solo in a 31 footer and plenty of narrow boat owners do the same in tin tubes that are twice that length. Lay a rope across the roof so you can access the bow line with ease and (as long as it's not windy)enjoy.
Viking23
Well-Known Member
I've used both methods, centre line or bow and stern lines run back to the cockpit. I think the main thing in locks is to take your time; the lock steps can be very slippery. And definitely wear a life jacket, especially if there's no one else around! I did Bourne End to Abingdon single handed last year with my 23' - it was a feeling of great achievement! ?
Alan ashore
Well-Known Member
+1 to to that. Wave boats past you if it helps, or if you do end up with something behind you in the lock that's too wide to pass you, then remain implacable and don't feel pressurised into rushing.