Oh dear!

[ricky_s]

So embarrassing yesterday.

Popped out of Chichester marina and found less water than expected just outside the lock.

Lock guys called me up and advised me to head towards posts which I tried to do but had the leg right up as only in 2 feet of water.

Finally managed to get over but then the leg wouldn't go back down again and I could barely steer so tried to head back into lock but ended up stuck!

Lock guys advised me to use anchor and then said they would send out a boat to tow me back to my berth.

I switched off and waited for a bit, tried leg again and it worked, but they still sent out a boat to help but couldn't as we were well and truly stuck my then.

Had to wait shame faced for more water. SWMBO not impressed.

 

[bobgoode]

But of course the official line is.....you were testing the limits of depth in the access channel for the benefit of others.

 

[ricky_s]

Exactly, I am a helpful guy.

 

[AndieMac]

Thing is Ricky....you won't do it again. The guys on the lock probably see it often, and would hardly concern them.

 

[BrendanS]

In two foot of water, unless lots of deep mud or strong current, it's often easier just to jump in, and pull or push the boat where you want it to go.
There seems to be a strong psychological barrier to this, as I've often seen small powerboats in very shallow water, trying like mad to get off using power, when they could walk the boat to deeper water. Getting crew to stand on bow helps, as this raises the stern and associated gubbins out of the way