Shotley

[PaulRainbow]

The only time there's current through the lock is if it's on free-flow at high water. The lock-keeper will almost always warn if the lock is on free-flow, and advise that current may be encountered.

Funny you should say that, i went out a few weeks ago and the lock keeper did just that, warned of some current at the seaward end of the lock as it was on freeflow. A few more horses dealt with it nicely, but the heads up was appreciated.

 

[LittleSister]

Never had any problem with a surge of current through the lock at Shotley. If both ends of the lock were open (i.e free flow) perhaps the lockie had opened the gate a bit too early on that occasion for some reason .

Otherwise (in my experience, anyway) there's usually just a very moderate current and the only thing to look out for is that as you are approaching the lock from inside the marina it doesn't push you towards the moored boats to starboard as you make the turn into the lock (more likely to be a slight surprise than a real problem).

What you might have to watch out for is crosstides (on spring tides) as you either leave or approach the seaward side of the lock. The only things I ever countered that were at all a worry (and our boat's a tiddler) is when there was a stong 'onshore' wind bringing big waves into the lock as the seaward gate opened, or very strong cross winds (which would be an issue anywhere one was transiting from open water to a narrow lock, or vice versa, or trying to manouevre in a confined space in strong winds). The lockie will come down and take lines if you ask (and may do of their own accord if conditions seem to require it).

Or, to cut the above long story short, I've never experienced any real problem with the lock at Shotley.

 

[Debennut]

Little Sister is absolutely correct. I have a 24ft boat and invariably solo. The lock is rarely a problem. The lock keepers are helpful and understanding. Shotley as a marina is the best. I live in East Sussex and have, over the years, resided in SYH, Tidemill, St Katherine's and Dover none of which offer the combination of location, service and facilities. It is worth the hassle of travelling (public transport works too, an hourly bus direct from Ipswich station).
In a nutshell Shotley suits me down to the ground.

 

[Serin]

Never had any problem with a surge of current through the lock at Shotley. If both ends of the lock were open (i.e free flow) perhaps the lockie had opened the gate a bit too early on that occasion for some reason .

.

I suspect that might have been the case, as there was no warning. There were no boats coming into the marina at the time. I've never experienced it before or since in the course of many visits to Shotley over the years and I would agree with others here that the lock there is excellent - well equipped, with its clever direction guide and floats for making fast - and managed by efficient, friendly and helpful staff.

On one occasion we got in well after midnight after a passage back from France. I visited the tower and found it full of policemen. Apparently they stop off there for a cup of tea during their night patrols. Win/win, I suspect. Good relations with the local police are always a bonus.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Bit of a guess here, but i'd imagine on some occasions they open the lock for freeflow "a little early" on purpose, to bring the water level in the marina back to "normal". I've only encountered it the once and as i'd been given a heads up it wasn't an issue.

 

[Stork_III]

Bit of a guess here, but i'd imagine on some occasions they open the lock for freeflow "a little early" on purpose, to bring the water level in the marina back to "normal". I've only encountered it the once and as i'd been given a heads up it wasn't an issue.

The aim is to go to freeflow as soon as outside level matches inside. This minimises rate of inflow and pressure on the gate mechanisms. If they leave it later the inflow rate increases. Occasionally on low neaps there is little or no freeflow. They have a duty to maintain public access over the lock for the right of way, which does sometimes lead to a outside build up and increase flow when the gate is opened. They have a pumped system to top up the marina level if it is getting low before freeflow. In stormy conditions they occasionally lower the level to hide the boats behind the sea wall.

 

[LittleSister]

Bit of a guess here, but i'd imagine on some occasions they open the lock for freeflow "a little early" on purpose, to bring the water level in the marina back to "normal". I've only encountered it the once and as i'd been given a heads up it wasn't an issue.

The aim is to go to freeflow as soon as outside level matches inside. This minimises rate of inflow and pressure on the gate mechanisms. If they leave it later the inflow rate increases. Occasionally on low neaps there is little or no freeflow. They have a duty to maintain public access over the lock for the right of way, which does sometimes lead to a outside build up and increase flow when the gate is opened. They have a pumped system to top up the marina level if it is getting low before freeflow. In stormy conditions they occasionally lower the level to hide the boats behind the sea wall.

Stork is absolutely right. (I had a brainfade and meant late, but wrote early.) Normally (i.e. except in the particular circumstances Stork mentions), the gates will be closed from high tide onwards. Through usage of the lock (plus some leakage and evaporation) the water in the marina drops a little while the tide's ebbing and flowing. Once the tide has risen again to the same level as the water remaining in the marina, the gates are opened and the tide 'tops up' the marina until high tide.

If the gates are opened either before or after the levels in the river and marina equalise (which I've never seen happen), there would be a significant flow one way or the other.

 

[pks1702]

Shotley were as efficient as ever having our ship out for a quick scrub, anodes, prop polish and allow me to polish and wax her.

I know I have covered that surface area.....not sure what aches the most!

While polishing at the lock free flow occurred so took some video for anyone concerned it really is nothing to worry about.

Grafting results

Late PM I did get by feet up for a coffee and have a front row seat

 

[PaulRainbow]

Should look nice when it's finished

In my experience, the "current" that sometimes happens on freeflow is at the seaward exit of the lock. It certainly isn't an issue or a problem though.

 

[pvb]

In my experience, the "current" that sometimes happens on freeflow is at the seaward exit of the lock. It certainly isn't an issue or a problem though.

Many years ago, I arrived outside and radioed in for permission to enter. Andy Beaumont (bless him) was on duty and said he was just about to put it on freeflow. So I motored up the channel and was suddenly propelled at rocket speed through the lock and towards C pontoon. It really took some effort to avoid crashing into C pontoon. I went to chat to him afterwards and he admitted he'd "left it a bit late to go on to freeflow"!

 

[pks1702]

Many will get through then go astern stemming their speed forward by the incoming and then manouver.

I think those incoming that have issues do not account for the speed of the incoming water and get pushed further towards the boat lift and A Pontoon (straight ahead) than they would like, still plenty of room.

It really is not that onerous.

I have seen the odd but rare mini 'tidal wave' possibly as a s result of what PVB outlines

 

[Serin]

Should look nice when it's finished

In my experience, the "current" that sometimes happens on freeflow is at the seaward exit of the lock. It certainly isn't an issue or a problem though.

I am still not sure what happened in the one incident (in many visits to Shotley) I described, but it was very definitely something to worry about at the time. My 20hp (in a heavy old 32 footer) wasn't enough to keep proper control of the boat and barely enough to allow me to avoid hitting anything. I was moving towards the lock and I think it was on free flow. I have never experienced anything quite like it in Shotley or around any other lock. But pvb's experience going the other way does ring bells.