Single handed on river

[jecuk]

How do people manage with 30ft+ boats single handed through locks etc? Not planning to do it in the short-term but assume this must be needed every now and then.

I assume you would typically run the stern line up amidships around a turning cleat and secure the boat in a lock from the wheelhouse (on mine anyway).

 

[Brayman]

It varies from lock to lock and I suppose from boat to boat. Most seem to make fast with a centre line initiallly and then possibly lines from the bow and stern to the centre, also depends on the depth of the lock because you need to be able let loose the line and retrieve them in an orderly fashion, even on a short boat!

 

[teddington_lock]

Don't forget the lock-staff .... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Always happy to take a line ( if you come in on the side we are on )

 

[byron]

For more years than I care to remember I single handed my boat everywhere. My last boat was a Princess 435 (appx. 45' overall) I used just the centre cleat. Rarely, very rarely, a Keeper would insist I put out fore and aft lines. In which case I would secure myself with a centre line, go forward and take a bow line about the appropriate bollard and do the same with the stern. bring both lines to the centre of the boat where real control was still being undertaken with the centre cleat.
Centre Lining is quite safe providing the cleat is at the absolute centre of the boat and the line is kept taut at all times. It is however against the rules to use this method even though its use is quite common with pro's. I still handle my 30' ex-TC launch this way.

 

[jecuk]

It is further complicated by the wheelhouse on Lady Gay only having access on the port side.

I assume it would be seen as bad form to just use the centre line when crew is aboard?

 

[teddington_lock]

We are meant to check before we start filling the lock that everyone has fore and aft lines out , engines off etc etc ...

This includes passenger boats.

It's only fair i guess. We make the ditch crawlers have bow and stern and not centrelines ( they don't like this and some get quite irate ) , they don't realise the power of the sluices ( even if we only crack them ) and the last thing i want is a big black narrowboat clattering down the side of a big white cruiser.

 

[byron]

[ QUOTE ]


I assume it would be seen as bad form to just use the centre line when crew is aboard?

[/ QUOTE ]
For me having help was a hinderance. I had single handed for so long that someone aiding me actually confused me. Having said that if I had anyone aboard then yes! I would expect them to lend a hand.

 

[jecuk]

[ QUOTE ]
We are meant to check before we start filling the lock that everyone has fore and aft lines out , engines off etc etc ...

[/ QUOTE ]

I assume though that it is perfectly acceptable to make fast with the centre line and then run the fore/aft lines?

 

[teddington_lock]

Yes, no problem. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

As long as the fore and aft lines are out when we start to fill the lock.

 

[oldgit]

On other rivers(there are others you know /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif) it is actually a bit easier esp. if you are alone in the lock and also in total charge of filling or emptying the lock.
When emptying,normally put out a bow and stern line with about 3 turns around each of the furthest away bollards and lay the remaining bit of rope out on the grass or ground.There should be just enough turns to allow the boat to descend but enough drag to hold the boat against to lock wall.You can then open a sluice to slowly allow the chamber to empty.When filling just make fast and fill lock slowly,if correct sluice is opened flow will pin boat via stern rope to lock wall and you can take in slack at your leisure.

A proper "Armstrong" lock as used by real men.
The only power assisted hydraulic pumps here are at the pub half a mile up the road /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Captain Coochie]

I agree , people grabbing your ropes is a pain as you know what you doing ...... Ish /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
If going down stream then just loop over the aft bollard / cleat and the pointy bit will be there waiting for you . Goind upstream i'm not sure as i went downstream to the pub but i assume it worked the same way ...... Ish /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Doolittle]

Lady Gay is back on the water now. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[jecuk]

Thanks!! I only spoke to him yesterday and he though it might take until the end of the week. How does she look??

 

[Doolittle]

Slightly better look at her this morning and I think that you might just be able to see the reflection of your face on her gleaming white hull!

 

[theguvnor]

If I can do it anyone can ! (see profile)

A can of beer on the first trip of the season helps