Torksey Lock to Cromwell Lock - can it be done with a 9.9hp outboard?

[Golden Time]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum and to owning my own boat really, although I've had lots of experience on rental boats on the norfolk broads.

I have a c.1980 motorboat with a 9.9hp Honda outboard motor moored in Lincoln on the Witham/Fossdyke. Given to me as an early birthday present by my father-in-law I have spent the whole summer up and down the Witham/Fossdyke getting to know the boat.

My question is, would it be possible to make the trip from Torksey Lock to Cromwell Lock using my boat?

I've researched about travelling on the Trent and as far as I can work out this is how I think I should make the trip:

Leave Torksey Lock as close to HW as possible and travel with the tide down to Cromwell Lock. The boat can do about 7km/h on still water and combined with the 6km/h tidal flow means the 26km journey should take about 2 hours. If things arent going as well as expected and I fall behind schedule I can stop of Dunham Bridge moorings to wait until the next tidal flow rather than punch the ebb (on google maps I think there is also a floating mooring closer to Cromwell Lock).

For the return journey leave Cromwell Lock just before Slack Water and travel with the ebb back to Torksey Lock. Which I think should take 4-5 hours because of the reduced flow. Again if I fall behind schedule I can moor at Dunham Bridge until the next tidal flow has passed.

The first reason for the journey is to get to Newark Marina for some repairs that I hope will be cheaper than Burton Waters - but if I cant make the journey I don't want to waste mine and the marina's time.

The second reason is to go onto the canals from Newark for a family holiday.

 

[Impulse]

No probs

Hi
Iv made the tip numerous time
You don't say what size ur boat is so I'm assuming 20ft or so ??

I suggest leaving Torksey at "flood" or just prior and take advantage of the tide as long as you can speak to the Locky usually helpfull you should be able to get to Cromwell at or just after high water.
The return is easier leave Cromwell between 1hr and half hr before HW push the tide for a time then come down on the ebb.

Watever you do avoid spring tides they are bigger and shorter in duration so a keep tidE is for you!

As you say after Cromwell it easy
Have a VHF or at least a mobile try to go with another boat you prob have the same performance as a narrow boat they do it all the time

Hope I haven't patronized you but not sure what experience you have

I'm happy to spke to you if you'd like email me joanandchris@hotmail.com for my tel number

Chris

 

[DAKA]

good advice
just for clarity you lock out the tide before, wait outside on the floating pontoons waiting for flood.

 

[Golden Time]

good advice
just for clarity you lock out the tide before, wait outside on the floating pontoons waiting for flood.

So I would go through the lock at one flood and then moor up on the floating pontoons until the next flood and then set off? Is that ok to do, because surely then I would be mooring in a lock approach and thats frowned upon?

I think I am a bit confused about the Tidal Locks in general and how everything is timed. LoL.

You don't say what size ur boat is so I'm assuming 20ft or so ??

The return is easier leave Cromwell between 1hr and half hr before HW push the tide for a time then come down on the ebb.

Yeah its a 20ft boat, although I already want bigger. LoL.

If I leave Cromwell before HW, will I have enough power to push the incoming tide? The guide to navigating the Trent suggests the flood travels at 6-7km/h which is exactly what I can do in still water. Or is that the speed of the spring tide which I know to avoid?

 

[DAKA]

So I would go through the lock at one flood and then moor up on the floating pontoons until the next flood and then set off? Is that ok to do, because surely then I would be mooring in a lock approach and thats frowned upon?

if you wait for flood there may be a queue.

there is always one daft pillock that wants to be first out and usually the deepest drafted boat so you will stand watching the pilock wedged in blocking the lock, you could loose the first hour of flood.

you can wait for 72 hours outside before anyone complains.

The flood is fast for the whole two hours and is fastest the first hour.

I wouldnt punch the flood with a 10hp

The last hour of the ebb (unless thre is a lot of rain water coming down) is very weak, you can punch the ebb towards the end but be careful of shallows.

each day/tide is different, the lock keeper is the guy to check with on the day.

no point in planning now for tomorrow because I dont know how much it is going to rain this afternoon.

 

[Trundlebug]

So I would go through the lock at one flood and then moor up on the floating pontoons until the next flood and then set off? Is that ok to do, because surely then I would be mooring in a lock approach and thats frowned upon?

I think I am a bit confused about the Tidal Locks in general and how everything is timed. LoL.



Yeah its a 20ft boat, although I already want bigger. LoL.

If I leave Cromwell before HW, will I have enough power to push the incoming tide? The guide to navigating the Trent suggests the flood travels at 6-7km/h which is exactly what I can do in still water. Or is that the speed of the spring tide which I know to avoid?

As Daka says really, but to clarify a couple of points:

Make sure you have a copy of the latest TBA chart for the Tidal Trent. Available here http://www.theboatingassociation.co.uk/
It not only gives you the correct line to follow along the river so you don't go aground, it also gives you guidance on everything you've been asking - what time to set off and how long it takes etc.

As said above, the best time to leave Torksey to gain from the flood tide is as soon as there is enough depth of flood to let you out - speak to the lockie (usually Neil who is really helpful).

Best time to leave Cromwell for the return trip is HW Hull +5, which is HW Cromwell.

The trip will take between 2-3 hours both ways.

Although the rate of tide helping you from Torksey to Cromwell may start out at 3 knots, it will diminish gradually as you approach Cromwell. The tide only flows at 6 knots at Trent Falls (where the Trent flows into the Humber), and gradually reduces as it comes further upstream.

Usually there is no tidal effect for the last half hour or so when going upstream, so you're just pushing against the river flow towards Cromwell, which is usually 1-2 knots at normal summer levels. This can increase to 3-4 knots if it's been raining heavily, usually takes 2 days to reach this area after heavy rain in the region.

Going from Cromwell to Torksey the ebbing tide and natural flow of the river will help you all the way by 2-3 knots.

Don't be frightened of spring tides, in fact they're much more helpful than neaps because they push you faster and further. It is however important to understand where you are in the tidal cycle on the day of your travel.

You'll have no problem with your engine as long as you make sure you have enough fuel for the trip (with a healthy reserve) and have a VHF radio so you can communicate if you need help. Many narrowboaters do this trip regularly and although it takes them a while they manage OK.

As said above, it's best to go with, or follow another boat for your first trip if you can.

Good luck and enjoy

 

[CX54WEK]

Dont forget to enjoy the trip as well

It may seem scary at first but go and have a word with lockie in advance of your day of travel and he will give you all the advice you need.

 

[Golden Time]

Thanks

I feel more confident now. If the weather is good this weekend I might take a trip to Torksey and speak to the Locky. Might even stay overnight with the little lad if I can convince him. Granted I will look a bit odd with the covers on for the night, but the Mrs won't put blinds up until the windows have been sorted at Newark Marina. LoL.

I have a few things that I know I need to get in order before making the journey. Getting my VHF rigged up, life jackets for me and the Mrs and a new larger outboard fuel tank.

Just the knowledge that I can make the journey is making me want to plan a holiday away on the canals. At the risk of sounding like a 5 year old, this birthday present is the BEST!!! LoL.

 

[Momac]

Keep it simple. The lock keeper at Torksey will advise you of the best time to go. Ring him a few days before you intend to travel to arrange the best time to go. Tell him it is your first tidal trip.

From the Fossdyke you may well need to wait for the tide to come up a bit before you can get out over the cill. You will probably leave an hour before high water. But then you should be able to proceed immediately all the way up to Cromwell. The tide might not be at a civilised hour of course and you can't do it in the dark.

As said the Trent chart is essential.

Our first trip on our first day with our first (and current) boat included the Torksey to Cromwell run - and we survived !

 

[CX54WEK]

Keep it simple. The lock keeper at Torksey will advise you of the best time to go. Ring him a few days before you intend to travel to arrange the best time to go. Tell him it is your first tidal trip.

From the Fossdyke you may well need to wait for the tide to come up a bit before you can get out over the cill. You will probably leave an hour before high water. But then you should be able to proceed immediately all the way up to Cromwell. The tide might not be at a civilised hour of course and you can't do it in the dark.

As said the Trent chart is essential.

Our first trip on our first day with our first (and current) boat included the Torksey to Cromwell run - and we survived !

Whilst you certainly wouldnt want your first run up the Trent to be in the dark there is no reason why you cant do so after you are confident of the route and have done it several times.