On 10/10/06, Adrian Stott <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > When I got a barge, I tried not using ropes again, as it didn't bang > from side to side too much. But I found that no matter where I parked > it in the locks, it would surge backwards and forwards even if I > opened the paddles quite slowly. > > I started using one rope (from a stern bollard on board forward to one > on the lockside) to hold the barge against the top sill. However, if > the lock had a significant sill (as some Lee ones do), it would still > surge one the bow rode over it, and bang the top gates irresponsibly.
I have seen working barges use a bow rope set backwards, and the boat held in place with the engine. This practice can also be used with a side bollard, which seems to work quite well, so long as the rope doesn't slip off. Of course, no ropes are used going downhill, just using the engine to hold the barge off the gates. I do this with a narrowboat in both wide and narrow locks. Going up wide locks I usually use a centre rope - on GU locks recently I have been getting off at the steps on the bottom of the lock, so I can then operate the paddles, or close the gate without having to climb a ladder. I've tried getting the rope behind the bottom gate, and strapping the boat to a stop. This is to help start the gate closed, but doesn't want to work. Perhaps I need a paddle open at the top end first? or maybe the angle isn't right from the centre rope? Mike -- Michael Askin http://shoestring.zapto.org/ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canals-list/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canals-list/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
