On Sun, May 18, 2008 at 8:06 PM, Ray Butler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I boat extensively single-handed, and in narrow locks it's not too difficult > provided there aren't too many "helpful;" civilians about.
When coming back up the Alyesbury Arm I used a very useful procedure that David Blagrove mentions in his book Bread Upon the Waters - slightly modified: DISCLAIMER: Don't try this at home, or with your home! :-) Many locks need to be left empty on the arm, but if its not one of them I "parked" the boat in the bottom gates and emptied the lock. No ropes needed, the flow of water holds it. Use all of the paddle but lift slowly, be aware of water pushing into the front cockpit drain holes when only one paddle is up. I then got back on the boat while the lock was emptying, and used the engine to open the gates. The next bit is very hard to get right, but when you get the speed right the following happens: Take the boat out of gear, and let it drift in. Jump off as it floats into the lock, and close the bottom gate as soon as possible. Run quickly (away from the lock edge) to the top ground paddle, and lift it quickly just before the boat hits the cill (It's a 60ft boat, so you can close the gate before it hits the other end). This inrush of water stops, or cushions the boat on the cill, then cross the top gate, and run safely down to the bottom gate to close it before the water flow pushes the boat back away from the cill. A gentle stroll to the top to lift the other paddle, and then a gentle walk back to the boat. If the boat isn't already doing so use the engine to gently rest it on the top gate. When the lock is nearly ready, use a bit of engine to start the gate and then drop it back to tickover. Jog to the gate, and open it before the rest of the bow starts to push on the gate. Drop the paddle, and if you are quick enough jump over the bow and close the other one. If you need to leave the lock empty, then (and again another tricky bit), run down to the bottom and lift a paddle (about 1/2 way - any more it it's too much, any less and people are not likely to notice it). Jump back on the boat, and get the boat out. Another tricky bit here, and if you are lucky and no one is watching (some one was and it still worked!), use the directed wash from the boat to kick behind the top gate, and the flow of the water through the lock will close it the rest of the way. It worked perfectly, and the gate didn't even slam! Thats when it worked, when it didn't there was some boat bumping, and some times I had to slow a gate that was closing too fast. All in all though I whipped through them like they weren't there. It was a different matter going down, having to stop at each lock, and wait for it to fill, and since I usually left the boat in the lock enterance I had to move it back a bit before opening the gate, and then had to walk through the boat to drive it in (still easier than pulling it in). Mike ps. The bystander was incredibly impressed. pps. This method is not the best for locks where you can actually cross the bottom gates. I'd probably let the boat drift in much more slowly, close both bottom gates and then start filling. ppps. This method is for single locks, and not good for lock flights pppps. This method can be very hazardous, and I do not recommend it anyone. I ofter it only as an anecdote. -- Michael Askin http://shoestring_DOT_zapto_DOT_org/
