Adrian Stott wrote: > Steve Wood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >> How often do paddles and lock gates have to be >> repaired or replaced on a completely unused canal? > > AIUI, gates are usually replaced when they become unsound. The life > of metal ones is very long (look at the metal ones on the Freycinet > waterways in France). For wooden ones, I think it is <= 40 years. > > This is almost independent of whether the lock is used. In fact, if a > lock with wood gates is *not* used, the above-water parts of the > bottom gates dry out and start to rot sooner than if they are > occasionally wetted by the lock's being filled. > > Most new BW paddles today are coplastic or similar, I believe. These > wear very little when used. Paddle gear needs to be greased regularly > whether it is used or not, as the grease dries out. > >> The bulk of the winter stoppage program is there to fix "problems" >> caused by boats navigating canals a.k.a. normal wear and tear. > > That is not my understanding. I think most of the stoppages are for > long-term repairs (leaking lock walls, sill or gate replacements, > leaking banks, etc.) > > Use by boats obviously causes some wear, but I think much less than > you assume because the structures are designed to minimise it. The > cost of repairing major damage caused by boats should be covered by > insurance. > > Adrian > . > > Adrian Stott > 07956-299966 > > > ------------------------------------
The best example to use of a canal NOT much used for navigation, is the Grand Canal in Ireland. Waterways Ireland have to spend MORE money due to lack of navigational use. This mostly involves weed cutting and silt removal. Most of the gates are from the 1970's, composite construction and are of a design where the wooden bits, (heel and quions) can easily be replaced. New gates are even better built, having a galvanised steel centre. http://www.tuesdaynightclub.co.uk/T08_Imag/Boyne/Pict5262.jpg (actually for the Boyne Navigation Oldbridge Sea Lock. but supplied through WI) -- Neil Arlidge - NB Earnest Follow the travels of TNC, now in Ireland http://www.tuesdaynightclub.co.uk/tour.html
