----- Original Message ----- From: "Steve Wood" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2009 4:34 PM Subject: Re: [canals-list] Re: Llangollen draught
> Phil wrote: > > If you have enough crew it is usually worth sending somebody ahead on > > foot in the narrow sections. This might save a long reverse or an > > argument about who should reverse!! > > That argument is easily resolved, I'll be on my own for most if not all > of it :) I'll probably be singlehanded too for most of the trip! >Anyone have tips for the lift bridges (or other challenges I'm > not aware of) as a single-hander? You shouldn't have a problem with the lift bridges. They are balanced to stay either fully open or fully closed - unless there is a gale blowing! I had a problem once at Grindley Brook. I was going uphill and on leaving the lock below the staircase the boat got pinned against the spill weir. I had to enlist the help of 3 people to help pull the bow over. But that might not be a problem with a 70 footer, but it might be best to power well clear and then go back to close the top gate. It is also worth planning your entry into locks going uphill. Some of the bywashes are very fierce - I seem to remember that the two Marton locks are the worst. Finally, don't be surprised if Bream steers crabwise going uphill through the tunnels! > Assuming they are similar to the > Caldon I'll be fine but if they are like the Oxford I won't be quite so > happy. Much easier than the Oxford lift bridges - you won't need a Banbury stick. Phil
