Spent a whole summer in a 42 ft trawler on The Canal because of "low water" in Lake Erie. If you have a midships cleat, you have it made. Got an apx 25 inch "Lock Hook" in one of the marina stores. Don't remember if the store was on the Hudson or on the Canal. This hook looks like what farmers call a "Hay Hook," only longer and without the sharp point, and stainless. It makes grabbing the ladder rungs or lock pipe very easy. A line to the handle loop keeps it on the boat. The other advantage is the sound made of metal contacting metal, tells the captain the boat is on the wall. Stay clear of long lines. Have seen boaters get cross the lock because the line got away. A midship line will keep the bow in because the stern is on the wall, and vice versa. In fact, I always go for a midships first, all the time. It "locks the boat down" and makes single handing so much easier, under almost all conditions, short of heavy blows. You may need to fill that curve of the bow with fenders about the aft third of the curve. About 3 fenders, then about every 3 feet on down the side of the boat. If you need more fenders, buy some plastic feed bags filled with hay. They don't look great and can grow if you spend the summer but they work. Use maybe 4 fenders on the off side. With your boat handling, try to be at the front of the lock, so you are not subject to the surge as the locks fills at the back of the lock. You will learn where it is best as you watch the locks fill and drain. Some locks will be boats wall to wall, while others may be just you. Also consider your prop. If the prop is left hand, rigg for Starboard. Sailboats more likely have right hand props so they will favor the Port. Expect the unexpected. One day a boat lost their bow thruster and ended up cross the lock. They had no plan B and could not figure out how to clear the lock. Try to think of how to get thru if you loose power. Including how to put your boat on another boat's "hip," if your are offed. But more likely, how to get your dingy rigged and operational. The Steps are where you might need a crew member because they are very quick, out of one and into another right in front of you. Staying at Waterford, if possible, and watch the workings of the first lock will give you a view of the routine. Lock 17 is also a bit of work being so high a rise. Going up is a bit harder then coming down. The Canal is a Great Cruise!!! There are so many things to see along the way. The Lock Masters know the area and can tell you what there is to see along the way. Do the Lock Masters a favor when you are going to end the day. Tell them, you are not locking thru the next lock, so the information can be passed the next Lock Master. They have one less boat to look for. Ask the Lock Master if you can stay the night at the far end of his Lock Wall. Don't know if you can still tie up to the lock wall. If staying a couple of days at a lock , the Lock Master usually got a plate of goodies. At 09:44 AM Monday 10/1/2012, Craig Marshall wrote: >I own a 28ft Hatteras Cruiser and plan on going solo. What issues >should I expect locking through? I am planning on taking the lock >line(s) at midships and walking back and forth to keep the boat >close to wall. Both stb and port decks are wide and clear. Just not >sure how much line is given at the locks. > >Knowing that there are a few locks at Waterford (E2-E7), it can get >very labor intensive. Can I get assistance from the LM if need be >in locating some local help? > >Are there any other areas that may require added assistance? > >Thanks > >Craig Marshall >Lil' Hatt >_______________________________________________ >http://lists.trawlering.com/mailman/listinfo/great-loop_lists.trawlering.com > >To modify your Great-Loop subscription options (change email address, >unsubscribe, etc.) go to: >http://lists.trawlering.com/mailman/options/great-loop_lists.trawlering.com