Craig,

Locking thru is no big deal, ya just need to get used to it.

If you have 2 people on board, one should be on each end of the boat and
each grab a line and you'll be fine.  There will be a certain amount of
movement of the boat but this doesn't matter.

If you are single-handing, go for a pipe or cable if available, and loop a
line around it and cleat one end.  Have the other end in your hand, you can
wrap it on a cleat but keep the end loose so you can adjust.  If you are
attaching to the pipe or cable, do it amidships.

If no pipe or cable is available, then grab a lock line from amidships, and
stay there, do not walk back and forth at all, just stay amidships.  Allow
the boat to swing around a bit, this doesn't hurt anything.

Do NOT expect help from the lock oeprators, they are busy operating the
lock.  Yes they will help if they can, but it is your responsibility to
maintain control of your boat, not the lock operators.  Also remember, the
operators are not boat owners, they are NOT necessarily your best source
for advice or help!

On my boat, the midships cleat is a bit far forward, so I add a huge ball
fender near the front end of the boat, somewhat forward of where it curves
in, thereby extending the straight side of the boat to a more forward
point.  This reduces the swinging around quite a bit, especially during
windy conditions.

Some locks fill almost right up to the sidewalk, so there you will need
some tube fenders dragging in the water.  Otherwise ball fenders are best.
My boat has both.  The tube fenders are dragging in the water, and the ball
fenders are just below the rub rail, so I will be all set regardless of how
high the lock fills.

Do NOT use hanging boards across your fenders, they add complication, and
may get you into trouble.

Some folks cover their fenders with bags, large "socks" or other covers to
keep them clean.  Do not do this!  The covers generally tear off and drop
into the lock and they will clog the lock valves, or tangle into your own
propellers.  Let the fenders get dirty, that's what they are for.

It is not necessary to keep the boat straight in the lock, a certain amount
of swinging is perfectly fine.  You do not need perfection.

It is also advisable to have fenders on both sides of your boat, you never
know when someone may try to pass you in the lock and accidentally bump
you.

Be sure your crew knows what to do.  For example, I had told the admiral to
just hang on no matter what, and she always did that.  Then one time I
heard yelling & crying from the back of the boat and was horrified to see
her being nearly lifted off the deck as the wind caught her end of the
boat!  She was determined to hang on to that line no matter what, but she
could not physically do it after the wind caught the boat.  So we had a
little talk and the new instructions were to hang on and if something went
wrong, she was to scream loudly so I would know and then she was to simply
let go.    Always prepare for the unexpected.

I do most of my locking single-handed, so I use a pole with a clip on the
end, to pass a loop behind the pipe or cable, and then I catch it with a
2nd pole hook and pull it in as the clip pulls loose.

My very first locking was much too exciting, the lock operator gave very
bad & wrong instructions and the boat ahead of me broke loose and hit the
opposite wall very hard.  My 2nd locking was just fine, but on my 3rd
locking, one gate was broken, and I had to get my 14 foot wide boat thru
the narrow opening of one gate only with only 2-3 feet to spare on each
side of my fenders.

When entering the lock, always move all the way in.  You never know when
another boat will suddenly appear.

The first lockings may be a bit exciting, but then it becomes routine and
no big deal.  Not to worry!  When I do it, I hook up to a pipe or cable,
and then go make coffee.

Fred
Tug 44

From: "Craig Marshall" craighmarshall@yahoo.com
Sent: Monday, October 01, 2012 9:44 AM
To: "great-loop@lists.trawlering.com" great-loop@lists.trawlering.com
Subject: ... GL: Locking Thru the Erie

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

Fred:
Tharks for the info. The kind of stuff you mention is never in the books on Locking
or in the Power Point Presentations. Your posting was good Meat & Potatoes.
 
We will be up you way in the spring of 2013
 
 
Thanks for your contritubtion
 
Bob

Capt Bob
Onboard ALLEZ! Lying Cocoa, FL
M/Y ALLEZ! MT50 WB
MTOA 2631 AGLCA 1969
USPS CHARLESTON S.C.
EMail: my_allez@yahoo.com