Best way to learn about going through locks?

[Adams]

Will be our 1st summer going through locks to get to San Juan's. Any advice besides "just do it" to learn enough to avoid embarrassing myself and endangering my fellow seamen?

 

[crw1957]

Re: Best way to learn about going through locks?

I was on board a 32 Ft. Trojan and went through the locks on the Chatahoochee River in Georgia. We contacted the tower at the lock via VHF. They were always very helpful. We waited outside until the gates opened. We entered the lock and pulled up to the wall. The wall has very large floating bouys attached to the sides which float up and down within the wall. We tied there. As the boat rises or lowers the bouys move with you. I stood on the bow with a dock pole and another crew member stood on the stern to keep the boat off the wall as it rises/lowers. Once finished, wait for the gates to open and drive out. My first experience was exciting and very intimidating as the water mysteriously swirls as it fills the pool. Kind of scary actually however, very simple. Every boater should do it just for the fun of it.

 

[slacktide]

Re: Best way to learn about going through locks?

Will be our 1st summer going through locks to get to San Juan's. Any advice besides "just do it" to learn enough to avoid embarrassing myself and endangering my fellow seamen?

Ballard Locks? Might be helpful to drive the car down and observe a few lock cycles. Parking's best near the fish ladder on the south side of the ship canal.

Other than that, have your fenders set out on both sides before you enter the locks, and have lines ready on both sides. Have your helpers with boathooks out, so you don't have to scramble for them at the last minute.

The smaller of the 2 Ballard locks is nice in that it has floating bollards that go up and down with the lock water. Make sure to use the cleats on the floating bollards rather than the concrete. I like to loop a line over the cleat but not tie up, just in case the bollards get stuck or something.

The Corps of Engineers has a nice page with the basics, as well as some videos at

http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/PublicMenu/Menu.cfm?sitename=lwsc&pagename=Navigating

Dan

 

[arks]

Re: Best way to learn about going through locks?

Locks are really no big deal- you'll see.
I only have 3 suggestions:
- DON"T tie to any fixed cleat or piling (DUH)
- Anyone on deck while in the lock needs to properly wear a PFD at all times
- If there's a lot of boat traffic, it's better (IMO) to be "first in, first out" if possible