Lock navigation

stepaway · 18 March 2012, 15:50

I've been getting my Honwave ready for warmer weather action this weekend and discussing with the other half about possible trips in the coming months.

One question I have for you guys is what do you do when get to a lock when navigating along rivers?

I went out for a few trips last year with my brother on the Great Ouse (Environment Agency managed), and we literally lifted the whole boat out of the water and walked it round the locks we came across, this was a bit of an effort, but we managed ok. I won't be able to do this with my wife and two year old on board, but don't want to be limited downstream from Bedford by the locks if we want to go out for the whole day and cover some distance.

Do any of you put your SIBs through the lock, as I have read lots of conflicting info on not being allowed through with an inflatable etc. Any advice please would be appreciated

lockieboi · 18 March 2012, 15:53

I've gone through locks and even been assisted by environment agency.

Lock keys are cheap on eBay.

Search for 'windlass'

stepaway · 18 March 2012, 16:06

Ok cool, are the Windlass' specific to each agency? Would a British Waterways one work at an EA lock? I'm looking at them on eBay now.

And how did you go through the lock, did you stay on board your boat throughout, or get out and walk it through with a rope?

lockieboi · 18 March 2012, 17:00

I think there a one size fits all but don't quote me on that.

I stay in the boat and let the crew do the winding!!

If you haven't used a lock might be worth just going to see how one works. There not difficult but you don't want to cause a flood now!

Erin · 18 March 2012, 21:47

If there is any doubt about being allowed through a lock in an inflatable, I would have thought that would be minimal to non-existant if there was no one in the boat and it was being walked through. Perhaps a quick check of the byelaws on the river in question would be time well spent in case you meet a jobsworth. Locks can be dangerous to small craft if there is a strong inrush of water, so it depends upon the rise or fall in question and size of lock. Best to keep away from the sluice gate end as a general rule.