www.iFourWinns.com

I'm moving from inland lake boating to inland river boating this coming summer. I never been through a lock before. Any tips and suggestions? I'm a bit apprehensive thinking about it.

Liquified:

The Army Corp. of Engineers used to print a pamphlet on locking procedures. I would hope they still do. Hail them on your radio identiying your vessel and what your wishes are. Passage up / dowmstream, they will let you know which chamber to use and usually how soon. ( depending on other traffic ) Have a good length of rope ready. Tie it to a bow cleat, have your fenders on, they will drop a hook which you will put your rope on. Keep tension on your rope as you raise / lower. They are usually a good group to deal with.

I have locked through fron Montgomery Locks up past PGH on the Mon. Been through several times in my old 16' Glastron Carlson. 20' Tige, 38' houseboat and many others.

There is also a chain to pull at the entrance to some locks that will sound a horn to notify the guys. Pull the chain and then back up away from the entrance.

Oh, and don't exit the lock until they blow the horn.

Piece of cake.

9BALL

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2005 V268

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Brett DiMichele

I took the USCG boating course, though I already had my boating cert I wanted to learn some tips like going through the locks form the guys. It was well worth the class for that bit of information alone. Of all the advice they gave me the best one for going through the locks was to pull up and find another experienced boater and ask him to let you tag along and learn.

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2007 Four Winns 190 Horizon Merc 4.3 MPI

Our boat on Crescent Lake in Oregon

I'm sure you will do fine. Practice makes perfect. We find using the radio to communicate with the lockmaster really helps. We normally use three fenders at the rub rail, evenly spaced bow to stern. Our lockmaster drops ropes to us. In combination with the rope, we also use a pole to help push us off the wall. When requested, we also tie off to the floating bollard using our rope and use the poles to help keep us off the wall. This is not bad once you have done it a time or two.

The worst we find is the wait time. When the river is busy, we have waited 5-6 hours to get through. Bring snacks and something to read. Patience is always helpful.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER lock through with the Pusher if you are on its side or behind! We did that once and I think a ride in a wash machine would have been easier.

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Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230