GL: Single handling the Loop

[John Foltz]

Last summer we had a family emergency. The admiral left the boat and I  
brought it through the Trent/Severn and the Oswego Canal solo more  
than 50 locks.
The boat is a 38 foot trawler, here are my observations.

1. In Canada, they prefer you to attach to locks with fore and aft  
lines. So, what I did, was announce I was solo, and tried to negotiate  
for a single mid-ship line only. They helped most of the way with  
lines. If they didn't allow single lines, I lightly tied the bow to  
the cable, and held the boat with my free hand using a center line. If  
I needed to adjust, I fixed the center line and jumped to the bow.  I  
had every fender I own out. It worked pretty well, but if I had gotten  
into wind, it might have been more tricky.

2. In the NYS Barge Canal (Oswego, lock 5 for example), you don't have  
cables, just ropes. I told the lock master I was solo and requested an  
"extra" slow lift. It worked. I simply held the ship with a center line.
I have been in locks with wind where that would just not be possible.

3. On my boat, if I can secure a mid-ship line to the cable or pipe, I  
can do almost any lock solo.  But, if I have to hold a lock with a  
loose rope and the lift is high, it's more risky.

So, if you've got good insurance and an adventurous spirit --- go for  
it, on calm days.

John Foltz
M/V Freedom
PT38
----------------------
2520 Vestal Parkway East # 309
Vestal, NY 13850
607-754-4774
john at boathousejournal.com