T&T: Locking through (was Praktek Fenders)

[Roger Bingham]

>Bob asked:  "Scott, help us understand how and why your Nordhavn was
moved so much aft when the gates opened, but the Krogen behind you did
not move."

>Scott said 

>Great question Bob,
 
>When the lock starting filling my wife had a difficult time keeping the
boat close to the wall.  It's a pretty physical process and once you get
behind the curve it seems like >you never fully recover.


Hi All

Locks are constructed in different ways but there are rules common to
all.

Going uphill is when there is most turbulence as the lock fills from
above.

Inevitably the water comes into the lock at great pressure at the front
of the lock, sometimes through paddles actually in the lock gate,
sometimes through underwater sluices. It is possible in some locks to
have a massive waterfall land on your foredeck if you are too close to
the gate. Not good.

In others the underwater turbulence will move the front boats as if they
were not secured in any way. Manual (male or female) effort is puny and
may not be sufficient. My wife is very experienced but hates locking.

Going downhill is relatively peaceful but If you are too close to the
back gates you may be caught on the sill ( a concrete step close to the
gate and higher than the low water level. NOT GOOD.

Tips - Going uphill be at the back of the lock
Going downhill be in the middle of the lock.

Big fenders are essential.

Regards

Roger Bingham
France