42. How I operate a canal lock when boating alone (solo locking)

[@vtrmcs]

You have a superb voice for narrating. This is like watching countryfile or some such.

[@vtrmcs]

and now from another upload I see you were a journalist/broadcaster. I couldnt help but chuckle. Enjoy your "retirement". Continue to learn from your videos. One criticism. You really should get into basic cooking. A well boiled egg can brighten anyones day.

[@GartWilliamsColorado]

I'm impressed. For a guy who made the hanging of a coat hook look like the raising of the White Star Line flag, you made this challenge of the locks look like a soak in the tub. I can see many dangers to this task and especially doing it alone. I think things could go wrong pretty fast if you're not paying attention. Your camera placement and editing are a particular joy and interest to me. Great work! From Colorado, good day.

[@MichaelsMustang]

I have been looking forward to this vlog, I to in time will be doing the canals solo so how you do the locks was my biggest concern. As usual you showed us in a very concise and clear manner thank you.

[@davidbagley1783]

The most entertaining thing on the internet..good job

[@bsgotsoul]

Excellent video. A couple of points some may find useful 1. Sometimes there is no lock landing stage and therefore you have to stick the nose of the boat in to the lock entrance and tie it to the gate while you fill the lock up. 2. done be afraid in the right circumstances to haul the boat in and out of locks by hand, saving a treacherous climb in or out of the lock. 3. when in a wide lock only use the paddles on one side 4. use the friction of the bollards rather than using all your strength to pull on the rope 5. if its not to busy attempt to prep locks ahead

[@CruisingTheCut]

Re 4, yes that's why I said wrap it round the bollard. Perhaps I wasn't clear. Good points though, cheers.

[@jennyblacquiere3727]

Great video, that's how we've been advised how. I like the slowly gently with the paddles.

[@turbinia]

To stop the boat going backwards wrap a turn or two of the spring round the bollard. The friction will mean you can control the line easily without having to stop the entire weight of the boat manually. It's safer and less tiring.

[@bmolitor615]

yeah! just like those Chinese. finger puzzles/traps - as soon as anyone (aka boat) starts pulling on the turn, makes it just that much tighter, transferring more weight onto the bollard. Sometimes vectors and physics really are lovely... (although looking at the video now, the square wood that had in the lock was NOT nice for that, siiiigh)

[@johnthorogood6601]

great job i think, id add if u are a solo boat going up in a broad beam lock (i.e can take two boats at once) open the paddle the side of the lock the boat is against. that way the water comes in under the boat hits the opposite wall and is reflected back pushing the boat against wall. Do the oposite paddle first and the boat will be pushed by the water flow into the middle of the lock.... all very messy it took weeks for me to learn this simple, but important tip!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Excellent advice.

[@bigmort6916]

Another excellent vlog as always, best description and demonstration of a lock we have seen so far! The explanation of the shifts and displacement in the boat as you let the water in and out was key for us thank you ! 🙌🏻😊👍🏻

[@CruisingTheCut]

I'm really glad it helped, it was a bit tricky both filming and operating it solo.

[@bigmort6916]

+CruisingTheCut we think you did an excellent job! 👍🏻

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you.

[@jakethacker-pugsley5628]

Hi Just watched operating a lock. I watched an experienced boater on a working boat doing a lock alone. She was going up. She cruised into the lock and put her bow against the rubbing strip on the front gates. She left it in forward gear, engine on tickover. So the boat was pushing against the gates GENTLY. AS the water entered the lock, this forward motion prevented the boat moving back and forth. Once the lock was full she was able to gently reverse to free the gates to allow them to open. Reckon this would work going down as well. However, I guess this would only work in a narrow lock! Cheers Colin T-P

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, I've seen that technique too. It's all very well as long as you are absolutely certain the nose isn't going to catch on anything on the gate as you go up/down. In wide locks especially there can be beams of the gate your nose could catch on.

[@walkingaroundthemidlands7190]

good information on the locks and another great video. well done for keeping your travels interesting and entertaining. all the best mate

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers!

[@JCisJD]

Have been watching your vids for a little while now and would just like to say I have sooooooo enjoyed them. Your editing, subtle humour, observations, and instruction based on person experience as well as observation resonates with me in a real but also dream of a less distracted, "way of life". Overall your delivery is better than many who are considered professional within the art of film making/ presenting. Keep um comin :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you very much!

[@JCisJD]

+CruisingTheCut Na na, thank you,:) Just like back in the day of Blakes 7 etc Im actually now looking forward to your next posting. (you have become part of my morning internet checks) Can there be any greater scale of praise ?;)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ah, Blake's 7 was terrific, I loved that as a kid.

[@ThisNarrowboatAdventure]

+JCisJD I agree!

[@JCisJD]

+ThisNarrowboatAdventure That these vids are very well put together, that can there be a better scale of praise, that Blake's 7 was terrific (you can not be old enough to have watched unless you have DVD and if so can I borrow if we see each other in the cut ) or variants of? ;)

[@michaelpilling9659]

Well done! Thanks for the video

[@englishmaninfrance661]

Doh ! I was looking forward to a video full of scantily clad daughters . Never mind . Your dulcet tones will have to do

[@gould571]

Great set of videos. I am really enjoying watching your progress. I agree with the earlier commentator regarding opening the paddles on the same side of the boat first for exactly the same reasons. I would also advise opening the first panel half way at first. As you know the greatest rush of water occurs when first opening the panel and then it slows down as the water rises / falls depending which way you are going. This is due to the pressure differential. So by opening the first panel half way reduces the initial rush of water that tends to push the boat. Leave opening to full until the water settles down. I think this will help in controlling the boat with the center rope.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Excellent tips, cheers.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Excellent tips, cheers.

[@DavidGCroft]

Very helpful. I suppose the more you do the more confident you get, Can't be much fun in the rain though.

[@CruisingTheCut]

No. And slippery. I try not to move when it's raining if possible.

[@CruisingTheCut]

No. And slippery. I try not to move when it's raining if possible.

[@stephenhowlett6345]

Hahaha. Yep, I've been boating for two weeks and my very first lock was a hot sunny day right next to a full pub, how I ever got it done il never know because I could hear every person all laughing at me, they weren't but you just think they are because your panicking. I've now done about 20 locks single handed and can now just about get it right, I did however about 5 locks ago tie the boat at the top , started letting water out and then realised I'd tied the rope and the boat was leaning right over when the bit you tie rope to tore of, only about 10 onlookers that time and ever since I did that I no longer try to do anything faster than I can manage, I've found that ignoring everyone and doing things at a snails pace works far better than worrying if your holding anyone up, just go at your own pace and think it through before you do it and it works like a dream.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Definitely. You've got to do it at your own pace, even if others are there (and even if others are "helping", they need to do it under your instruction)

[@philrunwater8733]

Excellent advice.

[@UCs6ktlulE5BEeb3vBBOu6DQ]

I dont believe spectators should judge doers. Keep videos coming I love your channel.

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@HistoricHospitality]

As someone who’s never driven mine, been in Marina since purchase 7 months back.. now having to relocate and get boat from here to another place to be lifted.. yep.. even this good advice I’m bleedin’ terrified 😂😂 god help me and all those near me that day! Nope.. have no one to assist me in Manchester at all.. so gunna be fun 😂

[@jaysparc]

Just found your channel, really entertaining and informative. You're very lucky to be in the UK, I'm in Canada and 6 months of the year we're near or frozen in. I've done the canals in upstate NY, solo in a 30' sailboat. The locks over here are substantially larger and often are operated by a lock master.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hi. Thanks for tuning in :-)

[@jdknbw]

i love the comment about you being rubbish---i have been watching these since discovering this and going from #1 up. have been in boating on and off for years--and like anything, we all start from scratch and learn not only by our own mistakes, but helping out others as well. i did laugh about it, and i still dont understand why anyone would give your blog a thumbs down. enjoy watching you jumping all over doing the locks. figure out it is exercise well needed--how much exercise does one get standing at a tiller all day.

[@tonysutton6559]

Don't you look young in this video? 😂😅😊

[@pingpong5000]

Nicely done, not as difficult as i'd imagined, nice to see how it works. Spotted the kettle preheating on the stove another boaters trick eh bet that saves on gas.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Oh yes, don't waste gas when there's a fire on.

[@leedesigner1977]

Love watching your older vlogs, David, I am re watching everyone.

[@paullilley3926]

Very good constructive video great job

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@paulcoveney6273]

Great video. Really love your presenting style. 😊

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@mikehurley5052]

well that looked good to me, like you i am no expert but i have done a few. Like anything in life, practice makes perfect. Eagerly awaiting the next vlog/vid.

[@Buffetmuscles]

If ive learned anything in the past week of watching, its always mind the cill.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes!

[@johncarr1793]

Hi , it all appeared like text book stuff to me very nicely done ,only a couple of other points to bear in mind I feel worth a mention ,that being Prior to entering a lock make sure the side fenders are up on the gunwales because these can snag up in some locks when locking up in particular and the only other point is keep the doors at the cratch end or bow end closed as some locks have a little Surprise gush of water that can enter the forward cabin and if you are single handed you may have a tiny problem but really you,ve been doing this for years.well done.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Jolly good points, both of them, and things I should have mentioned. Thank you!

[@RVgeeks]

That was brilliant! Thank you so much. We're honoured that you used your limited bandwidth to send us the link. :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

A mere 200MB left for the next 36 hours now... how will I cope?!

[@p.g.u.d]

oh David, it's Mr Furious again. I found your solo lock demo vid! nice one. thanks.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Great! Cheers.

[@sallyutting]

I only came across your video s last week and im really enjoying watching your adventures and listening to your very sensible commentary. Am i brave enough on my own?, im not sure. Been on plenty of narrowboat holidays as a child and adult and always loved them (when its not raining!). Ill keep following and catching up with all your posts and think about it.

[@jac6274]

sally utting I have also just discovered and enjoying David’s videos on the cut. Don’t know if I would be brave enough but it is a very tempting lifestyle choice

[@jerrystewart796]

Wonderfully informative; thank you, sir.

[@Peter-nv3wu]

Hopefully all locks will be as simple as that one, real life is probably wont be that easy. Thanks for such a clear explanation.

[@kpbradders6912]

Buying a boat early next year. Lots to learn. Thanks for your info. Feeling nervous

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good luck. Yes, lots to learn but it's all interesting and learning is the key!

[@susanchurcher1142]

I love the upbeat style of this. I scrolled through and wondered why nobody asked why you don’t wear a life jacket. I had thought that this would be standard practice?

[@CruisingTheCut]

The canals are just 3-4 feet deep so if you fall in, you stand up. It's true the locks are much deeper and quite dangerous if you fell in but no-one tends to bother with lifejackets.

[@MrFQL]

Nicely done indeed! I remember meeting another boater after ascending the Tardebigge 29 lock section. We had ascended with three aboard so I just drove the boat, but thought how it must be to do the ascent, or descent if you were solo and the only boat around. Your episode would make a great number if set to music.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Music is terribly subjective. What one viewer likes, others may hate. If you wish to hear music as you watch, may I recommend a CD player or if you're down with the kids, an mp3? :-)

[@bartvanderveere7592]

I've been thinking about leaving the doors open or not, and filling, or not, the lock. If another boat comes from any direction this is an easy decision. If there is none in sight, chances are 50/50 that a boat would come from any direction. Closing the lock and filling it could mean lots of wasted water and time if the next boat comes from the 'wrong' side. Closing open doors by the next boat is a small exercise and good for someone's health ;-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

You certainly shouldn’t just fill it or empty it behind you on the offchance of another boat. It is required to close the gates (on the canal at least) unless you can see another boat heading to the lock.

[@beeble2003]

Leave the lock as it was when you finished with it: otherwise, there's a roughly 50% chance that you'll have used up water to put the lock in the wrong configuration for the next boat. Unless there's somebody who'll be using the lock immediately in the opposite direction, close the gates to reduce water wastage: all lock gates leak a bit and having both gates closed means that the lock as a whole leaks water at the rate of the least leaky gate .

[@christinesourbutts6015]

Brilliant was wondering about this xxx

[@shipskepr1]

looked pretty professional to me ,loving your vids

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@CheckFred]

Good to see your galley now well and truly lived-in ;-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@andygoodchild7003]

Thank you - very helpful, wise and simple. Best wishes, Andrew :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good, cheers

[@readmedottext]

With all that water flowing from high elevation down, is it difficult for the canal system to keep enough water? I read your FAQ (excellent, by the way. I'm American and the British canal system has fascinated me) and the link from CRT about their reservoir system, but I was curious if there are ever shortages during extended dry periods.

[@CruisingTheCut]

There can be, in very hot weather, yes

[@joshuarosen6242]

The climate in England is very canal-friendly. Sometimes it doesn't rain for weeks but that's very rare. Mostly it rains very frequently and the canals are rarely short of water.

[@beetlejuice838]

Confused me there for a minute...went into a narrow lock then showed a clip from a wide/double lock. Great vid.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yeah, couldn't film everything at the same time, while solo locking as well!!

[@maxwall3865]

Well done that man! 👍

[@argrundy]

Excellent vid! Going to have to do this myself in the not too distant, so very useful in reducing my trepidation! Also, spotted your washing machine - bought one very similar and a marvellous job it does too :D

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ta. I do still hanker after a "proper" washing machine though.

[@argrundy]

I know what you mean, but as I work and I'm moored in a marina, it beats relying on the SINGLE coin-operated washing machine available which I could only use at the weekend...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Ah, yes - and with unlimited marina water too it makes a lot of sense.

[@jckirby7994]

Your good.. I just love you boat people... I'm in the U.S. and I'm quite interested in living on a boat

[@johnhenry1338]

HI again from the US of A, love your vlogs very much, so different from anything over here, was wondering, it doesn't seem the canals are very deep, if for some reason, dry weather, what have you, do you have to avoid certain canals, or any case do you have any problems with getting stuck in shallow water ? Thank You for providing a very nice insight into your world... Oh and Cheers

[@CruisingTheCut]

They are indeed quite shallow - often just a few inches clearance especially at the sides. The levels are monitored by the Canal and River Trust and lots of pumps etc are used to move water around. But you also keep on eye (ear!) on what other boaters are saying coming past you - the "canal telegraph" if you like. Sometimes warnings are issued from CaRT by email in extreme conditions. If you get stuck - saw two hit the shallows yesterday - you try to reverse off and if that doesn't work, push with the boat pole. Or try rocking the boat to the deeper side while reversing. Or give up and have a gin and tonic.

[@danielburgin28]

Had to do this flight in the pouring rain last August... looks like you had much more preferable weather.

[@3scottiedogs]

Nice job Captain......no flapping.

[@SistaJaine]

I had a week on the Trent & Mersey back in 2014....Trouble is, I still don't know how to operate a lock...The 2 people accompanying me on the boat wouldn't take the tiller through fear of the cill, so I never got to open/close a lock sadly.....I want to own my own boat one day, but the thought of the lock operation, and diving back and forth from lock to boat is all a bit daunting.

[@CruisingTheCut]

What a shame. Don't be daunted by doing the locks solo, it's really not hard. I was very, very concerned before I did it but after the first few, it becomes very second-nature. These days I'm probably too blase about it in fact and should take more care!

[@for.tax.reasons]

I can't believe narrowboaters single handedly stop a 15 ton boat in the lock, what a power move

[@JasperJanssen]

The whole boat in water thing makes it weirdly easy to both stop and start moving.

[@L1vR-1948]

Thanks for this video :-) 👍 👍 🌸

[@tikilee7172]

Nice touch that " fire side chat ". Is that a portable washing machine at the end of your galley? As for the locks YIKES🙀Good job you. Tiki

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes it is, see my "how I do laundry" video for more info. Cheers

[@antmorrow1]

one thing to add, Remember your anti-vandal keys (there are a few types) some lock need them to operate, try to check ahead to see what ones are needed as you might not have all of them yet and can't always buy them at the local marina.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Very good point. I had that in Birmingham where I had the keys but didn't know what they were for!

[@garrystacey7018]

Great job

[@battlewaterloo]

I am lucky as I don't have to go through many locks as I live in a house. However, I am looking at your videos in order and am becoming very jealous of your lifestyle. I approached the missus with the idea of selling the house, giving up work and living in a boat but she did not seem keen. How can I change her mind, given that she hates water, boats and canals.

[@DriverCharlie]

battlewaterloo My wife’s the same. How can they not see the advantage and sheer joy of living permanently on a narrow boat. 😂😂😂

[@johnfoster3286]

Get her on a narrowboat holiday, that will be make or break.

[@danbev8542]

And...how to get my husband to sell our house & live on a narrowboat? He grew up on the coast of Maine, U.S. and knows about most anything that floats. We boated the Canal du Midi 18 years ago & he could stop our boat on a dime! He’s very negative about operating locks after my descriptions. I guess I didn’t make locks sound like fun. Oh well.

[@slockey]

Can't wait to see how you work an Oxford Canal Lift Bridge, one without any means of holding the counter balance beam down. I have done this by the way, but it isn't for the faint hearted. Mind you it was a good few years ago now. Perhaps they all have some means of holding the bridge up these days?

[@CruisingTheCut]

I shall wait for someone else to come along and hold it for me. Failing that, telekinesis.

[@mytech6779]

Now I want to build a canal.

[@daveh7720]

I knew a man who had a hobby railroad in his yard. I suppose one could have a hobby canal.

[@Kevin-rh5li]

Nicely done

[@mytwosenceop]

I once traveled the Rideau waterway from Chaffies Lock in Elgin Ontario to Ottawa. All of the locks were manned and "WE"(two) simply needed to hold the provided vertical rope/cable spaced approximately 10' apart. Our boat was only 18' so it was effortless. My point is the vertical cables were handy to us. Would vertical cables be of any help to You as a solo boater?

[@CruisingTheCut]

No because I have to get out of the boat to operate the locks

[@walleye364]

Sorry if my question is long winded.... I didn't know what Vlog to ask this question on, but my question is. Are there any donation boxes at the Locks where boaters can donate money to keep the locks in good shape? I know the Canal and River Trust maintains them but if there isn't any voluntary donations for the canals' maintenance? Has there been any thought of putting up donation boxes at each lock? Maybe I will get hated thoughts for bringing it up, but I would think boaters would be more inclined to donate and happy to donate lose change, when they are using the Locks. I think this would be a great idea to raise more money.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I don't know of any but I think it's a great idea. The CRT is certainly keen to encourage donations and this would solicit them not only from boaters but other users of the canal. Perhaps worth an email to the CRT suggesting it?

[@janeabbotts]

The donation boxes would need to be cleared on an almost daily basis to prevent theft/vandalism. I think this could be why there are no donation boxes.

[@EvilLenMotovlog]

Can I ask a stupid question ? At 3:58 you say "open the gates" and you're opening the right hand gate. How do you then get over to the other side of the bank to open the left hand gate ?!?

[@PuchMaxi]

You go across using the first (in this case single) lock gate, hence the railing on the top.

[@beeble2003]

The gates have a ledge that you can walk across. You should use the pair of gates that will stay closed (the top gates in this case) as a bridge.

[@elizabethswadling8125]

@@PuchMaxi I'm glad somebody asked this. I thought you had to jump the 6ft lock ... hahahahahaha

[@joannapocock6055]

Great job !!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you

[@johninokla2635]

Yes, I'm out of order I know. 😩 Anyway, I was just wanting to say I bet this is harder than you make it look. For every vlog I view I find 5 more I haven't seen. Will I ever get caught up? 😀 The way I tell if I have viewed the vlog is if it has been liked or not. 😁

[@CruisingTheCut]

If you click on Videos on my YT channel, they're all in order and you can arrange by newest or oldest.

[@Buffetmuscles]

John I made this mistake as well but now im 100% following along in order and its well worth the effort. Best Vlog ive watched

[@lindahouston9331]

I'm doing the same! I'd rather watch them in order, makes more sense that way!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hi Linda, see my reply to John, above, or see my website!

[@TheTeufelhunden68]

I'm weird that way. I enjoy watching them randomly. I always learn something new either way.

[@Tazonsax]

Great videos, I find them really entertaining. I haven't read all the comments so it may have been mentioned before, but stepping on a rope should be a big no no. Two main reasons although one probably wouldn't concern yourself, the rope could get caught around your foot, dragging you to some grizzly fate (that's the one that probably doesn't apply 😀) the second as you step on the rope, small grains of dirt get pushed into the fibres. Over time they will rub together cutting the fibres on the inside of the rope. If I see you around I'll say hi as I often walk the cut around Barby/Braunston area

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thanks and good points. Cheers!

[@dirkf.kappes467]

Hi David, great videos, excellent work!! Just have had an idea! Would a second center line per side - best in a different colour - being helpful to control the boats movement in both directions? To be effective the rear rope would need to go around a bollard near the rear end of the boat. So while working the lock the in the front of the boat, one can pull (or at least hold) it in both direction. Would that work, or be just too much ropes?? Greetings from Germany!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Too much faffing about when solo I think though I did have to use two ropes when I did the Avon (river) locks and it added a lot of extra work

[@cyclingwithkiwi3956]

good job done

[@Cumbriahandyman]

OK so that was how to do it when travelling sober, what about when you have had a few of those Gin and Tonics you mentioned in an earlier video?

[@CruisingTheCut]

Definitely best not to try solo in a lock after any booze, locks can be fatal. Seriously.

[@Cumbriahandyman]

Was a joke Solo for sober.

[@rodlogan6604]

....well done and by the looks of it I think we can now say, you are an expert, mind you not that other type of expert, you know, "x" is an unknown quantity and "spurt" is a drip under pressure...

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@P-nut71]

How much draft does a narrow have? I'm a towboat captain in the USA on the Mississippi River and it's tributaries. We have several creeks and rivers in my home state of Mississippi that I feel would be interesting to tour on a boat like this but it would have to be very shallow draft.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Typical narrowboat drafts would be anything from 1 to 2 or 3 feet, mine's 2'3"

[@danwood6172]

Thanks it was puzzling me how to go about doing the locks on your own. Excellent job. What does concern me is this cil if the boat gets caught on it then I've heard it can sink your boat. How to keep your boat away from the cil?

[@CruisingTheCut]

Use the rope to hold it away as shown in the video.

[@danwood6172]

@@CruisingTheCut wow!! Only asked lol do like your videos!

[@CruisingTheCut]

I thought I answered...?

[@noone-ft9lw]

@@CruisingTheCut I think he was surprised at how quickly you replied.

[@mat7671]

@@noone-ft9lw suppose you'd have to be quick or you'd end up on the cil😁

[@TheLT704]

Perfect..

[@JeghedderThomas]

Informative! Instructive! Kualalumpur!

[@Didomum]

I think you have learned a lot in a very short time. It looks very hard work, how many locks in one day could a person do?

[@CruisingTheCut]

I did 27 recently - video soon - and it damn near killed me!

[@steveblanchard712]

Hi I'm watching from Brisbane Australia....fascinating...where does the lock water go once its drained..and where does the replenishing water come From?.....seems to me it would all drain away into the sea at some stage...cheers

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hi, the water drains into the next (lower) section of canal. Also, see kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJjXhYibgKaHm8k

[@steveblanchard712]

Hey a light bulb moment.....so it's all self contained and recirculated....I had this idea it was all part of the river system...thank you very much...we live aboard a beneteau oceanis 35 in manly harbour on Moreton bay...no canals here...cheers

[@barrycossins9027]

Hi David I will be interested to know what canal map book or app you prefer to use when navigating... I will be purchasing a boat soon and it will be a babtism of fire to travel from rugby to Burnley... One app I have used tells me it will take 13 days but that is cruising 7 hours a day so I think that might be optimistic.. So I will need to use a stop over in a marina for 3 weeks while I go on my hols with the family then return to finish the trip in time for the wife to go diving.... Any thoughts will be appreciated... Oh by the way this is single handed trip as the dog is more than useless at this type of endeavour..... Its hard enough to get him to follow the sit command without a bribe...

[@CruisingTheCut]

I use Nicholson's Guides but many people also like Pearson's. Seven hours a day solo is a lot, I think.

[@barrycossins9027]

@@CruisingTheCut So do i the thing is stock up for food pubs and other distractions and the urge not to be in a hurry to return to the fold lol

[@barrycossins9027]

So david thank you for your reply

[@TruckingVideos]

Looking good. I know some folk leave their engines on forward tick-over to hold the boat against the bottom gate, although I don't personally do that. When you were opening the bottom gates, did you leap, gazelle-like, across the gap or did you cheat and walk round? ;-)

[@CruisingTheCut]

I leapt, gazelle-like. Don't like the boat pushing itself forward in case you need to pull it back off an obstruction on the gate.

[@johnthorogood6601]

i don't think waterways consider this best practice

[@CardiganBear]

Looks like the Stratford Canal between 2:36 & 2:42!

[@CruisingTheCut]

It might have been, I don't recall exactly where I filmed this.

[@andyvan5692]

nice video, but you forgot the klakson as you "dived the boat"( it was submerging after all).

[@CruisingTheCut]

Can you imagine the cacophony if boaters did that at every lock?!! :-)

[@benjamin2305]

You do gloss over the part where you let the lock gate swing open as you jump onto the other lock gate. Very agile.

[@corydriver7634]

I guess you have your own crank handle for opening the paddles?

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes, all boaters carry one or two of them

[@puffingbilly5632]

Excellent job! Totally unrelated question but could I ask what camera you use? 👍

[@CruisingTheCut]

Sony AX33 camcorder.

[@TheHeadHombre]

Have seen an experienced boaters video where they simply pull the boat out of the lock with the rope, it is going so slowly that you can close the gate as it passes and still be able to jump aboard and continue with your travels.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes you can do that but it's a lot of huffing and puffing if you're as unfit as I am

[@elp9716]

Never, never, NEVER use your foot to control a line, particularly a dock line. One inattentive moment and you could wind up with a loop of line around your ankle and several tons of boat trying to remove your leg from the rest of your body. By the same token, you should never wrap a dock line around your hand to get a better purchase --- if you can't stop the boat by just grabbing the line it's best to let it go and avoid some pretty serious trauma to your hands and arms.

[@CruisingTheCut]

I'm very careful when I step on the line, no loops or suchlike.

[@elp9716]

Hopefully, with a bit of luck, the first time you manage to get a loop around your leg/foot you'll manage to slip out quickly enough or the end result won't be too bad for some other reason. I've seen the consequences that can happen when someone gets a line wrapped around them and it suddenly goes taut. It ain't pretty. Then again, this whole canal boat thing is pretty tame relative to most sailing/boating. So, maybe the levels of caution and seamanship required are a bit more lax.

[@CruisingTheCut]

There are dangers, locks are certainly one of them, but my foot on the rope (usually) only holds it taut with it already wrapped round a bollard so it's not going anywhere.

[@elp9716]

Ultimately it's your call. But I've been around boats (sailboats, power boats, research vessels) for more than four decades and I would never do something like that. Good luck.

[@mannysucik3994]

👋 I just bought a boat and I know some of the locks need key to operate. Where do you get this keys from and are they all the same?? Big fan x Thanks

[@CruisingTheCut]

Most chandleries should stock them

[@wraitholme]

I'm working through your videos from oldest to newest, and for some reason youtube decided not to suggest this one as the next in line. Bit odd really, it's normally pretty good at that sort of thing.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Yes it can be a bit random hence why I added the numbers to the titles!

[@elizabethdorchester5307]

CruisingTheCut lol funniest responce i have seen in years . You somehow manage to be helpful and brilliantly sarcastic at tge same time . I appreciate this is often the point but its the way you deliver it . Iv also been watching all of your videos and best entertainmemt around . Id like to see you get a tv show . Have a nice day . Oh and i found your video on broker's excellent .

[@CruisingTheCut]

Oh. I wasn't trying to be sarcastic, it was a genuine response. Still, glad you enjoy the videos.

[@elizabethdorchester5307]

CruisingTheCut Hi and wow that makes it even better again . You have a nice way with words and deliver informative educated info in a gripping way . If i ever see you id like to buy you a pint or coffee or whatever . Have a great day . Nice genuine gentlemen .

[@JMVideos7676]

If I see KZbin jumping ahead then I simply go up to the search bar and type in "Cruising the Cut" and the number of the next video.

[@paulmiller4316]

Great vids, have spent all day watching them all (should have been wallpapering, in big trouble now !), hope you don't mind me asking but what have you done with your car? btw not intending to steal it or anything.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Haha, I doubt you'd want my 1 litre powerhouse that is a Toyota Aygo. It's been stored.

[@Aaaaaagggghhhhhh]

Another great video, thank you! Quick question if I may (from someone who's never even seen a canal lock, but been through a few river locks) why do you shut the gates when you leave? (if no-one approaching the lock)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Good practice, helps reduce leaks and is easier if someone's following you, saves them a job.

[@Aaaaaagggghhhhhh]

+CruisingTheCut Thank you :)

[@surfearth1]

So if you are going up are their pumps to pump water in or do you just open paddles from the higher water? Can you show us what paddles are?

[@CruisingTheCut]

No pumps. The whole operation of locks is gravity based. You open the paddles at the higher level and the water flows in. There are pumps on the canal system as a whole but not something that boaters ever user. You'll see paddles in the next vlog I'll upload (no 131) in a couple of weeks.

[@janicefluhr8917]

My husband and I are traveling on the Canal du Midi in France in October. I am concerned about the locks as I am the person who will be handling the ropes. We have rented a boat from Le Boat. Do you have any video/tips that will help me learn how to successfully deal with the ropes both going up and down the locks.

[@CruisingTheCut]

This is the only video I've made about lock work. I've never been on the French canals so I don't know what their protocols are for locking and rope handling, sorry.

[@derekraymondlouw]

There are lock keepers on the French canals (including the Midi). They are helpful and will give the necessary guidance. There is nothing to worry about - it is quite easy.

[@eby6114]

Lock up your daughter's lol... Reference to a certain song? So I was watching people arguing about being vegan or eating meat and it really was stressful and thought of your channel. Really appreciate the content as it is informative and calming. I half heartily mention this next tip as I feel your probably not cruising too awful much. Using the waste heat from the drive engine to heat a tank or radiator for some free interior heat. The wife is going on vacation soon so I'll be posting videos again soon. Our baby has put a damper on doing too much video wise. I'll keep you in mind if any seem relevant. You are welcome to use any ideas of course in your videos if they seem relevant. Next drink I'll try will be your gin and tonic and I will raise my glass to you.... Cheers.

[@CruisingTheCut]

The engine does already heat water in a tank, most narrowboats use this system. Cheers

[@contrafax]

I am trying to catch up!!!

[@kenthomson9562]

How many people are picking up on the song title video titles?

[@carocaro1881]

You look very practised even if you had only done a couple of locks at this point.

[@2wheelzarebetter]

BRAVO!

[@CruisingTheCut]

:-)

[@Jerseywonder56]

Fantastico!!

[@Samuel-tg1rn]

Wow. Great video. I do have a question if I may! How do you learn to do all this? Is it from books or paying for tuition? Once I graduate I'd love to live on a narrow boat.

[@CruisingTheCut]

You can pay for tuition; I didn't (although I did do a one-day "narrowboat experience" day on someone's boat). Mostly you learn by experience and by reading the forums, by watching videos and by talking to other boaters.

[@magoo2124]

Thank's for the info on the locking. How long is your boat as I am buying a 70ft narrowboat so going down may be a bit of an issue near the sill (sure i will get used to it though lol)

[@CruisingTheCut]

Mine's 56. Take care :-)

[@lemonye11ow35]

Looks good to me! 😀

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hooray!

[@Gerry1of1]

how big are most locks? I am looking at narrowboat video/tours and some of them are 70 ft long. Are all locks big enough ?

[@CruisingTheCut]

They vary; the maximum boat length to go into 99% of locks is 57 feet (and narrow beam, of course). You can squeeze a 59 footer into some of the short wide locks by going in diagonally at a push.

[@Gerry1of1]

@@CruisingTheCut Thanks for the quick reply. I've been wondering how the 70 footers get along. Seems limited in range due to locks.

[@CruisingTheCut]

It's not that bad - see www.waterwaysworld.com/questionspost.cgi?post=1