How I go through locks on my own

Taking my narrowboat, the Naughty Lass, along the Huddersfield Broad, I show you how difficult it can be filming yourself going through a lock on your own!
All links to my Twitter, Instagram, Patreon (Crank It Crew) etc are here on my website: robbiecumming.com
A few people have asked of they can buy me a ‘virtual pint’! If that’s you just follow this link! Thank you! Https://paypal.me/crankit

[@MrCptjohn]

Very informative Robbie,especially ,for those new to boating as locks can be very daunting for many first timers,vlogs like these paint the real picture in real time,another cracking vlog mate take care respect.👌👍

[@RobbieCumming]

Thank you glad you appreciate it 👍

[@lvi3818]

The locks in Ontario Canada have plastic coated cables hanging down inside the locks, anchored at the top and bottom and spaced about 6-8 feet apart. Pull up to the cable, flip your line around the cable and secure it to the boat. Now the boat will stay close to the wall and won't pull forward or backwards when it fills. The rope loop will slide up or down the cable as the lock fills and drains, so the boater doesn't need to worry about it.

[@JT-qn5qv]

That's a lovely video of a beautiful part of God's County. I tackle locks single-handed by staying off the boat as much as possible and moving it as much by using the lines. That way I avoid using the ladder except once. Ideally, I'd fit a radio-control so I wouldn't have to touch the boat throughout the entire process! #lazyBoater

[@wendyflanagan5738]

I am trying to curb my addiction to watching these great vlogs.It was good to hear about the Vegan options in the pub. Greatly appreciated information from this vlog. Thanks Robbie.

[@oscartravis5740]

Hi Robbie, I recently binge watched your brilliant BBC4 series and got inspired to take my first canal trip, just learning the nuts and bolts from your vlogs here before I go. Thanks mate and keep up the great work :-)

[@ianofsjkartwork]

Well explained Robbie.....thanks for sharing

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Thankyou for sharing you singlehandedly working the locks. Some useful tips.

[@kelstorm2545]

My relative had a big part in building Huddersfield Broad Canal. Thanks for such a great video.

[@fat_tommo_goes_boating]

Great info, thanks Robbie

[@georgeblankinship4745]

Thanks for the video, Robbie, Take care.

[@TheBEERSTALKER]

I would enjoy a pint at the King's Head pub. Any pub that has Timothy Taylor's on is going to be a good pub! Lovely pint that Landlord Ale! Enjoying your videos from Indianapolis, Indiana USA. Safe travels! Cheers! :D

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

Yes , it is nice of you. Thank you.

[@JMS98989]

I always click like....before I have even watched the video! 😆

[@RobbieCumming]

Ha ha thanks James it’s always appreciated!

[@christinegibbins6105]

Many thanks Robbie, take care

[@stephenpegum9776]

I really like your "warts 'n all" style of presentation Robbie. Even though I've only done 2 separate weeks' canal cruising (many years apart !), I am well aware of the difficulties of "going it alone" on the network, so more power to your proverbial elbow !!

[@christophermason314]

Excellent tutorial....cant wait get my boat, I to will be doing the locks on my own, few years yet though..

[@michaelpilling9659]

Bravo Robbie! You must have muscles where ordinary humans don't have any! Superb video old friend. Be careful on the river please

[@marianillingworth4403]

10/10 for the vlog. Video was fantastic, clean with no blurring or shaking. Music, not too intrusive. Speech; clear, concise and interesting. Luckily I’m part of a couple so it was interesting to see how a solo boater manages.

[@donovancrosby7043]

You probably dont give a damn but does anybody know of a trick to log back into an instagram account?? I somehow forgot my account password. I love any help you can offer me

[@ottotobias5870]

@Donovan Crosby Instablaster :)

[@donovancrosby7043]

@Otto Tobias Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@donovancrosby7043]

@Otto Tobias it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much, you really help me out!

[@ottotobias5870]

@Donovan Crosby No problem :)

[@jiloute22]

I really like, instructive video

[@adrianoclincho1852]

The King's Head looks like a pub one could hang out in for sure ALE!!!

[@windsorlad1000]

Looking forward to this year's BV canal boat diaries, Robbie.

[@paultelegdi2360]

Thanks Robbie. I love to see so much green along the canal when I have white saturation in real life. Snow, snow everywhere. Shovel, shovel, shovel. It’s fun to try to figure out how you must have set up the camera then go back to get the sequence of shots you want. Then go and get the camera. For every hour doing that there must be another hour of editing to cut out the back and forth parts.

[@RobbieCumming]

Exactly Paul!! Wow sounds like you’re looking forward to spring time!

[@jugglerjim01]

The Kings Head is a cracking pub, always a stop off on the Rail Ale tour 😎

[@roberttyler6454]

Hello there, enjoyable veiwing n Very interesting good camera work Thank you for sharing your video cheers take care see you soon

[@elizabethwightman9632]

Enjoyed your video again. Looks like you're loving your life on board The Naughty Lass

[@RobbieCumming]

It’s hard work but definitely worth it!

[@1258-Eckhart]

That's exactly my sort of pub of the week - calm and decorous.

[@RobbieCumming]

Excellent, glad you liked it

[@MoonRakerAfloat]

Professional confidence is shining through now, Robbie, and the video is excellent. The effort was worth every minute - or more likely, hour. Thank you.

[@RobbieCumming]

Thank you, you are too kind 😊

[@petemitchel5622]

Totally doing it wrong.

[@RobbieCumming]

Ha ha ok I challenge you to go through that same lock and do it better!

[@petemitchel5622]

@@RobbieCumming easy pal nearly 40 years CRT/BWB, tip, never tie to lock ladders, people like you are the reason the handles are snapped off.

[@floydskifloyd2870]

Keep the vids coming 👍

[@clixbits]

Thanks so much for the video.

[@RobbieCumming]

You’re welcome!!

[@briangrundy426]

North cut at Brighouse has the best chip shop we have ever been to!!

[@MegaSuperpotter]

Brilliant!

[@ronbearman6783]

Hi Robbie Nice to see lock operation how you do it solo looking forward to seeing the video

[@ianackroyd4712]

Brilliant vlog as always Robbie & sound quality has definitely improved 👌

[@RobbieCumming]

That’s great to know thanks Ian 😊👍

[@davemanning874]

Top vid again you are just too good. !!!

[@RobbieCumming]

Ah thanks Dave - still got loads I’d like to improve on though!!

[@jasonbrant6394]

Travelled this canal in September last year ,really surprised it had a country side feel for most of its length despite being in continuous suburban areas . Interesting to see a single handers problems with various locks and gate issues must be a lot more time consuming than having at least one crew . Ended up with our boat un manned in the middle of the cut here due to hopping off to shut the gates as I left ,quite funny looking back but not so much at the time. Great vid rob ,oh HAPPY New year

[@RobbieCumming]

Cheers Jason!

[@ColinBenbow]

Enjoyed the vlog, I was born in North of England not far from Huddersfield narrow canal.

[@REDRedfernOP]

As a newbie CCer these are great videos to watch mate ... keep up the good work ... Red

[@Symze67]

Doesn't’’t it make you ridiculously happy when you’re coming out of a lock and you see a boat coming the other way so you don’t have to stop and close it? It’s a Tea and biscuit moment for me

[@RobbieCumming]

Absolutely!

[@JackDogSteve-jr9js]

Cool, Thanks!

[@user-kb1ir7dy8j]

Aww dewsbury , my home town... Back in the day , the river used to change colour, as the factories used to discharge the dye into the river after use....how times have changed

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

My...all of the fiddly parts!!! With that locke.

[@PaulBaird]

Having the centre line to hand is a great idea. There are times when coming down a lock, I'll pull the boat in rather than use the engine. Also, I prefer to open just one paddle if I'm on my own, so that the water flow is lower and I can then control the boat with that centre line more easily.

[@begannese]

Kings head, hands down!

[@dawnmarybeaumont7237]

Hi Robbie, nice vlog. I was born in Huddersfield. That last lock before the river Calder was where my Mum and Dads friends lived. My "aunty" Emma was the lock keeper. Our house, was up to the left. Built over a foundry, It looked on to that lock and the river. The houses were knocked down and It eventually became a car pitch for Landrover, until recently. Those locks actually looked quite good. The Calder and Hebble towards Wakefield are disgraceful. Its like CRT don't know it exists. Needs some brass spending on it.

[@RobbieCumming]

Interesting thanks Dawn

[@hughcarson6837]

Good tutorial, should do more of it.

[@RobbieCumming]

Thanks Hugh we’ll see!

[@stewartwilliamreid7091]

Hi Robbie I have been watching since 2017 on and off Stewart William

[@robertthrossell4321]

Absolutely loved this vid, I'm trying to catch up with all ur vlogs but I'm doing so in a very random order 🙄...

[@digsdrains]

therapy besides my Aussie Shiraz ..is hearing "Pubbb of the weeek" Aaaahhhhh

[@sweetbriars2978]

Hi Robbie. I think you'll find that in most cases you can save yourself a bit of time and trouble (the bit you don't like) by just stopping the boat immediately past the exit gate(s), get off, close the gate, and jump back on. The boat shouldn't be going anywhere for few minutes but you can keep an eye on it in case it starts to drift (leave the stern rope off).

[@andrewdennis6654]

Seems to me that the key thing about the centre line is to wrap at round anything available, and safe, to prevent it falling into the lock, so you can use it to manoeuvre your boat if necessary. Obviously, it's more tricky in wide locks (some of those going down to Chester are vicious!). Andy, Nb Whiskey Mac.

[@andreasstratigopoulos6508]

cool!

[@cockleshellzero3893]

I saw a neat lock trick on another video. The guy used a rope attached to his stern, and as he steered the boat into the lock, he lassoed the the upright posts on the gates, and just let the momentum of the boat pull the gates shut after him.

[@ericfoster3636]

That was a lot of yanking for the cranking!

[@thecanucklehead7351]

Pretty sure any vandal worth his salt and willing to carry a crank around with him is going to get himself a key (but ho-hum). It is incredible the amount of effort those tw@s will put in to get up to mischief - boggles the mind sometimes.

[@shaneobrien5916]

AND THE POLICE TURN A BLIND EYE FOR 15 YEARS

[@fdsfpvquadventures1141]

You can lift some paddles without a windlass, at least enough to loose a load of water.

[@thecanucklehead7351]

@@fdsfpvquadventures1141 If not by hand, an adjustable spanner will work in a pinch (says the man who dropped both his cranks in the canal on the same day)

[@fdsfpvquadventures1141]

The Canucklehead I am sure I will manage that feat in future! I drop stuff all the time, it’s a miracle nothing has ended up in the water on my trips.

[@craigelliott4338]

Just goes to show it's not always pimms o'clock, however, chilling out is always better when you've worked hard.

[@womblingsimian]

Is this your first proper vlog after the Beeb stuff? It's a good one. Great to hear you got a series 2.

[@RobbieCumming]

It’s not actually, I filmed it inbetween episodes 3 & 4! Thank you!

[@briangrundy426]

OHHH Hand spikes!!!

[@grahamwestgate1192]

Feelin a bit fed-up Robbie?! You appear a little disenchanted with narrowboat life? I do hope it’s just a passing phase, I enjoy your vlogs and your TV series must be the best canal based TV program I’ve seen! Here’s hoping you’re just a bit “SAD”, it’s that time of year after all. Go find yourself a good pub of the week! All the best.

[@RobbieCumming]

I’m very happy thanks, sorry if I gave the impression I was fed up - it is not easy doing what I do and equally hard to smile and joke all the way through, and would you want that?!😜

[@grahamwestgate1192]

Robbie, sorry if I gave you the impression I was criticising, I was just concerned for you! Running single handed for a long period can be quite depressing, especially during the winter. The “SAD” comment was referring to Seasonal Affected Disorder, not being sad! Your vlogs are brilliant, you strike just the right balance between informative and entertaining, I don’t think anyone would want you to change that! It was just concern for a fellow boater, we “viewers” get involved with the vloggers we follow, and view you as friends, so can’t help feeling concerned, please don’t look upon my comment as criticism!👍😃

[@whatliesbeneathurbanexplor1631]

I have a shetland 644 and planning on bringing her down the canal

[@rwbimbie5854]

wow.. the most literal sense of Lift Bridge

[@RobbieCumming]

Exactly what I thought!

[@pjmaynes8747]

Decisions, decisions!

[@jjkjc]

Good tutorial, thanks! I know next to nothing about locks and narrowboats, but I was a bit concerned about the loose drawstrings of your hoodie flapping around next to the machinery. Do take care! :)

[@RobbieCumming]

You’re welcome 8^)

[@38thfoot]

Just binge watched your canal diaries on iPlayer; I’m taking ownership of a boat in spring and will be bringing her back from rugby to Manchester probably on my own so really interesting to watch your techniques. Seems from the videos you dont always moor up in locks as “naughty lass” is often diagonal across the lock? Is this the case or do you usually tie up alongside with the centre line?

[@RobbieCumming]

Ah great thanks! Not sure what you mean, some times the wind just catches the boat in the bottom a wide lock and it’s just too much effort to pull it parallel to the lock walls

[@38thfoot]

@@RobbieCumming do you always tie off with a least the centre line?

[@RobbieCumming]

With my boat, and this may differ with others or if you have a crew - yes, I always use the centre line, always ready at the stern so I can grab it and tie up easily

[@tonyroberts4742]

Don't tie up to ladders or handrails, use bollards or put your foot on a long centre line. My pet hate loose ladders or bent handrails

[@RobbieCumming]

Thanks for the comment Tony. You should never put your weight on any lines as a sudden pull could cause you to fall. Single handing is difficult as I’m sure you appreciate, you need to properly secure your boat on double locks whilst operating paddles and gates and sometimes tying ropes around (not ‘up to’) ladders is the only option.

[@wulfherecyning1282]

7:39 "Okay s'this this me coming into..." Google on my phone: "Oh! Did you say my name? Was it my name? Let me interrupt, was it for me? Can I help? How can I help? Aren't I a wonderful tool?" :/

[@DesdomonaChild]

I have a question. When the lock has 2 gates to open, how do you get over the canal to open the other gate ? Do you have to get back in the boat, and move it to the other side, so you can then get out on that side to open the opposite gate ? Sorry but its bothering me xx

[@wb7181]

Newbie question. How do you get across the lock to shut the far gate? Do you have to go back onto the boat and up the opposite ladder?

[@RobbieCumming]

You generally have to walk along the closed gates or bridge if there is one - sometimes if locking up I’ll jump on the boat and glide it across though!

[@BernieYohan]

You Crank It right through of course!

[@sandraholmes7002]

Hi Robbie, I have been following your adventures along the canal, and really enjoy your videos. I would like to buy you a drink, could you please le me know how I can do this? Keep up the brilliant and very entertaining vidoes. I live in Devon, and wonder if you have been along any of the canals down south.

[@RobbieCumming]

Ah thanks Sandra that’s very kind of you. I’ve just updated the video description with the link - paypal.me/crankit I started on the Kennet and Avon, which is certainly as far South West as you can get on the system - but I do know of a canal in Devon (which sadly does not allow motorized craft!)

[@sandraholmes7002]

@@RobbieCumming Hi Robbie, I have tried to send money to your paypal account, I have only just got paypal, and have not sent money through it before. I tried clicking on the link you provided, but it read, 'loaction not found' I am a little confused now, and not sure how to send some money to you. If you can think of anything I need to do in order to use paypal. Thank you

[@RobbieCumming]

🙀 Sorry Sandra have fixed it now try it again!

[@sandraholmes7002]

@@RobbieCumming Hi Robbie yes, all working, and money sent over now for you to have a pint on me for making these great videos.

[@pauldawson2726]

That was very interesting. The open access to operating the bridge lift and locks was interesting also. I do not think that is something you'd find in the U.S. What if someone just left both sides of the locks entirely open? What if someone just left the bridge lift up?

[@RobbieCumming]

It’s physically impossible to have both gates open. Literally, physics would not allow it. Think about what a lock enables boats to do, the varying water levels and the sheer pressure water can apply. You could leave al the paddles open and that’s why they have the extra security measures in place. The bridge - that’s a good one, it’s not open access unless you have a special British Waterways key, and to leave it open would mean leaving your key in the mechanism, it’s as simple as that! Thanks for making these points I will have to be clearer in future videos! 👍

[@pauldawson2726]

@@RobbieCumming Certainly. You may find it interesting to read about the emergency repair on the Bonneville Dam in North Bonnevile, WA / Cascade Locks, OR that occurred I think in September. There was a leak in a sill of the locks that the Army Corps of Engineer worked around the clock non-stop to repair. The repair held up all ship traffic to the east including large shipments of grain and other natural resources to other continents. It's also the river that Lewis and Clark traveled to the Pacific Ocean.

[@philrunwater8733]

@@RobbieCumming po

[@nickhickton2395]

When you're leaving a lock, is there no way you can loop your stern rope over the post at the end of the lock gate and use it to pull the gate closed behind you as you leave, to avoid having to stop again to close the gate afterwards ?

[@RobbieCumming]

You would have to do that to two gates in most cases and make sure rope is fastened at both ends. One boater I know has two boathooks to close gates behind him but he’s much bigger and stronger than me!

[@ambrsanford3703]

Was this recorded in January? It looks almost summerish...

[@RobbieCumming]

No, it’s definitely alot colder in January here and less leaves on the trees etc - it was filmed in June - next part of the journey is even more summerish ☀️☀️☀️☀️

[@martinwatson1984]

Is there such thing a disabled moorings

[@joepineapples7774]

Was the Venice video removed?. Didn't get chance to watch it :/

[@RobbieCumming]

Hi Joe yes it was a mistake, a draft version, the final cut will be up in a bit 🤓👍

[@lizbirb4851]

I have a question! So a friend of mine is selling me his old canal boat and its going to be my first boat. I want to completely renovated the entire thing, including taking all the walls down and starting from scratch. Is this a good idea or do the walls hold some structure to the boat?

[@RobbieCumming]

If you mean interior walls no thats fine as they should be fixed to joists attached to the steel. Sounds like a project! Good luck!

[@lizbirb4851]

@@t1n4444 ill definitely get it surveyed beforehand. Hes offered me a really good price for it already and there's not too much work to be done. And I don't want to push my DIY skills to the limits as it'd gunna be a bit of trial and effor haha. I'll also be mooring it permanently so buying it from him will already have the mooring..

[@suzuka8235]

Please let me know the first music, looked on his music but can't find it!

[@RobbieCumming]

Ah yeah sorry that one will be coming out for download/streaming soon, but for now you can find it on soundcloud: soundcloud.com/cobedy/boatwave

[@WeirdWackyWonderfool]

5:30 for start of the how to

[@rodendz3153]

Oh, so this fella is still around. I thought maybe he'd gone back to regular land lubber life.

[@Bammyja]

I know what you mean about mooring on the other side so you can close the gates, makes it such a tiring job being on your own. Amazing how tired you are at the end of the day!

[@RobbieCumming]

Cheers Chris yes I think that is exactly what I was trying to say!

[@colinstobbart599]

Just thought you might like to know you have just been on spanish TV on a program called Zapeando talking about narrowboats.

[@RobbieCumming]

Fantastic how funny thanks Colin!

[@colinstobbart599]

Robbie Cumming they were talking about a spanish actress that lives in London on a narrowboat or widebeam not sure which I think she was in a Harry Potter film

[@averynarrowjourney2414]

Hi what do you use to cut out the wind noise x

[@RobbieCumming]

Little fluffy mic covers!

[@averynarrowjourney2414]

Robbie Cumming thanks - so you use an external mic on your iPhone?

[@jasonwoods3711]

Moor at the bottom gates rather than go to the lock mooring ! Much easier and quicker ... Most have steps at the side

[@RobbieCumming]

Not this one unfortunately

[@RayM53]

Is your rev counter knackered?

[@RobbieCumming]

No it’s just it only comes on when the alternator isn’t connected!

[@briansteward8873]

all they need is a pair of mole grips(I have seen them do it Robbie)

[@RobbieCumming]

I see! Cheers Brian

[@martinkaye1801]

Hi Robbie. I've just tried to watch the video you uploaded today about Venice but it says it's a private video🙁

[@RobbieCumming]

Yep it was the wrong version - uploaded by mistake - but don’t worry you’ll see the final version very soon!

[@martinkaye1801]

@@RobbieCumming thankyou. I look forward to getting notifications when you've posted new vlogs😀

[@garym518]

Hand spike paddles would love to go back in time and ask the inventor WHY?!!!!

[@cyberi4a]

Have to give credit to single boaters like you, I'd do one lock on my own and say, nope, not doing anymore.....LOL

[@fredfish8918]

I guees it must be harder for you. Jono has molly to steer him out of trouble if need be :)

[@RobbieCumming]

Ha ha yes I suppose so! I always imagine a dog to make things more difficult esp when filming this sort of thing so Jono must be v talented/strict!!

[@iandethridge7765]

Robbie do you know when CBD is going to be repeated on BBC please? Best rgds Ian

[@RobbieCumming]

No I don’t I’m sorry.

[@GaryB007]

Surely you can afford to hire someone to do that for you now :)

[@RobbieCumming]

😎

[@russjones4034]

I hear Meghan and Harry might need a job. Or as I call them 'ASDA with Crowns.' Just an opinion.

[@simoncraven4541]

@@RobbieCumming you look like a very happy chap Robbie

[@dreams..forlove1402]

So nice pic i see here.town nice.i love almost all boat.you are so handsome men.ok..my love there and have souper times.

[@mitchkahle314]

Robbie, I think you meant "single handling" not "single handing" - unless you've tied one behind your back.

[@RobbieCumming]

No it is actually widely known as ‘single handing’ as strange as that may be!

[@garfstiglz3981]

Wouldn’t it be great if the CRT could fit all new lock gates with eye bolts so that individual boaters could pull the gates closed with a barge pole from the boat as it exited to save mooring up.

[@AtomSmasher5]

Gasometer at 4:20

[@lynhughes6070]

I have just found you I'm sorry.I will find you again.

[@nickpercy2266]

@za

[@arthurjobe4870]

Small point, Iain is pronounced exactly the same as Ian..... just so you know!

[@RobbieCumming]

Now I know! Thank you, and apologies to all Iains out there

[@arthurjobe4870]

@@RobbieCumming Hahaha, no dramas bud. Happy cruising.

[@johnsparks9111]

ey up robbie im moored brighouse basin give me a shout ill do rivergates for u

[@RobbieCumming]

Cheers John v kind - was last there in June I’m afraid

[@stilcrazychris]

I myself do not call that easy. Looks like to me it's a pain in the ass to jump on land, tie up boat, take a key or whatever you called it earlier & I was to lazy to rewind the video to hear what you called it, my bad sorry, unscrew that part of the lock to put your wrench on that part of the lock, open the doors, jump back on your boat after you untie the line, putt putt your boat thru the lock, jump back off your boat, tie it up again, walk back to the lock, close the gates, lower the part that you cranked up before, put the key back on & screw the two parts together, untie your boat yet again, then off to the next 250 locks on that part of the canal. DID I MISS ANY PART OF THAT OPEN & CLOSING OF THE LOCK? IF I DID. OH PLEASE DO CORRECT ME IF I MADE A MISTAKE I WOULD HATE TO OF MISSED ANY STEPS ON THAT. OMG CALL ME LAZY, I would sell my boat so damn fast if I had to do all those steps or I would cruise somewhere else where there wasn't any locks...... lol.... Oh how I do love & appreciate are waterways here in Missouri. Thank God we didn't have a drunk engineer working on our water ways........ YEAH OH YEAH to lazy me. I'm not trying to disrespect your water travels. I'm just being honest about it all & my honesty gets me in a lot of trouble. So I would rather have an honest subscriber who had my back then one blowing smoke up my ass.... lol... So I'm sorry to you & all your English waterway fans if I hurt your feelings. Keep on CRANKING & doing what makes you happy. Have a wonderful week, Chris from Missouri

[@RobbieCumming]

Thanks Chris you got it!

[@tonypetchey6024]

People will watch this and try going through on one gate, IMO terrible practice, thats why the majority of gates leak. It only takes a few minutes longer to open both.

[@RobbieCumming]

Well people will intrepret things however they like but at least you and I will be setting a good example Tony!