Tiller1

Some truth at last.

Which you have succeeded in doing by thinking a mis-quote is the same as paraphrasing. Lol. Which you have succeeded in doing by thinking a mis-quote is the same as paraphrasing. Lol.

You misquoted what YOU posted first, not me. silly billy.

You have just misquoted what you posted. I will assume it's still stuck then. Thank you.

Can you confirm whether you are present at the scene Paul? I took your previous post to mean the 'wait is over' and the boat is clear. We are heading that way.

This is also a very valid possibility although I suspect most of the shallow V would just sink into the silt. I got the impression from Paul C's post it's been cleared now. Is that correct?

Thank you for this Gazza.

I think everyone was joking. Gazza is correct to point out the additional uses of fenders on rivers. On the canal they should just be used to stop boats going bump in the night.

I'm sure this Springer has been through it's fair share of narrow locks too. Ok, we'll just wait until a boat gets stuck then. I wonder how the hire boats are getting on?

My question was based on not being able to bang pins in. I can say the few narrow boats I've passed with mud weights didn't move so it seems to work. I've also been told it's a good option on the Thames if you wan't to avoid mooring fees!

Not sure why anyone leaves them down after setting off though. Surely it just increases the risk of forgetting to pull them up when you enter a lock.

It is possible it is the boat , but when locks are nicknamed banana lock, or tight lock, it gives it away really.

Not forgetting ramblers, fishermen, dog walkers and alike.

Because they sunk. Seriously, some designed for narrow boats, like the thin long black one's don't float. River type fenders being depolyed on a widebeam in a wide canal lock has got to be a bad idea. Don't forget any boat stuck in a lock inconveniences others.

If it means more visitor moorings are freed up for others, that's got to be a good thing. I'll ask next time I see a C&RT official.

You started it...lol

I thought that was only a problem using an anchor.

We were in a lock on the upper Thames just recently where a plastic boat got it's fender rope stuck on a chain. It caused the boat to crash down violently into us. So yes, little knowledge is dangerous.

I've noticed a few narrow boats use mud weights to moor up in places where it's impossible to tie up. Can anyone recommend what is required in terms of sufficient weights, positions, warp and chain to prevent a full size narrow boat from shifting into the middle of the canal when boats go past? I saw one boat deploy them fwd, aft and middle for example.

You just beat me to that one. I presume the lock walls on rivers and the fens have no appendages to snag a side fender then?

Snipe noted. Buckland lock was already nicknamed the banana lock due to the bulge in the wall. I have every respect for C&RT when they get things right. Seeing the number of lock walls gradually getting worse over the years, I'm not impressed with the prioritisation in the office department.

I'm just expressing how strongly I feel about it. I assume most boats are kept in a marina these days. Mine was. Aren't all boats precious to their owners? Have you ever been wedged in a lock by another boat who has it's side fenders deployed? It's veey frightening to see the water lap around your back door. If anyone here still leaves their side fenders down in locks, please could they explain their thought process. The only excuses I can come up with are laziness or forgetfulness.

Perhaps it's become wedged in by a pile of fenders which have been broken off over the years. More seriously, the lock wall may have broken down due to lack of maintenence. After all a lock did cave in on the Aylesbury arm a while back. Lets hope it's something simple to correct.

Maybe it's a banana or has a wide point under the water line. Thanks for the information.

Side fenders sometimes help prevent banging around when you are moored up, but that is the only advantage. Anyone still using them in locks need to stop with immediate effect. They are dangerous. I've been wedged in a lock with another boat who's owner insisted on deploying them on both sides. Side fenders on a narrow boat offer bugger all protection in the event of a side impact from another narrow boat anyway. As someone else said, that's why your boat builder put rubbing streaks on it for you. If you are that worried about your precious boat kissing something, please stay in the marina.