Long barge pole

[magnetman]

The best way to free a canal boat from being grounded is by using a stout wooden plank as a lever. 

 

Much stronger than a wooden pole. 

[OldGoat]

FWIW - The last time I hsed a wooden pole to free the bow, it broke and as there seemed to be a shortage of trees tall enugh for my needs,

 

Soo - I made a new one  out of  1 1/2" aluminium tube.

It's

lighter,

a good length,

doesn't rot or corrode

does the job

 

 

[GUMPY]

3 hours ago, magnetman said:

The best way to free a canal boat from being grounded is by using a stout wooden plank as a lever. 

 

Much stronger than a wooden pole. 

Poles are for pushing

Planks are for levering (using the edge)

It was always thus:

 

Just a pity most modern boaters don't know this.

 

 

 

 

2 hours ago, OldGoat said:

FWIW - The last time I hsed a wooden pole to free the bow, it broke and as there seemed to be a shortage of trees tall enugh for my needs,

 

Soo - I made a new one  out of  1 1/2" aluminium tube.

It's

lighter,

a good length,

doesn't rot or corrode

does the job

 

 

 

 

Mine are 50mm diameter and are at least 20 years old, been on 3 boats now.

Edited August 8, 2020 by Loddon

[LadyG]

On 05/06/2020 at 17:44, mrsmelly said:

Dont you just love it when some numpty usualy in a fifty footer or smaller moors either in or very close to the winding hole? ?

Or at Drakeshole tunnel exit, tied to a convenient tree!

Must be a bit annoying when folks have to pole off you in order to turn 90 Degrees....

I ran aground big time later that night, used my big wooden boathook twixtboat and bank, and lots of revs to get free.

Doing a rain dance: Clayworth.

Edited August 8, 2020 by LadyG

[LadyG]

3 hours ago, magnetman said:

The best way to free a canal boat from being grounded is by using a stout wooden plank as a lever. 

 

Much stronger than a wooden pole. 

Plank was too short, but I got off, after an hour or so!

Pole/boathook is a bit more curved than it once was.

Edited August 8, 2020 by LadyG

[Tony Brooks]

3 hours ago, OldGoat said:

FWIW - The last time I hsed a wooden pole to free the bow, it broke and as there seemed to be a shortage of trees tall enugh for my needs,

 

Soo - I made a new one  out of  1 1/2" aluminium tube.

It's

lighter,

a good length,

doesn't rot or corrode

does the job

 

 

 

I I stuck the old pole down the middle of my aluminium tube so it resisted kinking and bending better than an open tube. Made tapered wooden bungs for both ends, hammered them in with epoxy so it floated.

Edited August 8, 2020 by Tony Brooks