Dry suit for unfouling the prop

[BWM]

One thing that will make using a boat hook easier is to find a lower section of towpath as the angle is much more user friendly, a set of chest waders may be useful for the odd occasion you need to take a dip in all but the deepest water. 

 

[Bee]

A brimfull lock is good too. Our boat has no weed hatch, it has a long counter stern and to build a weed hatch into it would be pretty awkward and you would need arms 4' long.  The plus side is that if you get to shallow water you can get good access by paddling, Welly boots are good though or the crayfish nibble your toes (and in some parts of France the huge catfish don't bother with toes, they take your foot off)

[LadyG]

18 hours ago, Mad Harold said:

I knew someone with a Dutch Barge without a weed hatch and a overhanging stern,with a duvet around the prop.

After many failed attempts to clear it,in desperation he drained a pound and spent a couple of hours in the mud pulling bits of duvet off his prop.

He got a major rollocking from CRT!

Apparently it's the method recommended by professionals, I'll say no more 😊

[bizzard]

On 29/11/2021 at 11:49, NB Alnwick said:

We have a weed hatch but it is so awkward to get to that many years ago we just sealed it up with mastic and it has been blacked over ever since.

For the last fifteen years I have always used the boat hook to remove anything from the prop and this has usually worked - I have only had to get in and under a couple of times and a hot shower is a lot cheaper than a wetsuit!

Ah, Graham, you clear the prop in your birthday suit then.