Size restrictions

[Mac of Cygnet]

16 hours ago, blackrose said:

"I plan to be a CCer, not a CMer and want to see most of the UK canal system in my upcoming retirement." Quote from Smiler.

 

Mmmm, how many times have I heard that over the last 18 years on this forum...

 

I'm not saying you won't do it, but I think most people who say it don't end up doing it. Nevertheless if that's your intention then a narrow boat is what you need.

I think quite a few members of this forum have done exactly that, including me.  But perhaps we are not representative of most boaters or retirees.

[oboat]

22 hours ago, IanD said:

Yes, in the very first post -- and he specifically also asked about a 50' x 9' wideboat... 🙂 

 

 

The "57' length restriction" applies to some Northern canals, the Calder & Hebble has the shortest locks you're likely to encounter. The official maximum length for these is 57'6", so long are you don't mind getting damp occasionally. They're wide locks so with considerable care (and by getting even wetter) a narrowboat up to 60' can get through -- I've done this as have several others who post on CWDF -- but this isn't recommended for beginners, hence the more common "57' maximum" rule.

 

https://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/calder/locks.htm

We were 58'6" on the C&H and the HBC no problems. 

 

Edited March 17, 2025 by oboat

[LadyG]

7 hours ago, oboat said:

We were 58'6" on the C&H and the HBC no problems. 

 

"We" suggests one person on the boat and one operating the lock, for a novice single hander a 57ft boat would be easier to handle and they are more common / popular.

Edited March 17, 2025 by LadyG

[alan_fincher]

16 hours ago, oboat said:

We were 58'6" on the C&H and the HBC no problems. 

 

 

What were you on other canals?

[hoopdriver]

My boat is 58’ and I’m a single hander and presently thinking about taking the C&H and HBC as a means of getting off the Yorkshire waterways.  

[oboat]

5 hours ago, hoopdriver said:

My boat is 58’ and I’m a single hander and presently thinking about taking the C&H and HBC as a means of getting off the Yorkshire waterways.  

I would advise you have a second person on board. 

On some locks it can be a long walk to a minor incident. for instance the Gate gear on the bottom lock of the HBC can catch on a boats bow going down. 

When we did the HNC it could take two people to open some of the gates. But don't let the horror stories put you off, just take it slow. We did it no problems