Newbies Get Used To The River Trent

[Alan de Enfield]

A narrowboat has been sold from our Marina and was picked up today, the family of 4 left the Marina and 'disappeared into the sunset'.

 

Listening to the Radio chatter a little later it emerged that they were having some problems with the locks.

 

On entering Hazelford lock (to go up) they went completely forward so the bow was against the gate (as you would on the canal). It was suggested by the Lock-Keeper that they should move back, but NO they were happy where they were. Youngster then climbs the ladder holding the centre rope it was suggested that they would be better using the 'sliders' built into the lock wall, but, NO they would hold it on the bollards.

 

Lockie eases open the paddles, boat ripped out of their hands and becomes a ping-pong ball thrashing about from front to back and side to side of the lock. (these are NOT small canal locks !!!!). Paddles drop and boat gets under control and tries again, eventually they exit the lock and continue on their way. Lockie passes on warning to the next lock.

 

Sometimes it pays to take advice !!!!

Edited September 19, 2015 by Alan de Enfield

[NilesMI]

Were they complete newbies (i.e. first time boaters) or just first time on the Trent or other large river?

[MHS]

I see a new debate on who is in charge of a boat. The crew or a lockie?

 

On this occasion the lockie should have put his or her foot down and refused to open the paddles until they complied.

 

If someone had been hurt, he may be liable???

[blackrose]

Stupid cnuts!

[Alan de Enfield]

Were they complete newbies (i.e. first time boaters) or just first time on the Trent or other large river?

 

From the way they handled the boat in the marina (reversing, turning etc) and managing the exit I would say they had some NB experience.

River and River lock experience - from the sound of it - None.

Although not compulsory they did not have life jackets on either.

[Arthur Marshall]

I think it's fairly optional whether you listen to a vlockie. Not listening to the pros is asking for trouble.

[Naughty Cal]

We were an hour in Hazelford Lock going up the other week.

 

Lock was full. Narrowboat at front of lock only using a centre line. Lockie told them to rope up bow and stern but they knew best.

 

Every time he cracked the paddles a bit the boat swung across the lock hitting the widebeam next door.

 

After a few attempts they finally roped up bow and stern and we got the lock filled.

[Alan de Enfield]

C&RT is pushing for increased usage on the Trent - if these are examples of 'canal users coming out' then some serious training needs to be given.