.I would like advice on how to handle a narrow Boat single handed.?

Answer 1

The first answer is wrong. simply wrong.

Its easy to navigate around the UK inland waterways single handed.

So lets do locks, seeing as though the first person says its impossible.

going up....

Moor up under the lock using the single roof rope. - single hitch

set your lock, open the gates.

Steer in. set off at slow walking pace, set neutral.
Hop off onto the low entrance and run up the bank holding the roof line.
slow the boat to a stop, throw the roof rope away from the lock so it doesn't fall in.
close gates.
fill up slowly, holding the boat with the roof line.
Once you are half full you can normally open both paddles fully and pop back to hold the boat.
open gates
cruise out but stop with the stern in the top neck.
hope off, close gates/paddles.
away you go.

going down....
moor up using roof line
Set lock, cruise in
hop off, close gate
open both bottom paddles fully, hold boat with roof line
open gates
pull boat forward with roof line, leave boat drifting forward but dont let go of the roof line
close gates/paddles
down the bank, and off you go.
With a bit pf practice the stern will just be drifting out of the bottom of the lock and you can hop straight on.

widebeam locks take slightly longer but still fine - i've done the K&A and GU with no issues

Once you get used to is, you can also fit in making a cup of tea at the same time, saves you have the moor up or leave the stern while cruising.

All moves should be deliberate and controlled for safety. You can work fast without rushing. Step across bottom lock gates, no jumping or running.

I do not not think it needs to be more than 10% slower than 2 or more people operating a lock.

easy.....

If you are new to narrowboating, try to get out soon, before the holiday season starts - the locks and navigation will be quiet and you can clock up your lock-miles and work out your methods without intefering with others.

Always keep your roof rope and windlass to hand - laid across the roof to the stern.

....just seen a boat come up our canal ( the Monty ) in the driving snow today....nice one Mr Whoever, that looked great cruising in a complete white out.. He shouted across "hello, this is great" and was having a whale of a time by himself.

Answer 2

I'm the captain of a 30 foot with 10.5 foot beam crusier. The boat I owned before that was a 24 foot boat with a 8 foot beam. I travel the Erie Canal, lock through the locks. Boat on Cayuga and Senca lake. The 27 foot locks on the Oswego Canal going to Lake Ontario. I average 500 + miles a season on the lakes and canals.Most of the time I'm solo or feel better doing all the work myself. My advice is to practice close manuvering. You will make mistakes. My worst was ending up side ways at lock 33 on the Erie Canal. That was 5 yrs ago, My last canal trip it was very windy. I tied up the boat alone with a 20 knot wind off the beam. I know guys that love golf. Its a challenge to do better that the last game, mine is boating. I saw advice to wear a life jacket. I do when ever I'm on deck. Or in choppy waters. Take that advice, think through never panic. If it dosen't work out back up and try again. If you rush things you will get into problems

Answer 3

I have been a boater for a long time and the one thing that's for sure is you can never have enough time on the water with two hands. Anything can happen out there and you need as much help as possible. I would suggest
1 always have someone else in the boat just in case.
2 practice in areas that are forgiving
3 practice some more
4 have a very new four stroke engine or inboard (engine problems can be disastrous even to the most experienced two handed boaters.
5 stay away from windy days!!!!!!

Answer 4

It's possible, certainly, I've done it, but far from easy.

F'rinstance, when you come to a lock, you'll have to moor up before you go to operate the gates, instead of just laying alongside & putting someone on the towpath, and the long drawn out palaver may not make you terribly popular, though other canal users will probably help.

Leading the ropes to where you can always get at them, like has already been said, helps, as does some very careful forethought and working out what you'll do in every scenario.

I'd strongly suggest some experience first.

Answer 5

I have done it many times but is a bit difficult. I f possible try to travel with another boat. Extend your bow rope and lay it along the roof so you can hold it when you get off the boat at the stern. Also extend your stern rope so you can throw it up when you go into an empty lock If you haven't been on a narrow boat before don't try it.

Answer 6

I love both fruits and fruit and vegetables better, regardless how they look and taste. You desire a little of both.

Answer 7

In the event it's a fruit it includes seeds, otherwise it's a vegetable. And vegetables are usually grown in the ground while fruits are grown in trees.

Answer 8

The Cat can look after that Llama for you. Plus he can allow you to borrow the Monkey on his decrease back. in simple terms positioned the Monkey on ideal of the mailbox and supply him a 2 via 4 produced from English Oak. Then invite "Tigris' over to consume him.

Answer 9

Wear a lifejacket at all times... there won't be anyone aboard to call for help or turn around; should you be tossed overboard.

Answer 10

id say it is impossible, what happens when you come to a lock?