Navigating the Locks solo (Puget Sounders)

[rgreenwell8962]

Looking for advice on how to set up my lines to navigate the Ballard Locks by myself. Now that we have 2 kiddos on board to tend to, I would like to be able to lock through by myself, while my wife watches the little boaters on board.

We are in a 25 footer, so I figure if I have the bow line set up so that I can hold the line from the helm and toss it to the lock attendent, then I can handle the stern line. However, if I need to raft up, I am not too sure how to go about doing this.

Has anyone gone through solo before? If so, I would greatly appreciate your advice. We are heading through tomorrow, so any pointers would be most helpful

Thanks!
Rich

[shrew]

I hope this helps a bit. The first and 2nd links are specific to the locks you're asking about.


http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/Public...ame=Navigating

http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/Public...quer_the_Locks

http://www.ehow.com/how_5104552_navigate-lock.html

[rgreenwell8962]

Thanks Shrew. I have gone through the locks plenty of times before, but have always had an extra set of hands to tend to one of the lines. I am looking for suggestions as to single handedly manage both bow and stern lines.

Thanks,

Rich

[seapuppy]

as you know...you need 50ft lines...what I do since the stern is right there...deal with that first...then work your way to the bow....make sure all the fenders are ready and deployed first....both sides....other than that ..take it slow slow slow..
you'll be fine...
SP