Boating Basics - How To Take A Boat Through A Lock
Here's a quick look at how to take a boat through the locks of the Trent Severn Waterway. Please also take a look at my 'Lock Fees, How Much Do They Cost?' video ( • Boating Basics - Lock ... ), as well as my 'Mooring Fees' video ( • Boating Basics - Moori... ) for lots more info!
Many more 'Boating Basics - Helpful Hints & Tips' in my playlist, here: • Boating Basics - Helpf...
For even more technical stuff, I also have a 'How I Did It' mechanical repairs and upgrades series from the projects I've done on both this boat, as well as our prior Sea Ray 400 Sedan Bridge. Check that Playlist out here: • Boating Basics - Stick...
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Please have a look at the full playlist from our incredible Epic Boat Cruise 2019 series, here: • Epic Boat Cruise 2019
Filmed 2019.
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Be sure to follow along with all our adventures aboard Boogaboo, our 1998 Sea Ray 330 Sundancer - our fifth Sea Ray! I invite you to take a look at my ever expanding 'Sea Ray 330 Sundancer' Playlist for this boat here: • Sea Ray 330 Sundancer
Boat Specs;
- Model: 1998 Sea Ray 330 Sundancer
- Length (bow to transom): 33’-6”
- Beam: 11’-5”
- Dry Weight: 11,200 lbs
- Fuel Capacity: 225 U.S. gallons, 850 litres
- Draft: 33”
- Dead Rise: 17 degrees
- Engines: 2 x 7.4 litre Mercruiser Bluewater, Multi-Port fuel injection, gasoline,
freshwater cooled, rated at 310 HP
- Transmissions: 2 x Borg Warner Velvet Drives, in Vee-Drive configuration
- Generator: Westerbeke 4.5 Kw BCGTC @ 60 Hz, gasoline powered &
carburated
- 12,000 BTU, reverse cycle heating/air conditioning
- Shore Power: 2 x 30 Amp, 120 V connections
- Freshwater Holding Tank: Single 40 U.S. Gallon tank
- Waste (black-water) Holding Tank: Single 34 U.S. Gallon
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Before we had our 330 Sundancer, we enjoyed seven seasons aboard 'Boogaboo IV', a 1997 Sea Ray 400 DB. You watch all my videos from that vessel on the 'Sea Ray 400 Sedan Bridge' Playlist here: • Sea Ray 400 Sedan Bridge
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Known as the best fresh water cruising grounds in the world, Georgian Bay is located in the heart of the Great Lakes and forms part of Lake Huron. Renowned for is rugged beauty, Georgian Bay has been attracting adventurous boaters for over a century, but it's rocky shoreline and challenging navigation routes are not for the faint hearted and must be approached with the greatest care and respect. I'm happy to share our own adventures through this inspiring area with my 'Georgian Bay Boating' Playlist here: • Georgian Bay Boating
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Equipment Used:
- Sony NXU-30 hand held video camera w/Wide angle lens
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- Both GoPro cameras on GoPro suction cup mount
- Google Pixel 3 XL for still photos + supplemental video
- DJI Phantom 3 Standard for Aerial Drone Shots
- Editing done with Vegas Movie Studio 11
- Mobile Data via Rogers Wireless
++ And remember to 'CLICK, COMMENT, LIKE & SHARE!!'
This was great! The boating license course I was taking is purely in text form so this video helped me understand with the visuals and vocal explanation.
Glad it was helpful! IF you get a chance, take a look at some of my other cruising videos, as they might offer more insights. I will be starting a new feature on the channel offering tips for new boaters, of those folks who are looking at buying their first boat or upgrading. In the meantime, be sure to check out my 'Boating Basics' playlist for more: kzhead.info/channel/PLKhjT5kr2l2Gxh2TZJ9aPFh2wt4mrQveD.html&si=RK-Oa4K2bqEXkGos
@@BoatingWithBoogaboo Thank you! Also I got the license yesterday, so I'm looking forward to the videos. You do great work!
I've done 324 locks in France totally alone in my 50 Dutch cruiser. The locks here are varied in size and shape and I have learned to put only one rope to bollard and gently use the engine to control the movement of the boat.
This series of videos including rates for locking and tie-up has been super informative. Thanks!
Glad you liked it!!
Thanks Paul ! You always do such a great job of explaining these things. I for one learned how to lock through from watching your videos.
Thank you, Steve 👍
Planning to go through the locks this Summer. This has been very informative. Thank you.
You're so welcome!
Paul, I'm retired from boating now. Got old and it sucks. But watch your videos often. I learned everything the hard way. There were no videos like yours that are a wealth of information on safety, rules, docking, mooring , the locks, and great destinations. And of course eating at Henry's. I recommend his videos to all new boaters. It can save you alot of headaches and embarrassing moments. The only thing I can think of Paul you missed for newbys, is always keep a gorgeous woman on your bow. That way no one noticed any mess ups you do. Paul has that one down pat. Lmao. Sorry Paul, gave your secret away.
Hi Mike, Happy to learn that our adventures are keeping you in the boating lifestyle :-) Like yourself, we had nobody to show us the ropes and learned by doing - and watching how others struggled ;-) And finally, yes, it is most beneficial to have a nice looking First Mate on the bow. Makes my days that much nicer. . . Cheers, Paul.
Splendid explanation. Thank you ever so much.
You're most welcome!
Wow first time seeing this procedure. Thank you very much.
Welcome.
Very informative, thanks for the beginners advice
You are most welcome!
Thanks for the video. As a new boater this upcoming spring I wondered how this worked. Again, seems like another common sense process but the tips are always great. Appreciate it!
You're welcome! If you have a chance, take a look at my 'Boating Basics' playlist for even more tips: kzhead.info/channel/PLKhjT5kr2l2Gxh2TZJ9aPFh2wt4mrQveD.html Cheers and happy boating!!
@@BoatingWithBoogaboo One more silly question, watched this again today as we are now looking at exploring further and will hit a lock or two. If you wish to pay when you get to the lock. How does that work? Do you tie off at the blue line and go pay or can you pay once in lock itself?
We’re hoping to bring our 53’ Regal from the Chesapeake Bay to our new home on Lake Michigan this Summer. The information in your videos has been a huge help in my planning. Fingers crossed we get this under control and reopen the borders.
That's awesome! If you want to see all of the 220++ videos I've produced onm the Trent Severn Waterway, check out my Playlist here: kzhead.info/channel/PLKhjT5kr2l2EFaPCqEgjxYofTvO9Mbh81.html As well, once past the TSW, you will be heading through Georgian Bay. Depending on which route you take, I have a playlist of more than 60 videos from that gorgeous area, here: kzhead.info/channel/PLKhjT5kr2l2FDUSJ32njBNbTBkNmAS1S1.html Safe boating!!
Thanks for posting Paul. Interesting to see how locks work in other parts of North America. The locks that I've used on the Columbia/Snake River system are geared to commercial barge traffic and have these large floating bits that you are expected to secure secure boat fast. Going up is much like sitting on top of a blender and you better be prepared when they start filling.
Yes, we have one lock here on the Trent Severn Waterway that offers floating bollards as well. Check out my video on that: kzhead.info/sun/nZmTopZtkX5-oYE/bejne.html
awesome video man!!! thanks
Glad you liked it!
Easy enough. Thanks for the video.
Glad it helped. Hope you get a chance to experience it yourself some day!
@@BoatingWithBoogaboo Thank you. I do too. 😆
Nice info….. I have a small boat ( a sailboat converted into a motorboat ) about 6 meters long…… and I knew about not tying up your boat as tight……. But do you turn of your motor? I have a small outboard motor…. and restarting it takes a minute or two ….. and I don’t want to hold up the line and block the lock! And here in Germany the use of any locks in recreational waters are free to any sporting boats! But some locks are not open all year around….. due to winter and the rivers and lakes are freezing shut
All of the locks along the Trent Severn Waterway and the Rideau Canal have notices indicating that no engines are allowed to be running, nor any other sources of flames. We've been in more than one lock where folks have left their stinky diesel generators running and it gasses everyone out 😫 I would much prefer having to wait a couple of minutes for another vessel to start and clear the lock, as opposed to choking on the exhaust fumes. Our lock system charges fees for use, but again, in my opinion, well worth the minimal expense to enjoy the lovely scenery and excellent facilities.
Hi Paul, Ive rented a cottage at the Fenelon Falls and would like to bring my 14 ft aluminum fishing boat along to do some fishing…. Do you see a problem for a boat that small to go through the lock? How do I actually pay? Do they take Cash/credit card right at the lock or I should buy online before I go? Thank You So Much for your help in advance!
This might a little of topic, but I have watched many, many of your videos and love them! Several times in your videos you dock along the locks for the night and talk about shore power and using your A/C. Doesn’t your boat have a generator in it that you can use when docked without the shore power?
Yes it does, but I wouldn't run the genny more than 2-3 hours at a time, so having full shorepower for the A/C all night is why we sometimes do that. Otherwise, 8f at a lock on a hot day, I'd put on the genny + A/C for a couple of hours after dinner to cool the cabin. Yes, some folks do run their genny's all night, but that's just inconsiderate for fellow boaters. . .
Great video as usual. Things I’d like too add. Have your lines ready before approaching the lock. Try not to come in too fast as this will bring your wake in with you and make it harder to tie up and offend the other boats in the lock. When you leave pull away the same way you came in slow, once out of the lock it’s important to keep moving as other boats will be also trying to depart.
I think I need to produce a new video to remind folks about the videos that are already on my channel ;-) Approach Lock Slow - Here: kzhead.info/sun/pdBsgqmPh4CVdoU/bejne.html And, Have Both Lines Ready - Here: kzhead.info/sun/qL2ActiPpZhrnYE/bejne.html Cheers!
My question for you: last year, our first year boating, we bought a seasons locking pass from Parks Canada ahead of the season start. This year we have not, and have decided to just pay per use. When you arrive at the lock and have not paid, at what point are you expected to pay? Before going through, after going through? During the lift up or down?
Every time one enters a lock, the staff will check to see if you have a season's pass sticker, or ask if you have a daily pass. If you you have neither, they will offer to sell you one and that generally happens either right before they start putting the boats through the lock, or during. One thing I can't stress enough is that there is non. Stress, that is ;-) The folks who work the locks are quite laid back, with their focus on helping as much as they can. I know that many first timers are worried about paying, or the rules, but to quote Bob Marley, 'No worries, Mon' . . .
BoatingWithBoogaboo do they accept credit cards? Great video! I am planning to go for the first time this year and your videos have made me feel much more confidant in what to expect. Thank-you!
It’s 4am, I don’t have a boat, why am I watching this?
@@theboyscout0156 😂 same
I wonder how many people have scraped their hull as they positioned within the lock. Concrete and gelcoat do not get along too well. Great video!
Not too many! Going through the locks is as easy as pulling alongside a regular dock - and if someone's gonna mess that up, then . . .
@@BoatingWithBoogaboo You and anchor girl make it look easy! I don't have to deal with locks over here but if I had to go through one I'm sure I'd feel a bit intimidated. How is everything going with your health Paul? You look like you are doing well in your videos which is great to see.
Do you have any additional comments for a solo boater in a about 30 foot boat locking through? Do all Trent-Severn waterway locks require engine OFF and blower ON?
Correct, ALL the locks require all engines, sources of ignition and smoking to be off/extinguished, with blowers RUNNING while locking through. All of the locks have signs in them indicating that, but sadly, there is the odd, inconsiderate boater who feels it's okay to keep the generator running. That is not allowed and lock staff will tell a person like that to shut it off. Gotta remember that the lock chambers are like a big box and any exhaust fumes or smoke will tend to get trapped in them, making it both unpleasant and dangerous for fellow boaters locking through. Pretty straightforward, but some of the Loopers coming from the US are used to leaving everything running in some of the US locks, but this is NOT the case on any of the Canadian Historic Locks (TSW, Rideau, etc.).
Now I see why your mooring ropes are all black . I'm sure that they get very dirty from the plastic coating on the cables . Great video . I'd be terrified going through my first time . Wouldn't know what to do and have someone start yelling at me because I broke some rule . Great videos on going through a lock and the fees . Good to see that Parks Canada doesn't make you pay the entire fee when you've already paid a few times and now getting a season pass or something like that .
As you've probably seen in dozens of my cruising videos, it's as easy as just going slow. No problem and nobody is going to yell at you, unless you smash into thier boat 😉
How much do they usually charge? And what forms of payment do they take? Cash Only or Credit Cards?
Any other questions? kzhead.info/sun/ddWaks1vf3iflnA/bejne.html
They also have a "water escalator" but it's a little tricky to use it.
👍
cheers!
Cheers!
How many gph do you think you average just playing around at your pace ?
kzhead.info/sun/o96jmK19jXxrqYE/bejne.html
What do you mean they don't monitor VHF? I thought that was the one of the main ways of contacting them
The lock stations along the Trent Severn Waterway DO NOT monitor vhf traffic. All of the locks are operated on demand during navigation hours. To pass through, simply approach the lock and await their singles. If the gates are open and the lock is empty, proceed in. If the gates are closed, one can wait on the Blue Line, or simply hover in front of the lock. If it's critical to contact them, they can be reached by phone, with numbers being listed in the Park's Canada website. That said, we've done many hundreds of lockages over the years and I can tell you that it's very straightforward and easy.
Any suggestions on how to go through a lock solo
It's doable, just try a midship line that you could handle on your own.
@@BoatingWithBoogaboo Thanks Paul I watch all your videos on KZhead You guys are awesome
I find locks to scary those big gates and water rushes in no thanks that is not fun! Go to lakes that don’t have locks I would never consider the Panama Canal not even on cruise ship so much can happen
Sorry you feel that way. After more than 20 years and literally hundreds of lockages aboard four different boats, I'd say that I feel safer going through the locks than contending with many of the bonehead boaters on our waterways. Plus, the awe inspiring places we get to visit by way of the locks along our lovely Trent Severn Waterway make any perceived effort more than worth it 😀
👍🏼⚓️👍🏼
😁🚤🌅🦜
had 27 boats in lock 42, 3 years ago in September lol
Wow! They sure must have been really small ones!! The most we've ever gone through with was 13 boats at Fenelon Falls. . .
If you listen real closely... Yes, that's the sound of boats being started for the first time this year at the marina 😂 Okay, a guy can dream, can't he ???
I can hear it too! 😁