Dock lines and other equipment for the Welland Canal

[fparry]

I plan on soon moving my 27' boat from Lake Erie to Ontario via the Welland Canal. I have visited their web site and I am now making a list of equipment needed for this trek.

Does anyone know what length dock lines are required or recommended and how many?

Also any additional recommendations on making this trip would be greatly appreciated.

[timangiel]

I pm'ed you

[Halberdier]

We made a passage through the locks, Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, last October. The lock personnel supplied the lines.

If that's not the case in the summer, you will need lines about 80+ ft long. 47 ft drop, 5 ft deck to top of lock, 20 ft across from the top of the lock to bollards.


Enter the lock on when told to by lockmaster and proceed into the lock to where the lock personnel are standing. That's easy to see in the direction you are travelling as the water is about 5 feet below the top of the lock,

They will hand you a coil of line. Handle so as not to tangle. Use the line to hold your boat in place. Do not lead the lines under lifelines, pulpits or rails as you will be dropping 47 feet. Wrap the lines on a cleat so you can ease them out as the boat drops. Do not make fast or tangle, else you may end-up hanging on the side of the lock.

I'd suggest 3 crewpersons; 1 bow, 1 stern and 1 to watch to ensure boat does not drift, tangles in lines and in our case that the spreader did not touch the lock's walls.

[sailor50]

Sounds Cool!

Reminds me of the Panama Canal - everyone said disaster was going to happen - and none did!

Relax, enjoy, and send photos!

[bljones]

You need a crew of three to transit the locks, minimum, according to the regs.

[fparry]

Not correct as far as I am aware. You only need a crew of three when you are traveling from North to South. When traveling from South to North you only are required to have a crew of two.

At least that is what their web site says.

[bljones]

Sorry, fp. You're right. I forgot which direction you were heading.