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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2022 18:24:54 GMT
I would have thought the lock ladders were unnecessary where the steps were fitted ... shows how little I know. I guess they worry the steps may get slippery when wet whilst the ladder ... Rog The ladder thing always raises a debate -I know some are outraged at them having been installed on canal locks in the name of safety. On the Nene they are utterly essential now! As for the slippery when wet, I’ll try to find a photo of Papermills lock at Little Paxton on the Great Ouse, that’s a modern replacement for the earlier Lock and has steps cast into within the pen that again you have to use. They get wet each lock operation, ours only get wet when it rains, and you lot think we’re simple buggers round here, we’ve got nothing on that lot over the border in Bedfordshire
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2022 18:33:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2022 18:59:16 GMT
I have single handed canal locks but don't like the ladders. My preferred method is to step off with a rope on the way in and bow haul out, but of course sometimes that's just not an option. I would much prefer to use steps whatever state they're in, than climb a bloomin' ladder that you can't even get your full foot on because the lock wall's in the way. metanoia and the other single handers deserve respect. Rog
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Post by metanoia on Aug 7, 2022 19:04:28 GMT
I have single handed canal locks but don't like the ladders. My preferred method is to step off with a rope on the way in and bow haul out, but of course sometimes that's just not an option. I would much prefer to use steps whatever state they're in, than climb a bloomin' ladder that you can't even get your full foot on because the lock wall's in the way. metanoia and the other single handers deserve respect. Rog Much my preferred method, too - but, sadly, not always practicable. I invariably end up driving out though in the interest of expediency. Hence I own a saggy pair of "olive" Gap jeans (charity shop find for £3 a good few years ago) and two pairs of "plastic" over trousers, have horrible finger nails and ALWAYS (whatever the weather) wear sensible boots!!!
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Post by brummieboy on Aug 7, 2022 19:13:19 GMT
During our recent cruise on the Thames, I effectively single handed as my wife is disabled, and I used the steps as often as I could. On self service, I was able to select the 'correct' side, but when attended I had to go where told. The lock keepers/volunteers were very helpful when I explained the situation, but sometimes on self service, some other lock occupants were not so patient. Without steps and left with ladders, we would not have gone on the river.
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Post by Jim on Aug 9, 2022 10:51:41 GMT
There are steps at the tail of many of the locks on the Rochdale, as well as the Johnny come lately ladders. It's just not possible to step out ff with eh rope at the steps because there is a wide bridge over the lock tail. Even where there is a small wooden bridge it would be far more of a pain to do that. I generally use the steps on my way out, tie boat to steps handrail while I close up. I'm still awaiting the old fashioned way of doing those locks single handed without ladders. I just cannot see it's possible without a lot of faffing. I don't have a problem with ladders, I know there are some, old beyond their years, who have trouble.
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