Lock and dams

[Speedwell-Hunter]

Anyone know if you are inside a lock, can they accidently open the doors? know of any accidents? This is my biggest fear before I start the great loop. thanks

 

[7mm08]

I think that would freak me out….

 

[RUGER]

I think that would freak me out….

Here too. LOL

 

[tellico4x4]

Living on Wilson it's very common for us to lock thru to Pickwick or Wheeler. Been here nearly 40 years and never heard of any accidental openings. Would "think" that there would be redundant safety features to prohibit such .
Enjoy the trip!

 

[BuckWild]

Last thing I would be worried about.

 

[BuckWild]

Just make sure you follow the lockmaster's instructions completely.

They will let you know if you don't.

 

[Doecrusher]

Wear your life jacket and have a bit of mooring line to tie off to the floating mooring post. I've been thru l&d 26 and 27 on the Mississippi too many to times to remember and never had any issues but my biggest issue was the wait to lock through being rec boats were last priority. Either go thru a lock or park in the ghetto. Lock everytime.

 

[Urban_Hunter]

They interlock at an angle… they can't physically "accidentally" open, the pressure from the high side keeps them closed. They can only open once equilibrium has been met between the two sides. That's why the both sets of doors open to the lake side, neither to the river side… at least all the ones I've been through and seen

 

[Urban_Hunter]

also, yes, accidents to occur. Pay attention and tie off to the correct sliding anchor point… don't tie to the dang ladder. Don't tie tight to the wall, use a couple bumpers and let your boat sit just a bit off the wall so it can bump and not have to slide up the wall as you go up or down. The process is very slow so don't worry, just pay attention to what's going on. The water inside some locks moves around pretty strongly as it fills. Going down is oddly still and quiet

 

[BuckWild]

Have a rope long enough to go from a tie point from bow to stern. Run that through the sliding anchor point and leave a little slack. Put out a couple of bumpers and sit down and enjoy the ride...

All passengers must have life jackets on when entering the locks. Idle speed only while ingressing and egressing the locks. The lock master will let you know if you are messing up. LoL

 

[Speedwell-Hunter]

Wear your life jacket and have a bit of mooring line to tie off to the floating mooring post. I've been thru l&d 26 and 27 on the Mississippi too many to times to remember and never had any issues but my biggest issue was the wait to lock through being rec boats were last priority. Either go thru a lock or park in the ghetto. Lock everytime.

Either go through a lock or park in the ghetto, what do you mean by that I don't get it? Thx

 

[Doecrusher]

I'll just say my fear of an accident/dying were way greater parking at a boat ramp with a 5 min boat ride then locking thru 2 locks...