nemo_I
regular
Reged: 14/01/2008
Posts: 45
Loc: Bucks
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I recall a related topic of operating unmanned locks was discussed a few days ago. The general consensus was not to worry and to read the instructions. So, having got the knocking off time of the lock keeper wrong on Sunday, I was unexpectedly introduced to my first "own operated locking".
Bolstered by the general nonchalance from the previous forum thread on the process, I was confident of my ability to read and follow clear instructions. As I was travelling upstream, the lock was empty , so my first operation was to open the gate, secure the boat in the lock, close the gate and move onto the upstream gate, open sluices etc.
As we were the only boat in the lock, I'd even remebered to leave plenty of space from the upstream gate so I could open the sluices fully. Water rushed in, everything seemingly going well, piece of cake. As it was a deep lock (Temple), I was expecting a short wait, but 25 minutes on and the lock level still being too low, seemed a bit excessive. At this point, lock keeper (off duty) passed by and with big grin, indicated the down stream sluices were still open. 
After closing said sluice, amazing how quickly the lock filled 
Lesson learnt: check sluice is closed before opening gate, even if the lock appears to be "ready".
Finally, why is the lock required to be left empty? I can't see any logical reason, bcause if you're travelling upstream, you then have to empty the lock behind you, but there is as much chance of the next vessel passing through going downstream as well as upstream. So why not just leave the lock closed up (with both sets of sluices closed!) and leave it to chance that the next boat is travelling in the right direction?  This would at least avoid having to wait around to close the sluice on the downstream gate - or is the protocol just to leave the sluice open, so you don't have to hang around and assume the next boat will close the sluice as part of their process (this isn't that clear on the instructions).
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bradtarga34
regular
Reged: 03/04/2006
Posts: 280
Loc: Walton-on-Thames, Surrey
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From the automated locks we have come across, it isn't possible to open the upstream sluices until the down stream sluices are closed, could have been a problem with the downstream sensors that caused this? To be honest, we leave the locks closed and sluices closed whicheve way we are travelling, can't see the reason behind it either, especially considering how much water is wasted during periods where we have been wityhout rain for a while, heaven forbid that should happen
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TrueBlue
regular
Reged: 30/04/2004
Posts: 1161
Loc: Sussex
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that Temple is deep, just wait until you get to a "proper" lock, Temple and Hurley are about the shallowest (go on everybody and rush to the depth tables....), they are tiddlers! Have a look at Marlow, which also has nasty upstream sluices.
Not meaning to be disingenuous as even three feet can be frightening on a first visit.. You were unlucky to use one of the remaining unconverted locks. Your problem relates to the leave lock empty "rule" which nobody really understands and that includes the keepers. I suspect that it may be to discourage the growth of algae?
Indeed the rule appears to have been withdrawn for the later electrified locks.
A definitive, logical explanation is long overdue....
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JECuk
regular
Reged: 22/01/2008
Posts: 253
Loc: Mid-Thames
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I think I saw you heading up to the lock. We were there to show the kids how it was done but no boats came through. The lock keeper went home and we left.
Saw one boat heading upstream as we were a mile away.
Maybe it is best we weren't there to witness! 
My first manual lock was at 9pm in the dark. Great fun learning it then......Can't wait until I get to do Temple at lot - boat will be at Harleyford.
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Lady Gay
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rr_123
regular
Reged: 22/08/2007
Posts: 537
Loc: Surrey
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i thought that the "leave lock empty rule" was to do with silting - i guess less water, less silt.
TBQH I only shut the gates if it is very late and there is a chance that no-one else will be coming through. My logic is that there is a chance that the next user will be travelling in the opposite direction and can go straight in, if they are not then the poor buggers travelling in the same direction will have to shut the gates as well, but with hydraulics that is not onerous, HOWEVER that will result in exactly the same number of gate openings as if you had shut them, whereas if someone goes straight in there are fewer, so OVERALL less energy, less wear and tear.
I used to shut them when they were manual, seemed only fair.
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"Beer; the cause and solution for the world's problems..."
Homer. (Simpson)
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nemo_I
regular
Reged: 14/01/2008
Posts: 45
Loc: Bucks
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As luck would have it, I would have to choose a manual lock for my first experience! In addition, I did have some witnesses as well, which is fine - get everything over with at the same time, including unimpressed swmbo and daughter, but heh, it was a good training exercise for them, even if they don't appreciate it.
JECuk, when do you moor at Harleyford as that's where I am?
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DogsBody
regular
Reged: 19/02/2003
Posts: 361
Loc: Thames
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Quote:
As I was travelling upstream, the lock was empty , so my first operation was to open the gate, secure the boat in the lock, close the gate and move onto the upstream gate, open sluices etc.
As we were the only boat in the lock, I'd even remebered to leave plenty of space from the upstream gate so I could open the sluices fully. Water rushed in, everything seemingly going well, piece of cake. As it was a deep lock (Temple), I was expecting a short wait, but 25 minutes on and the lock level still being too low, seemed a bit excessive. At this point, lock keeper (off duty) passed by and with big grin, indicated the down stream sluices were still open.
After closing said sluice, amazing how quickly the lock filled
Lesson learnt: check sluice is closed before opening gate, even if the lock appears to be "ready".
Now you know why I made a big point of mentioning that people should check the downstream sluices here
Quote:
2) make sure the sluices at the other end are FULLY closed before you try to empty / fill the lock. On most locks lower controls will not work while the upper sluices are open and vice verse but on those where they do work, it will take a very long time to fill / empty with both sets of sluices open at the same time!
It is very easy to forget, especially if you come up into an empty lock. With the leave lock empty rule, people (myself included) tend to leave the lower sluices open rather than wait for the lock to empty.
Bet you wont forget to check them next time though!
Darren.
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www.braycruiserclub.co.uk
Help save your local lock keeper www.saveourservice.org
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JECuk
regular
Reged: 22/01/2008
Posts: 253
Loc: Mid-Thames
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I will be moving the boat up in a couple of weeks.
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Lady Gay
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rr_123
regular
Reged: 22/08/2007
Posts: 537
Loc: Surrey
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i took a couple of friends up to Oxford once, slipped off for a pee at one of the locks, and came back to find that not only had they got both sets of sluices open, but they had managed to get the bow on one side of the lock and the stern on the other, and this was only a 17' Shetland!!
It could have been the illustration for how not to do it!!
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"Beer; the cause and solution for the world's problems..."
Homer. (Simpson)
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nemo_I
regular
Reged: 14/01/2008
Posts: 45
Loc: Bucks
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It's really funny picturing the scene as you describe it but it would have been priceless actually watching it happen. That is brilliant.
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