I'm getting close to retirement myself, and although, I do not think I will be doing the loop, I do want to take shorter trips through the SE ICW. You're already my hero.
Hey Captain just a little advice for handling those Locks: I have been through the Champlain locks several times and some in Florida too: The way we handled the lock was to have a piece of manila line tied to the bow cleat and the other end to the stern cleat leaving a loop to be used in the lock wear ever you can stand easily,,, when entering the lock you place the loop around the pipe if it has one or through the rungs of the ladder and hold on to it. Keep a sharp knife handy in case you need to cut the line that is why we used manila. NEVER BUT NEVER TIE the loop to the boat or rail if the lock is raising or lowering. By using this method YOU CAN CONTROL THE BOAT by pulling one end or the other end of the line to keep on the wall. This method has worked great for us on all sizes of boats we had.. And we were never spoiled with having a thruster to assist. Also especially traveling alone you should be wearing a PFD at all times not just in the locks or when docking. PS.. You have just tackled the worst lock I believe there is and that is the Federal Lock always a pain and a challenge. Have a great trip and be safe.
Regardless of the negative comments I would be proud to sail with you. The negative comments comments come from a generation so much younger that have no clue of the term failure is not an option. I too have major back issues and still plan a great loop tour even when my doctors tell me I can't.
That probably wasn't so bad of a job for your first single-handed lock. Here are some ideas, there're just ideas, I'm not there only you can judge if they will help : 1. A larger ball fender for the bow. This will help keep the out. 2. Have TWO cleats, one on either side of the center of balance. You shouldn't be tying off your rail, It's a good way to loose or damage the rail. 3. We are gloves! Whatever you do DON'T quit.
Excellent advice. Maybe he could have tied off to the ba k cleat versus the hand rail. It would have been a little greater distance but then the stern could have swung in better.
Don't beat yourself up so much. You have taken on a major adventure. Need to move fenders up some. As to comments about boating 4 years from one comment. I am 80 years old still boating after 70 years and still learning. have captained any thing from a row boat to a 75 foot motor yacht. Yes preplanning is a must. write your self SOP of operation as to what to have ready in advance to do. Locking is a challenge at all times. As you have watched Jen and Elliott you got a lot of info. Rev and Sam on What Yacht to do are wealth of knowledge, I know your homeport been there many times, those are my home waters. I hope you enjoy your adventure. Hang in there and keep smiling and a stiff upper lip. DR - MV ADVENTURE
You’re an inspiration Sir. I’m so happy you decided to keep going, just know when to pull out if needed. As a 63 year old, I so admire your dedication. Wishing you a speedy recovery my friend. Aloha.
Thank you for taking us along on your journey! Those locks are a challenge, and one can do them over and over, but the wind, and weather can make it different each time. We had to have our boat pole for all the locks, and once we got connected mid shift it seemed to be ok. But, the boat pole was my best friend on those locks!
Your doing an awesome job. Keep going because me and the wife love the videos and the beautiful areas. This is also a no frills realitycof what we will face jn a few years. Be careful, Frank.
Hey Cap, some of the comments below are a little harsh but a lot of good advice as well. I brought my first BIG boat (3988 Bayliner no thrusters) from Bradenton to Palatka and was going to do it alone. My 80 year old father came with me and without his old broken down ass the locks across the Okeechobee would have been my worst nightmare doing it for the first time. And i would not do it again alone. So, kudos to you for getting it done alone. I'm sure there are Captains out there that do this solo that can shed some light on how us older folks can do it without throwing our backs out! Solo boater to solo boater, live the dream M/V PAPPY.
You will never make anyone happy except yourself. Keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll get better. I’m inspired and hope to be doing it in the next couple of years. Safe travels
I hope you can make this work. I think many of the suggestions below will help. Obviously if the remote was working, everything would have been fine. If it wasn’t for the back issues, it would have made an interesting learning experience but geez…. No one wants to see anyone get hurt. I hope you can see from the supportive comments below, we are all rooting for you. Really looking forward to seeing you succeed. I’m sure you will. Best of luck!
Thanks for the Been Delayed video at 2:30 seconds. We are in La Salle MI until next year. We never got too many boat shots. Thanks for the 4 seconds of fame.
Sorry to hear about the back. I understand all too well. I'm planning on looping a much smaller boat for many reasons. Solo is hard. I want to enjoy it and not get beaten up by it. Its been mentioned, but PFD on in locks. Don't tie the boat to the pipe or ballard. Cleat one end of the line and run it around. Let the running end be free so you can pull close or have slack to whip it as needed. It's not easy but should hurt less and it the line or floating ballard hangs, it doesn't hang or sink your vessel. Always a good idea to have a blunt tip knife handy too. If the line gets fouled, you gave a chance to cut it before you or the vessel is damaged. Safe travels.
I really enjoy your videos and honesty while doing this. You’re painting a really good picture of what’s it’s like to try and do a trip of this magnitude solo! Keep up the good work! When a new video pops up, I actually get excited to see what has happened since the last video and how you are doing
That was a good episode. I'm not sure how you will do locks by yourself in the tent severn. Often, there is a lot of wind and very strong currents, even when the lock is closed. My wife and I have done hundreds of locks and even with 2 people it is difficult with a boat your size. Good luck. We are rooting for you and your channels success. Mark in Peterborough.
You are living my dream when I retire. I will be learning from your videos. Keep up the good work, take your time, and please be safe. (Wear the life jacket) on the next few locks. You got this!!!!
Hi I can empathise I moved up to a 35' displacement tri cabin cruiser after retiring and moving north to Brisbane. Most of the time I had help but toward the end of my time with the boat I was single handed and forgot to say I had had astroke 20 years earlier so had partial paralysis on the left side. I started goung out to protected anchorages for overnight but eventually realised it was too much for me. The most difficult thing to accept was that I could not manage alone when in trouble.I have played with boats since I was 9 or 10. Even after the stroke I startted with small 20' and 26' cruisers before going to the 36'. I sold up in Australia and moved to Malaysia where I now live in Penang and enjoy boating watcvhing videos like yours and others which maintains my interest and my memories. My suggestion keep going until it becomes dangerous for you or other boaters that is when I hsad to stop. I admire your strength and courage and yes I have there myself and not with a bad back but just half body functioning. Good lucjk with your travels I will follow on U tube: best regards, Peter Mac Donald Penang, Malaysia.
Looking forward to doing the loop in 2 yrs. Unfortunately without thrusters on our 40 ft. boat. Hope to keep a PMA as we will be in my mid 60's. Love watching and learning from you tackling this trip. Keep it up Capitan!
Ouch Ouch Ouch. If it gives you hope, my wife and I did the Erie Canal west to east so the Federal Lock you went through was the last lock we did. And we thought it was the worst lock of all of them -- even with two of us on a 35-footer we almost lost control of the boat. A huge amount of turbulence in that lock. BTW -- buy some good work gloves -- the ropes you'll be handling in future locks are grotty, and the walls you push against will be very rough. Tough work gloves are an essential for locking. Try balancing the boat using fenders -- buy a monster-sized inflatable round ball fender and fasten it near the bow. We had one and it was really, really valuable. We used it all the way through the Erie Canal. Stop in the town right before you cross Oneida Lake -- very charming.
Sorry to see you dea lwith your back pain. I can only imagine how challenging it is. I appreciate the multi-angle video of your lock through. I shows me what I will be up against in about 2 weeks. I do have the advantage of having a lower helm with access to a true mid-cleat. This will allow me to use the bow thruster as needed. Thanks for the video.
When I moved my boat from CT, to NC, we went through the Dismal Swamp. We didn't have a problem with logs. If we did see a log it was small. I can't say the same if there was a big storm a couple day before. The one I saw on your video looked like a whole tree. good luck on your venture. You Got This.
Love your Videos and your content. Honest and to the point!! Head up and don't pay attention to the negativity in this world. Your not judged of how you get knocked by the real people that matter in this world. It is how you get back up!! God Bless !!
"Go for it, have a good time. I deserve it." Same comment, different context. Only comment would be to wear a self inflating pfd in the locks and docking especially. Go for it, have a good time. The back pain is going to be there regardless, I feel your pain.
You have got this! Take your time and use your tools. Looks like you have some type of yacht controller which is only way I'd do loop on my own. Plan ahead always! Looking forward to following on the journey.
I've been looking forward to the locks, and how you would handle it single handed. It's something I want to do with a 50 footer one day. I have to be blunt, and say I am totally baffled that you didn't have some kind of plan/system, and developed a solid mussel memory with the fenders. I am particularly shocked that you hadn't tested the remote long before entering a lock. The locks are very inconsistent with tie downs. Some have cables/pipes, some have floating ballards, and some just ropes. Your going to need a strong pair of gloves, You also should consider adding another cleat farther aft, but still center. You can make a "Y" tie to help keep both ends of the boat tucked in with a single line. I figure it would be a simple thing to do with a working remote. Remember, Safety is no accident. Just ask the sail boat. Good luck Captain! Looking forward to the rest of the trip.
@@MV_Checkmate 3 days prior? Anything you're going to be relying on in that fashion should be checked daily. As soon as you fire up, the forward/ reverse shifters should be checked as well as the thruster operation, before the boat moves an inch.
We plan to do the loop in five years so love watching your honest videos. Hope your back feels better soon. Maybe we will spot you in The Thousand Islands. Safe travels 😊
Definitely a tough go of it on your own,i sometimes have trouble docking my little pontoon, go luck and try not to rush too much,thats when slips and falls happen. Were all with you in spirit !
Stay safe, love the videos and thank you. I will be doing the loop in about 3 years and you inspire me to achieve the dream i have. Still boat hunting!! I really like the 39 searay aft cabin but the 44 tollycraft keeps pulling on me... decisions, ugh !!
So happy that you have been (by now) in my neck of the woods!! We are in Kingston, NY at the Roundout Yatch Basin marina! Ive been following since your first video!!!❤
Wondering how you made it through the Waterford flight. Plus all of the locks afterwards on the Erie. Hi single-handed them myself numerous times and always try to grab aladder midship. and hang on for dear life. A little less tumultuous. towards the back of the lock😅 as well.
Back pain sure isn't a joke. Bad back myself, along with my admiral (wife). Since we're in the planning phase and factoring so many things. I think thrusters are going to be a non negotiable, or they'll be installed as an aftermarket item.
Sorry to see you have back problems. I give you a lot of credit for taking on this challenge with back problem history. I really look forward to your videos, this one was exceptional with all the detail of handling the lock. What was wrong with the thruster remote? You need that really bad because you should not try to manhandle that big boat. Also use shorter lines in close quarters and NEVER tie to the rails. tying to the rail is foolish because 1. it will not hold your boat and 2. it will break the rail. I guess you had considered that yourself though. I hope you recover and I am looking forward to continuing this trip with you. Thanks.
Wow! Love the music with thr views of the river!😊 Definately when locking, like that one capt commented, a few similar key things we were taught at the AGLCA Rendezvous was that you need to take the line around the pipe( or bollard like on mid west rivers) back to the cleat (we've seen rails broken from lines on them) and S tie the line on the cleat (so it can move easier as the water level moves in the lock) but also have a knife in case the bollard breaks or line stops moving (like on the mid west rivers) so it doesn't break your boat. Definitely, the lock masters will also start reminding you to wear your pfd, especially on the mid west rivers 👍 You're doing great for being all my yourself! Mark and i both have back issues, and so we empathize with you! Stretches help our back, ice packs and a shiatsu machine from walmart 😊 Keep up the great work and safe travels!😊👍
Thanks Mel. I’ve learned so much in the past 40 or so locks. After I enter and tie up I’m now getting comments from the lock masters like “you must have a lifetime of locking under your belt”. I learn quick and think outside the box.
The Hudson River Valley is easily the most historic part of the Loop, with houses dating back to the early 17th century. And one of the most beautiful. Too bad you couldn't have spent time there exploring.
So, You get a guest (what I suggested after ep 2; there's nothing wrong in getting help when needed). Good to see You're well and have improved skills. 6 eps later. Hopefully You did not dump spare lines anymore.I was really upset to see You dumping the line in the water. For all who are not aware: Keep the sea clean for those who come after us! Good luck!
You are doing a great job going forward. Did you see the 2" of rain we got on the Hudson the night before you made it this way?? If not .. always look ahead. Safe travels
Sorry you have a bad back, great you still have enough back reserves to start/do the loop. On the vertical pipes in the locks would perrel beads help the line “roll” up/down the lock pipe?
The entire Northeast was plagued with floating debris down all its rivers due to heavy rains and flooding earlier this year, more than usual, so that's why you saw what you did. It's not usually that bad.. We had a lot of floating debris in Long Island Sound this year because of it..
I had wondered how you were going to do the locks and thought about volunteering but I thought you wanted a challenge and I have back problems too. I would run a line from the front cleat to the back cleat and tie off
If you're in the Fultonville, NY area and hurt your back, you may want to go to The Golden Sand Asian Spa, Johnstown, NY, Susan is amazing, one hour on her table and your back stops hurting, your knees function like they did 20 years ago!
Put the line around the cable, not the pipe. The pipe is to keep your line from chafing the concrete wall, and as others mentioned, never tie to the railing of the boat. Great job, like in aviation, the best landing is the one you walk away from. You will be a pro in the next few days
I think it's great that you are doing the loop with a bad back. For locking I would suggest runing the line from the midship to the back cleat. If you try that it might work or not.
Soldier on. Love the videos. I have a 'service related' bad back and can wholly relate. As a couple of folks have said, get some gloves, and watch out for getting your hands snagged. I actually cringed once or twice. See you on the next one.
I do solo mooring in a similar boat a lot, I have a forward line and a stern line ready and take them with me during that too often short time when the boat is close enough to the dock to get off the boat, I would not rely on pulling the guard rail, a whiff of wind or and current and your boat will leave you where you stand . As to locks I’m not going to advise there, never done one
Have you given thought to using 2 lines (1 forward / 1 aft and have them meet in the middle. That way you'd have control over both ends of the boat. Just a thought. Wishing you less back trouble on your journey.
We are rewatching your videos! Your trip up the Hudson with the logs!! 😂 Our home marina is Kingston, NY. And we call all the logs on the river "BFLs"! Big Fuc%&@&#&ing Logs!!
I wonder if having someone do the whole loop with you is an option? Its better than quitting and may make it so much more enjoyable. I send you all good thoughts for health and happiness.
Try to attach a pulley and a second rope to the cleat. Something to decrease the strain on your back. On sailboats people use the winches in the locks.
@MV_Checkmate Rather than tie up, would you be able to use the engines and the thrusters to keep you on the side of the lock but not against the walls? I've gone through locks quite often in smaller boats, and we never tied up to the lock. We used the engine, and a trolling motor to stay in place.
Yes, in some situations I probably can. The wind really got my large flybridge enclosure and it was like holding a sail. I'm getting better every day. cheers.
You will learn the locks as you go, I’m sure. Please get yourself and any working passengers a comfortable well fitting life jacket for when you are working the boat. Accidents happen quickly! And one last bit, please learn to work your lines without leaving the boat. As a singlehander, you never want to be on the dock without having your boat fully secured. It will one day leave you on the dock by yourself and you will be swimming for it. Toss the line in a large loop, let it catch the cleat on the dock and then get it looped back around your cleat. Use the cleats to hold the lines. They are much stronger than you. Safe boating. 👍
All too familiar with the back pain thing. Doing lines and getting into tight spaces like most engine rooms are things I'd have a very very hard time with on a boat. =(
I think you've figured out that you're in uncharted waters, literally, and that's a perilous place to be on a boat the size of yours by yourself, regardless of age and/or physical ability or inability. You've got a LONG way to go, and that river system running though TN, MS and AL is no joke- talk about hazards in the water all around you- you ain't seen nothing yet. However, at least on those locks you'll be going down, so practically no turbulence like you saw in that first lock. Still no cake-walk, though. Be careful, my friend.
Don't tie off to your railing. Use the cleats only to tie off. You can loop it loop the line in an X pattern around the cleat and just hold the line. No need to pull. You can monitor the line and release of necessary. Go to the bow with a boat pole and use that to push yourself off the wall. Find an Urgent Care for some meds for your back. Probably just a muscle spasm.
You might also want to consider getting some “chafe” protection for your lines to use when the lines are constantly rubbing the concrete wall as you have there. It won’t take long to destroy your lines. There are many types available, but for short stays, I’ve used something as simple as a pool noodle slit longways on one side so it can be popped over the line. Usually you can also cut the noodle in half lengthwise to get two from each noodle.
Can someone explain why the boat needs to pinned to the side in the lock like he was trying to do manually? I don’t understand why he toed off to the rail to try to bring the boat parallel. Can’t just let it swing out a little like it was trying to do.
When single handed, do not get off the boat. Keep both end of your line in your hands and through a loop over the dock cleat or bollard. Do not leave the boat. I would come help, but in Hong Kong. Sorry bud.
I've had back pain that kept me from getting up, until I discovered the ability to concentrate on relaxing the back muscles. At the first twinge, your muscles tense in expectation of the next assault. If that happens, you've lost. Think about relaxing those muscles.
Maybe you should have checked your thruster remote BEFORE entering the lock. Using the thruster would have eliminated the problem of the stern swing away from the wall. Please get the remote fixed before the next lock.
I'm getting close to retirement myself, and although, I do not think I will be doing the loop, I do want to take shorter trips through the SE ICW. You're already my hero.
Love the camera locations in the lock. Very helpful for us viewers to get a good perspective.. Another great video sir!
thanks for the comments.
Hey Captain just a little advice for handling those Locks: I have been through the Champlain locks several times and some in Florida too: The way we handled the lock was to have a piece of manila line tied to the bow cleat and the other end to the stern cleat leaving a loop to be used in the lock wear ever you can stand easily,,, when entering the lock you place the loop around the pipe if it has one or through the rungs of the ladder and hold on to it. Keep a sharp knife handy in case you need to cut the line that is why we used manila. NEVER BUT NEVER TIE the loop to the boat or rail if the lock is raising or lowering. By using this method YOU CAN CONTROL THE BOAT by pulling one end or the other end of the line to keep on the wall. This method has worked great for us on all sizes of boats we had.. And we were never spoiled with having a thruster to assist. Also especially traveling alone you should be wearing a PFD at all times not just in the locks or when docking. PS.. You have just tackled the worst lock I believe there is and that is the Federal Lock always a pain and a challenge. Have a great trip and be safe.
Thanks for the advice.
Regardless of the negative comments I would be proud to sail with you.
The negative comments comments come from a generation so much younger that have no clue of the term failure is not an option.
I too have major back issues and still plan a great loop tour even when my doctors tell me I can't.
I am with you 100% and well said. I hope one day we will see you on the loop. God bless ya. 🙏
You are an inspiration to me. Thank you very much.
That probably wasn't so bad of a job for your first single-handed lock. Here are some ideas, there're just ideas, I'm not there only you can judge if they will help : 1. A larger ball fender for the bow. This will help keep the out. 2. Have TWO cleats, one on either side of the center of balance. You shouldn't be tying off your rail, It's a good way to loose or damage the rail. 3. We are gloves! Whatever you do DON'T quit.
Thank you so much. All good advice.
Excellent advice. Maybe he could have tied off to the ba k cleat versus the hand rail. It would have been a little greater distance but then the stern could have swung in better.
Don't beat yourself up so much.
You have taken on a major adventure.
Need to move fenders up some.
As to comments about boating 4 years from one comment. I am 80 years old still boating after 70 years and still learning. have captained any thing from a row boat to a 75 foot motor yacht.
Yes preplanning is a must. write your self SOP of operation as to what to have ready in advance to do.
Locking is a challenge at all times.
As you have watched Jen and Elliott you got a lot of info.
Rev and Sam on What Yacht to do are wealth of knowledge,
I know your homeport been there many times, those are my home waters.
I hope you enjoy your adventure.
Hang in there and keep smiling and a stiff upper lip.
DR - MV ADVENTURE
Thank you so much for watching. Yes, I’ve got a big adventure ahead and can’t wait.
Cheers.
You’re an inspiration Sir. I’m so happy you decided to keep going, just know when to pull out if needed. As a 63 year old, I so admire your dedication. Wishing you a speedy recovery my friend. Aloha.
Thank you so very much for your comments. I need all the inspiration I can get.
Cheers.
Thank you for taking us along on your journey! Those locks are a challenge, and one can do them over and over, but the wind, and weather can make it different each time. We had to have our boat pole for all the locks, and once we got connected mid shift it seemed to be ok. But, the boat pole was my best friend on those locks!
Thanks for the tips!
I feel for ya with back pain. I have had 4 spinal fusions recently and am now able to walk without pain. Love the scenery of the Hudson River.
Great video! I like the reality, no rose colored glasses or sugar coating.👍🏼
Yes! Thank you!
Your doing an awesome job. Keep going because me and the wife love the videos and the beautiful areas. This is also a no frills realitycof what we will face jn a few years.
Be careful, Frank.
Thanks Frank, good thing I’m a quick learner.
Thanks for watching.
We love your videos. So heart warming, inspirational, honest and entertaining. Doesn’t get much better than that! Prayers for healing and safety!
Thank you so much.
Hey Cap, some of the comments below are a little harsh but a lot of good advice as well. I brought my first BIG boat (3988 Bayliner no thrusters) from Bradenton to Palatka and was going to do it alone. My 80 year old father came with me and without his old broken down ass the locks across the Okeechobee would have been my worst nightmare doing it for the first time. And i would not do it again alone. So, kudos to you for getting it done alone. I'm sure there are Captains out there that do this solo that can shed some light on how us older folks can do it without throwing our backs out! Solo boater to solo boater, live the dream M/V PAPPY.
That’s a great story pappy. Good thing I’m a quick learner.
You will never make anyone happy except yourself. Keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll get better. I’m inspired and hope to be doing it in the next couple of years. Safe travels
Thanks for the inspiration.
The body of an accountant but the heart of a fighter. Love your videos. It SO relatable for someone also not so (physically) young anymore.
Thank you so much for the comment. You are so correct.
I hope you can make this work. I think many of the suggestions below will help. Obviously if the remote was working, everything would have been fine. If it wasn’t for the back issues, it would have made an interesting learning experience but geez…. No one wants to see anyone get hurt.
I hope you can see from the supportive comments below, we are all rooting for you.
Really looking forward to seeing you succeed. I’m sure you will. Best of luck!
Thank you so much. The support really helps.
Thanks for the Been Delayed video at 2:30 seconds. We are in La Salle MI until next year. We never got too many boat shots. Thanks for the 4 seconds of fame.
Sorry to hear about the back. I understand all too well. I'm planning on looping a much smaller boat for many reasons. Solo is hard. I want to enjoy it and not get beaten up by it.
Its been mentioned, but PFD on in locks.
Don't tie the boat to the pipe or ballard. Cleat one end of the line and run it around. Let the running end be free so you can pull close or have slack to whip it as needed. It's not easy but should hurt less and it the line or floating ballard hangs, it doesn't hang or sink your vessel. Always a good idea to have a blunt tip knife handy too. If the line gets fouled, you gave a chance to cut it before you or the vessel is damaged.
Safe travels.
Thanks for the advice.
Locks are tough. I did the Welland canal with crew. Could not imagine doing it solo.
You went right past us, we are on the river near West Point. I’m a captain with SeaTow on the Hudson river.
We look forward to your videos every week
Thanks.
Nice job thanks for sharing I learned a lot! I will coming behind you doing the loop solo also.
@Navy1977nobody to do it with me. I also love being by myself. It’s so peaceful.
We love watching your videos. We admire you doing it yourself and know not always easy. Keep the videos coming
Thank you for watching. I will keep pushing forward.
I really enjoy your videos and honesty while doing this. You’re painting a really good picture of what’s it’s like to try and do a trip of this magnitude solo! Keep up the good work! When a new video pops up, I actually get excited to see what has happened since the last video and how you are doing
Thank you so much. I get inspiration from comments like that.
That was a good episode. I'm not sure how you will do locks by yourself in the tent severn. Often, there is a lot of wind and very strong currents, even when the lock is closed. My wife and I have done hundreds of locks and even with 2 people it is difficult with a boat your size. Good luck. We are rooting for you and your channels success.
Mark in Peterborough.
Now you’ve got me scared, ha. I’ll make it happen one way or another. I always do.
Cheers
You are living my dream when I retire. I will be learning from your videos. Keep up the good work, take your time, and please be safe. (Wear the life jacket) on the next few locks. You got this!!!!
Hi I can empathise I moved up to a 35' displacement tri cabin cruiser after retiring and moving north to Brisbane. Most of the time I had help but toward the end of my time with the boat I was single handed and forgot to say I had had astroke 20 years earlier so had partial paralysis on the left side. I started goung out to protected anchorages for overnight but eventually realised it was too much for me. The most difficult thing to accept was that I could not manage alone when in trouble.I have played with boats since I was 9 or 10. Even after the stroke I startted with small 20' and 26' cruisers before going to the 36'. I sold up in Australia and moved to Malaysia where I now live in Penang and enjoy boating watcvhing videos like yours and others which maintains my interest and my memories. My suggestion keep going until it becomes dangerous for you or other boaters that is when I hsad to stop. I admire your strength and courage and yes I have there myself and not with a bad back but just half body functioning. Good lucjk with your travels I will follow on U tube: best regards, Peter Mac Donald Penang, Malaysia.
Thank you so much for your comments, you are an inspiration to me.
Looking forward to doing the loop in 2 yrs. Unfortunately without thrusters on our 40 ft. boat. Hope to keep a PMA as we will be in my mid 60's. Love watching and learning from you tackling this trip. Keep it up Capitan!
thanks.
Ouch Ouch Ouch. If it gives you hope, my wife and I did the Erie Canal west to east so the Federal Lock you went through was the last lock we did. And we thought it was the worst lock of all of them -- even with two of us on a 35-footer we almost lost control of the boat. A huge amount of turbulence in that lock. BTW -- buy some good work gloves -- the ropes you'll be handling in future locks are grotty, and the walls you push against will be very rough. Tough work gloves are an essential for locking. Try balancing the boat using fenders -- buy a monster-sized inflatable round ball fender and fasten it near the bow. We had one and it was really, really valuable. We used it all the way through the Erie Canal. Stop in the town right before you cross Oneida Lake -- very charming.
Thanks for the suggestions
We truly enjoyed this episode. Kudos to you for following this through. We are cheering for you 👍🏽
Thanks for the vote of confidence.
When solo in lock, best to hold line while standing at helm where you have access to thruster controls. Ask me how I know. Lol
Sorry to see you dea lwith your back pain. I can only imagine how challenging it is. I appreciate the multi-angle video of your lock through. I shows me what I will be up against in about 2 weeks. I do have the advantage of having a lower helm with access to a true mid-cleat. This will allow me to use the bow thruster as needed. Thanks for the video.
Thank you so much for watching.
Thank you for your efforts ! I’ve learned about something that I’ve no expierence ! When locking thru !
Great job! Thanks for taking us along
Thanks for watching.
When I moved my boat from CT, to NC, we went through the Dismal Swamp. We didn't have a problem with logs. If we did see a log it was small. I can't say the same if there was a big storm a couple day before. The one I saw on your video looked like a whole tree. good luck on your venture. You Got This.
There were so many big logs on the Hudson and Erie Canal it was crazy.
Cheers!!!! love the realism and not sugar coating everything...Good Luck!!!!
Thanks so much!
Love your Videos and your content. Honest and to the point!! Head up and don't pay attention to the negativity in this world. Your not judged of how you get knocked by the real people that matter in this world. It is how you get back up!! God Bless !!
Thanks for the inspiration.
"Go for it, have a good time. I deserve it." Same comment, different context. Only comment would be to wear a self inflating pfd in the locks and docking especially. Go for it, have a good time. The back pain is going to be there regardless, I feel your pain.
You have got this! Take your time and use your tools. Looks like you have some type of yacht controller which is only way I'd do loop on my own. Plan ahead always! Looking forward to following on the journey.
Yep, I kinda jumped in without a solid plan.
Thanks for watching.
I've been looking forward to the locks, and how you would handle it single handed. It's something I want to do with a 50 footer one day. I have to be blunt, and say I am totally baffled that you didn't have some kind of plan/system, and developed a solid mussel memory with the fenders. I am particularly shocked that you hadn't tested the remote long before entering a lock. The locks are very inconsistent with tie downs. Some have cables/pipes, some have floating ballards, and some just ropes. Your going to need a strong pair of gloves, You also should consider adding another cleat farther aft, but still center. You can make a "Y" tie to help keep both ends of the boat tucked in with a single line. I figure it would be a simple thing to do with a working remote. Remember, Safety is no accident. Just ask the sail boat. Good luck Captain! Looking forward to the rest of the trip.
I used my remote about 3 days prior. Thanks for the tips.
@@MV_Checkmate 3 days prior? Anything you're going to be relying on in that fashion should be checked daily. As soon as you fire up, the forward/ reverse shifters should be checked as well as the thruster operation, before the boat moves an inch.
We plan to do the loop in five years so love watching your honest videos. Hope your back feels better soon. Maybe we will spot you in The Thousand Islands. Safe travels 😊
I hope so too!
Definitely a tough go of it on your own,i sometimes have trouble docking my little pontoon, go luck and try not to rush too much,thats when slips and falls happen. Were all with you in spirit !
Yep, that’s one thing that I need to remember. Don’t rush. I’ve only forgot that about 100 times, ha. Slipped and busted my a$$ twice so far.
Cheers
Stay safe, love the videos and thank you. I will be doing the loop in about 3 years and you inspire me to achieve the dream i have. Still boat hunting!! I really like the 39 searay aft cabin but the 44 tollycraft keeps pulling on me... decisions, ugh !!
Love your videos. What year and model Meridian is your boat?
So happy that you have been (by now) in my neck of the woods!!
We are in Kingston, NY at the Roundout Yatch Basin marina!
Ive been following since your first video!!!❤
Thanks for watching.
Wondering how you made it through the Waterford flight. Plus all of the locks afterwards on the Erie. Hi single-handed them myself numerous times and always try to grab aladder midship. and hang on for dear life. A little less tumultuous. towards the back of the lock😅 as well.
Copy that.
Back when I worked on tugboats a trip to Albany was the best part of the job.
Back pain sure isn't a joke. Bad back myself, along with my admiral (wife). Since we're in the planning phase and factoring so many things. I think thrusters are going to be a non negotiable, or they'll be installed as an aftermarket item.
Make sure you don’t wrap your line around your deck rail when in the locks…good way to damage them
got it, thanks.
Sorry to see you have back problems. I give you a lot of credit for taking on this challenge with back problem history. I really look forward to your videos, this one was exceptional with all the detail of handling the lock. What was wrong with the thruster remote? You need that really bad because you should not try to manhandle that big boat. Also use shorter lines in close quarters and NEVER tie to the rails. tying to the rail is foolish because 1. it will not hold your boat and 2. it will break the rail. I guess you had considered that yourself though. I hope you recover and I am looking forward to continuing this trip with you. Thanks.
Thanks for you comments and suggestions.
Wow! Love the music with thr views of the river!😊 Definately when locking, like that one capt commented, a few similar key things we were taught at the AGLCA Rendezvous was that you need to take the line around the pipe( or bollard like on mid west rivers) back to the cleat (we've seen rails broken from lines on them) and S tie the line on the cleat (so it can move easier as the water level moves in the lock) but also have a knife in case the bollard breaks or line stops moving (like on the mid west rivers) so it doesn't break your boat. Definitely, the lock masters will also start reminding you to wear your pfd, especially on the mid west rivers 👍 You're doing great for being all my yourself! Mark and i both have back issues, and so we empathize with you! Stretches help our back, ice packs and a shiatsu machine from walmart 😊 Keep up the great work and safe travels!😊👍
Thanks Mel. I’ve learned so much in the past 40 or so locks. After I enter and tie up I’m now getting comments from the lock masters like “you must have a lifetime of locking under your belt”. I learn quick and think outside the box.
@@MV_Checkmate awesome!
I hope your back feels better. You are doing an amazing solo job.
Wow, thanks for your comment. That’s uplifting.
The Hudson River Valley is easily the most historic part of the Loop, with houses dating back to the early 17th century. And one of the most beautiful. Too bad you couldn't have spent time there exploring.
So, You get a guest (what I suggested after ep 2; there's nothing wrong in getting help when needed). Good to see You're well and have improved skills. 6 eps later. Hopefully You did not dump spare lines anymore.I was really upset to see You dumping the line in the water.
For all who are not aware: Keep the sea clean for those who come after us! Good luck!
Not sure what you are referring to “dumping lines in the water”.
You are doing a great job going forward. Did you see the 2" of rain we got on the Hudson the night before you made it this way?? If not .. always look ahead. Safe travels
I think I was north of the rain.
Sorry you have a bad back, great you still have enough back reserves to start/do the loop. On the vertical pipes in the locks would perrel beads help the line “roll” up/down the lock pipe?
Glad you’re having someone help as the currents in the huge little falls lock can be brutal!
Looking forward to “brutal”, ha.
I’m on Oneida lake, if you need any info about the area me know.
The entire Northeast was plagued with floating debris down all its rivers due to heavy rains and flooding earlier this year, more than usual, so that's why you saw what you did. It's not usually that bad.. We had a lot of floating debris in Long Island Sound this year because of it..
I had wondered how you were going to do the locks and thought about volunteering but I thought you wanted a challenge and I have back problems too. I would run a line from the front cleat to the back cleat and tie off
Thanks. I hope to be a master at it in the upcoming locks. Live and learn as they say.
If you're in the Fultonville, NY area and hurt your back, you may want to go to The Golden Sand Asian Spa, Johnstown, NY, Susan is amazing, one hour on her table and your back stops hurting, your knees function like they did 20 years ago!
Consider using gloves and must use PFD when working locks. Test yacht controller ( magic button ) when you put out fenders before entering locks.
Got it. Thanks.
Keep up the good work!!
Thanks, will do!
Put the line around the cable, not the pipe. The pipe is to keep your line from chafing the concrete wall, and as others mentioned, never tie to the railing of the boat. Great job, like in aviation, the best landing is the one you walk away from. You will be a pro in the next few days
Thanks for the tips!
Live and learn. Fix the remote. Sometime you just have to dig the oars in a little farther. :) Keep it up. You’re doing great.
Yes! Thank you!
Here’s a hint, put about 6, 1 inch long PVC nipples on the line. This will greatly reduce the friction between the line and the pipe.
thanks for the suggestions.
I think it's great that you are doing the loop with a bad back. For locking I would suggest runing the line from the midship to the back cleat. If you try that it might work or not.
Thanks. Been learning a lot in the past for weeks. I’ve gotten the process down.
Cheers
I am sure it will get easier doing locks as time goes on. Best wishes.
Thanks so much.
Always wear your PFD and bigger ball fender will help 👍🏼
That is good advice.
Soldier on. Love the videos. I have a 'service related' bad back and can wholly relate. As a couple of folks have said, get some gloves, and watch out for getting your hands snagged. I actually cringed once or twice.
See you on the next one.
Yep, I’m now wearing gloves and have been having a blast in the locks. I just needed to figure out the balance of this boat and now it’s a breeze.
Thank you for another great video
Thanks for watching!
I coundn't imagine running and locking that big boat by myself, that would be a tough job for a young person. good luck
Sorry about your back. I'm surprised that they didn't give you a fine for not wearing a PFD while locking through.
I thought so as well. I am not seeing many PFDs on locking boats at all.
I am now wearing it each time.
cheers.
Good job Capt
I do solo mooring in a similar boat a lot, I have a forward line and a stern line ready and take them with me during that too often short time when the boat is close enough to the dock to get off the boat, I would not rely on pulling the guard rail, a whiff of wind or and current and your boat will leave you where you stand . As to locks I’m not going to advise there, never done one
Have you given thought to using 2 lines (1 forward / 1 aft and have them meet in the middle. That way you'd have control over both ends of the boat. Just a thought. Wishing you less back trouble on your journey.
I will give it a shot.
Looks like the remote thruster controls would be great when working.
I think so too!
Bumpers seem way too low. Should be close to gunwale to keep boat and rails FAR away from dock wall.
Copy that
My friend, main thing is to relax. You will figure it out.
That's my feeling as well. Thanks.
We are rewatching your videos!
Your trip up the Hudson with the logs!! 😂
Our home marina is Kingston, NY.
And we call all the logs on the river "BFLs"!
Big Fuc%&@&#&ing Logs!!
You are doing great!!!! ❤❤
Thanks for the compliment.
I wonder if having someone do the whole loop with you is an option? Its better than quitting and may make it so much more enjoyable. I send you all good thoughts for health and happiness.
Thank you.
Try to attach a pulley and a second rope to the cleat. Something to decrease the strain on your back.
On sailboats people use the winches in the locks.
That’s a great idea
You shouldn’t tie your line to the railing when lock… good way to rip off the rail.
Yep, you are correct. I learn quick.
Cheers
@MV_Checkmate Rather than tie up, would you be able to use the engines and the thrusters to keep you on the side of the lock but not against the walls? I've gone through locks quite often in smaller boats, and we never tied up to the lock. We used the engine, and a trolling motor to stay in place.
Yes, in some situations I probably can. The wind really got my large flybridge enclosure and it was like holding a sail. I'm getting better every day.
cheers.
You will learn the locks as you go, I’m sure. Please get yourself and any working passengers a comfortable well fitting life jacket for when you are working the boat. Accidents happen quickly! And one last bit, please learn to work your lines without leaving the boat. As a singlehander, you never want to be on the dock without having your boat fully secured. It will one day leave you on the dock by yourself and you will be swimming for it. Toss the line in a large loop, let it catch the cleat on the dock and then get it looped back around your cleat. Use the cleats to hold the lines. They are much stronger than you. Safe boating. 👍
Yes, that is good advice.
I just want to see you make it around safely and healthy. It’s a big boat to singlehand, but totally doable. 👍
All too familiar with the back pain thing. Doing lines and getting into tight spaces like most engine rooms are things I'd have a very very hard time with on a boat. =(
I think you've figured out that you're in uncharted waters, literally, and that's a perilous place to be on a boat the size of yours by yourself, regardless of age and/or physical ability or inability. You've got a LONG way to go, and that river system running though TN, MS and AL is no joke- talk about hazards in the water all around you- you ain't seen nothing yet. However, at least on those locks you'll be going down, so practically no turbulence like you saw in that first lock. Still no cake-walk, though. Be careful, my friend.
I have such and adventure ahead.
A doctor saw me favoring my back while getting coffee in a convenient store. He advised me to take Aleve and to ice my back. It worked very well.
I don't have much of a back left. Will provide more info in upcoming video.
Don't tie off to your railing. Use the cleats only to tie off. You can loop it loop the line in an X pattern around the cleat and just hold the line. No need to pull. You can monitor the line and release of necessary. Go to the bow with a boat pole and use that to push yourself off the wall. Find an Urgent Care for some meds for your back. Probably just a muscle spasm.
My back is beyond help. I will give more information in the next video.
You might also want to consider getting some “chafe” protection for your lines to use when the lines are constantly rubbing the concrete wall as you have there. It won’t take long to destroy your lines. There are many types available, but for short stays, I’ve used something as simple as a pool noodle slit longways on one side so it can be popped over the line. Usually you can also cut the noodle in half lengthwise to get two from each noodle.
Thanks for the tips.
The yacht controller needs to be engaged, usually on your shifters there's a button.
When you hit the Trent Severn Waterway you have to turn your engines off while in the locks.
Copy that.
You’re going to rip a rail off tying to them - use cleets
Cleats
You are absolutely correct. thanks.
Can someone explain why the boat needs to pinned to the side in the lock like he was trying to do manually? I don’t understand why he toed off to the rail to try to bring the boat parallel. Can’t just let it swing out a little like it was trying to do.
Still learning. I will talk more about it in the next video.
@@MV_Checkmate not being critical, was wondering if there was a technical reason for it. Look forward tot he next one.
When single handed, do not get off the boat. Keep both end of your line in your hands and through a loop over the dock cleat or bollard. Do not leave the boat. I would come help, but in Hong Kong. Sorry bud.
I after seeing Bannerman Castle I wondered if you knew of an app that listed any historical landmark for Loopers exclusively?
No I don’t, but that would be amazing!
I've had back pain that kept me from getting up, until I discovered the ability to concentrate on relaxing the back muscles. At the first twinge, your muscles tense in expectation of the next assault. If that happens, you've lost. Think about relaxing those muscles.
Thanks Ken. This back thing can really mess up your day.
Maybe you should have checked your thruster remote BEFORE entering the lock. Using the thruster would have eliminated the problem of the stern swing away from the wall. Please get the remote fixed before the next lock.
You are correct. I wish I would have as well.
Fix the remote you’ll be fine have fun 🥳👍🏽
Exactly!
Cheers
Fearful for your safety. When locking you should have a life jacket on.
You are quite correct. I am doing so now.
I expected the line to the lock would slide easier. Maybe a line foremother material would do better? For Your back ... ;)