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Ballard Locks

Not model or forum specific.

Moderators: DougSea, RobS

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ESpiegel
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Posts: 51
Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2019 1:15 pm
Home Port: Seabeck, WA

Ballard Locks

Post by ESpiegel »

I went through the Ballard locks today with the new boat. This was my first time through and was a little stressful, mainly due to my lack of experience handling the single engine inboard and the strong current. The small boat lock was was closed, so we had to go through the commercial lock. Kinda cool, but during the summer it’s probably a madhouse with lotsa boats (and alcohol). I’m taking the boat to a service place to get the engine pulled and somemuch needed maintenance done.
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WillieC
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Home Port: Hood Canal, WA

Re: Ballard Locks

Post by WillieC »

You survived! Nicely done. And a fine day in the PNW for it.
We haven't made that trip yet, we stick to the west side of the sound but it may be in our future, just for the thrill of it.

You are right about the summer madness. We stop just to watch whenever we get the opportunity, trips to Fisheries and Seamar, usually. Watched a woman on one of the big toys drop her five pound diamond ring in the drink. Ah well...
DesertAlbin736
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Home Port: Peoria, AZ USA

Re: Ballard Locks

Post by DesertAlbin736 »

Isn't locking fun!?! We're looking forward to (possibly) doing a 'triangle loop cruise" this coming summer in which just the Rideau Canal segment alone between Kingston & Ottowa, ON consists of 126 miles & 47 lock transits. Not to mention all the locks (haven't counted them all up) on the Oswego (7 locks), St Lawrence, Ottowa River, Richelieu, Champlain, and Erie canals.
triangleloopmap.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipvtOo6DNJ4&t=56s

We've done 22 lock transits on the Erie Canal (11 each way up & back) back in 2015 (has it been nearly 5 years ago already?). One difference I notice from your photos is that the Erie locks have lines hanging down that you can grab onto & hold as the boat goes up or down. Are those dock lines yours or were they already there?


DSCN2379.JPG
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La Dolce Vita
1971 Albin 25 #736
Yanmar 3GM30F
Gig Harbor Boatworks Nisqually 8 dinghy
Residence: Peoria, AZ
Homeport: Lake Pleasant, AZ & beyond
ESpiegel
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 51
Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2019 1:15 pm
Home Port: Seabeck, WA

Re: Ballard Locks

Post by ESpiegel »

When in the commercial dock, they want you to have 50’ lines to accommodate the +13’ tides in the sound. The small boat lock has a raft you tie to that goes up and down with the water level.
ESpiegel
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Posts: 51
Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2019 1:15 pm
Home Port: Seabeck, WA

Re: Ballard Locks

Post by ESpiegel »

WillieC wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2020 12:17 am You survived! Nicely done. And a fine day in the PNW for it.
We haven't made that trip yet, we stick to the west side of the sound but it may be in our future, just for the thrill of it.

You are right about the summer madness. We stop just to watch whenever we get the opportunity, trips to Fisheries and Seamar, usually. Watched a woman on one of the big toys drop her five pound diamond ring in the drink. Ah well...
Where are you in the canal? I live in Seabeck and as soon as my boat maintenance is complete, I’ll bring it to the Seabeck Marina.
DesertAlbin736
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Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2014 3:58 pm
Home Port: Peoria, AZ USA

Re: Ballard Locks

Post by DesertAlbin736 »

We have some long halyard lines left over from our sailboat days that are probably close to 50 ft long, plus a reel of close to 200 ft of yellow floating poly line we use for stern ties. Check out that YouTube video link above. Bareboat chartering one of those Le Boat rentals on the Rideau would be an awesome vacation if not willing or able to haul one's own boat up there.
La Dolce Vita
1971 Albin 25 #736
Yanmar 3GM30F
Gig Harbor Boatworks Nisqually 8 dinghy
Residence: Peoria, AZ
Homeport: Lake Pleasant, AZ & beyond
WillieC
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Posts: 2284
Joined: Wed Nov 13, 2013 10:48 am
Home Port: Hood Canal, WA

Re: Ballard Locks

Post by WillieC »

Once again, lost another reply...Try again.

We are between Twanoh and Belfair state parks way down around the Great Bend.

Let us know when you are established at Seabeck and we will drop in.

The WillieC is on her trailer undergoing winter projects. Hope to test run it in a few more weeks, maybe after the February two foot snowfall.
dkirsop
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Posts: 645
Joined: Fri Nov 08, 2013 10:15 pm
Home Port: Pender Island, BC, Canada

Re: Ballard Locks

Post by dkirsop »

Check out the lock at the Hughe Keenleyside Dam on the Arrow Lake, BC.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPnY1G5qrtw
Hull No. 1013, 1971
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