Survey cannot help

I feel that Canal & River Trust in its attempt to get more boaters on to the tidal Trent should have someone who knows telling prospective boaters what is what, for I cannot see how a survey completed by people who have not used it can help, writes, James Henry.

 

I have cruised the tide a couple of times, and can concur that it is the devil of a job getting in to Keadby Lock, no matter which way the tide is flowing, and Victor was extremely lucky on his third attempt to get it just right.

Completely wrong

At one time, I had it completely wrong, as the tide had changed and was coming in by the time I arrived at the lock, and yes that sea boat was there, and my boat was thrown about all over the place, with having little control.  I just don't know how plastic ones manage to avoid damage in such circumstances.

However, I had no trouble at Stockwith Lock, as purely by luck I timed it exactly right, with the lock keeper seeing me coming and shouting at me what to do, and then dropping a rope to guide me into the lock.

A survey will do nothing, for what will the results from people who have not used the tidal section tell? How will they know what is or is not required or what is wanted?  I just do not see the point, as there is nothing anyone can do about a tide, it is purely in the hands of nature—and the moon!