Ft. Myers to Stuart Crossing

[kimden5]

I am planning a solo trip through the waterway locks soon on a 24' power boat. I read somewhere that a couple of the locks rise and fall up to 15'. Do they supply the lines you need or do you have to supply your own. I have all the normal dock lines and spring lines and fenders, but am wondering if I will need some longer lines. Thanx

[Amapola]

They supply lines but no fenders. The lock masters will tell you which side to tie up. Some of the lock masters are very helpful in securing a spot in the lock.

[tuffr2]

Be sure to just hold the lines in your hands and do not the them to the boat. I did not so this but came close as it was my nature reaction like on the dock.

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[tuffr2]

Ugh...stupid smart phone. Do not attach the lines to the boat.

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[k9medic]

Given the velocity that the water come into the lock I found it easier to do a half wrap around a cleat with the supplied ropes. Don't cleat off entirely though.

[Sailingcouple13]

Make sure you have gloves, the sides of the locks can be tough on the knuckles

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[Lizzy Belle]

Originally Posted by tuffr2

Do not attach the lines to the boat.

Living in the Netherlands, locks are a part of the boating life, so we all learn this quickly.
Still see people tying off their boats tho, and then this happens:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olZ5blttS0Y

No fun at all, and the damage can be pretty bad

Edit:
When it does happen, use a knife to cut the lines, never try to undo them by hand (I think the guy in the video tried that first; I hear people yelling "mes" which is Dutch for "knife") until the boat behind him handed him a knife.
Also be aware of how the boat will fall down, so you don't fall overboard like this poor guy. He was lucky he only got wet, and didn't hurt himself.