Crew Wanted: New Orleans Help through the locks

[NautiNurse63]

We would like to hire crew to help us get our 40' sailboat through all the locks in New Orleans. We are currently in Delcambre, LA and plan on going through the locks Tuesday or Wednesday (October 21 or 22). Crew can join us in Lockport area.

SV Kooky Dance

[Nicholson58]

Outsider on your local locks. We did the locks at the SOO on the St Mary's River to Lake Superior this summer. It was no big deal. Radio; Wait for the green light; motor in; grab the lines; hang on as the locks fill/empty; motor out; 15 minutes; two people on a 58 foot 35 ton vessel. Easiest thing we did on the entire trip.

[smj]

Looks like you have to make it through the locks at Morgan City before you do the Harvey and Industrial Canal locks in New Orleans. Probably won't be a lot of difference between doing the lock in MC and NO. My wife and I have done it quite a few times. Only thing to look out for is if you have a tow in front of you in the lock, don't untie the lines until he is well clear of you. The wash from his prop can definetly give you a problem. Other than that should be a piece of cake!

[belizesailor]

The locks around NOLA are typically pretty easy, but careful around Morgan City...depending on type/amount of traffic that can be a dangerous intersection. Also, keep an eye on river levels...lots of flow can make transiting the big muddy interesting in a small boat.

[Cap Erict3]

My center cockpit makes having a 3rd crew member handy. With your helm in the stern you should not have much trouble.

River stage link below

http://www2.mvr.usace.army.mil/Water...1300&d=14&dt=S


Safe journey

Eric and Carolyn

[RTB]

You shouldn't need crew to help through the locks. It's not hard, just part of the fun. If my wife and I can do it, so can you!

It's all on the one driving the boat. Once inside the lock, it's usually easy. Waiting and holding position before entering has been more of a challenge for us, when there is traffic. Of course, they may squeeze you in between a barge and the lock. If they say there is room, there is, even if you don't believe the guy on the radio. Have your PFD's on, and long lines set up before entering the lock.



Don't forget to call Gretna Light Traffic Control on channel 67 (locks are on ch.14) once you leave Harvey Lock. Don't drive down the middle of the Mississippi. They get rather excited, and will tell you where to go. Compared to the Houston Ship Channel, it's no big deal (but I guess they think it is in LA.)

Ralph

[rbrentp]

If you have not, check on the lock wait times. Last summer we ended up sailing around as it turned out to be faster. If you have the time then no big deal. Locks aren't hard but they tend to take commercial traffic first around NO and we had a estimated wait time at the Harvey of two days. The alternate lock was undergoing repair so it was rush hour all day.