I crossed Pacific to Atlantic in 1994, and so the canal has changed quite a bit since then with the new channels and locks.
What is worth knowing is that the first lock inbound on the Pacific side is the most challenging (and is not such a problem going the other way). It has a very high
lift in order to adapt to the large tidal range, and the mixing of fresh and
salt water is said to contribute to the turbulence. The high
lift means that the line handlers have to bring in a lot of line, which can be a chore and requires strength. Inbound the yachts enter after the ships, so once the ship in front is secured the pressure is on to get the boat in and lines run - the ship is the customer; you are just a nuisance. You must have your s*** together before you enter that lock. You can use two 250' lines (I used my two
rope anchor rodes) instead of the four 125' lines.
I don't know how the new locks are designed but the old ones had five rows of holes on the bottom for the
water to enter the lock. The odd number results in the surface water being higher in the middle of the lock, flowing towards the walls. If transiting "center lock" it can be a bit tricky staying in the center, and requires coordination of the four line handlers; it is of course more difficult to keep a raft in the middle. Once the boat or raft gets off center it will be harder for the handlers on one side to pull it back to center, while if the other side continues pulling it becomes almost impossible. (I rafted with one boat and they pulled us off center, and failed to back off as requested while we pulled hard. If you raft you better trust the other boat.) I think there is a strong argument for hiring professional line handlers - it helps that they know what they are doing and that they
work together. You can exchange work with other cruisers but be certain that all four are strong and good at line handling.
There are options for locking: 1) center chamber solo (all boats required to be able to do this), 2) alongside a tug (optional, and only available if a tug is in the lock), and 3) rafted up with another boat or boats (either centerline or with tug if that option is selected). IMHO center chamber solo is the best way to go. If you raft up and are center chamber then the loads on the 4 line handlers are higher, and you are dependent on the line handlers of the other boat to coordinate with you. Since even with just one other boat you have two skippers, two advisers, and eight line handlers this is harder than it should be. In my case the other
skipper was over-confident and wouldn't listen to anyone, adviser included (who was very junior and inexperienced). I had a very experienced adviser who had spent years at sea and was an unlimited tonnage master - he was a great asset and comfort. Still, I would not do that again.
It might seem that going alongside a tug would be the best way to go - no hauling in the line as the water rises. Well, it may be the easiest but it is also the most dangerous - most loss claims result from this option (according to a Canal lawyer I met). If you agree to this option and you get a tug then be very careful. Because the surface water is flowing to the side while lifting, the tug is held to the wall and the resistance holds down the side of the tug against the wall - and thus lifts the side you or your raft will be tied to. My other boat tied directly across to the tug (instead of angled like a spring line) and cleated the lines, and the lifting pulled his
cleats off the
deck by about 1/4" (I could see daylight) which did no favors to the wooden
deck. Run the lines at an angle and do not be tempted to belay the lines - take a turn on the cleat and be prepared to work the line. I think the most common problem results from the tug's need to get ahead of the ship as soon as it clears the lock because the ship doesn't yet have steerage. When the ship first starts moving the
propeller wash created is very dangerous so you need to stay tied to the tug, but before the ship clears the lock the tug will cast off, and need you to cast off, so this calls for some careful maneuvering, and you better hope the tug's
skipper doesn't cut you loose too soon.
The next two upbound locks are easier than the first. If rafted you will stay in the raft between the two chambers. Most of the trip is just a nice day of motoring through the beautiful jungle. The triple staircase down to the Caribbean is very easy (no turbulence when locking down). The boat will be put in the chamber first, before the ship, so you will see out over the gates to the Sea ahead - beautiful view and cool experience. We spent the night anchored in the lake before descending and having a nice fresh water swim was great - just have a croc watch (not a joke).
A canal transit is a special experience. Just read as much as you can beforehand and be prepared and it will be fine.
Greg
Edit: Get a copy of
The Path Between the Seas and read it before the transit - a highly recommended read.