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Old 04-06-2017, 09:13 PM   #9
Cat Daddy
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City: Boyd, Texas
Vessel Name: Cat Daddy
Vessel Model: PDQ mv/34
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 113
I just completed the loop last year, 90 percent single handed. Over 130 locks and 8000 miles. I think boat choice is very important. Your Ranger should be a good choice, with a pilothouse door. The Erie Canal locks are the most difficult, with slimy weighted ropes. Depending on the wind you may only use one rope on the midships cleat(if your boat doesn't have them, plan on adding them). If you are alone in the lock the lockmaster may allow you to "hover". When I asked he said "it's your boat". Fender well, I use a ball fender on each end and 4 or 5 regular down the side. Usually you can tie to the same side each time, but confirm with the lockmaster before you get there.

I kept 6 dock lines attached to cleats, one on each corner and midships on both sides, coiled and tied to the rail with a "gear tie"(Home Depot) so a dock hand could grab it while I was at the helm. That saved my bacon more than once.

The loop is a fantastic trip, and quite a feeling of accomplishment solo.

Rafe
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