Mal in Somerset Posted January 24, 2016 Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 Is it possible to wind a 60ft boat between Braunston Tunnel (West Portal) and Braunston Top Lock? There appear to be a couple of wider areas on the aerial map but Canalplan says the nearest winding holes are either Braunston Marina or Norton Junction and I haven't got access to my Nicholsons at the moment! I've been through there a few times but have never really looked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scholar Gypsy Posted January 24, 2016 Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 I would say not - like you I've been through there a few times.It's cutting pretty much all the way, and not that wide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham.m Posted January 24, 2016 Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 I can remember seeing anywhere before the marina. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter X Posted January 24, 2016 Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 This CRT notice from last year has the answer; there's a hole just west of the tunnel but only for a maximum length of 45' https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notice/842/braunston-locks-1-to-6-grand-union-canal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 24, 2016 Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 This CRT notice from last year has the answer; there's a hole just west of the tunnel but only for a maximum length of 45' https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notice/842/braunston-locks-1-to-6-grand-union-canal From memory it's literally just outside the actual tunnel portal, and very shallow on the off side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggs Posted January 24, 2016 Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 It might go round in the pound below the top lock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patty-ann Posted January 24, 2016 Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 It might go round in the pound below the top lock. I did see some one attempt that and no they didn't manage. Between top lock and Braunston tunnel theres a lot of areas that are shallow especially where bank has collapsed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john6767 Posted January 24, 2016 Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 Below the top lock is your best chance, have seen someone turn 57ft there. Be prepared to put to bow into the bushes any use a rope to pull the stern round. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnmck Posted January 24, 2016 Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 It might go round in the pound below the top lock. Saw a hire boat of about 60ft attempt this last autumn. He failed. Ended up winding at Norton junction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mal in Somerset Posted January 24, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 Thanks everyone for the advice. Sounds like it's a no-goer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchcrawler Posted January 24, 2016 Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 (edited) No you can't. You can always do backwards like I did after leaving the dry dock. Edited January 24, 2016 by ditchcrawler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Brooks Posted January 24, 2016 Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 Below the top lock is your best chance, have seen someone turn 57ft there. Be prepared to put to bow into the bushes any use a rope to pull the stern round. I have done it ONCE there with 54ft. Tried it again when the water levels were lower and absolutely no way. I have seen some publication stating you can wing in the pound below the Admiral Nelson. I think its where the drain enter on the offside but moored boats and the width makes me think it could be difficult. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchcrawler Posted January 24, 2016 Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 I have done it ONCE there with 54ft. Tried it again when the water levels were lower and absolutely no way. I have seen some publication stating you can wing in the pound below the Admiral Nelson. I think its where the drain enter on the offside but moored boats and the width makes me think it could be difficult. This spot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john6767 Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 I have done it ONCE there with 54ft. Tried it again when the water levels were lower and absolutely no way. I have seen some publication stating you can wing in the pound below the Admiral Nelson. I think its where the drain enter on the offside but moored boats and the width makes me think it could be difficult. We were waiting to go up as the turned round, I would have put money on them not making it, but they did with a struggle. I suspect the water level was high as you say, or they did not know the length of the boat as I asked them what it was! The bit where the drain comes in below the Nelson does look tempting, our boat it 50ft and I reckon it would make it, if and a big if, there was no boat moored opposite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanM Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 We were waiting to go up as the turned round, I would have put money on them not making it, but they did with a struggle. I suspect the water level was high as you say, or they did not know the length of the boat as I asked them what it was! The bit where the drain comes in below the Nelson does look tempting, our boat it 50ft and I reckon it would make it, if and a big if, there was no boat moored opposite. I've been told that a 60ft can do it if there are no moored boats opposite. Certainly before Christmas when the pound was well up it looked doable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady M Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 If nothing is moored opposite, it should be possible to turn up to about a 60ft boat in the Bragborough Stream indentation in the pound below Nelson Lock - using ropes not the engine. We once saw a 65ft hire boat turn there but they were desperate and did scratch the front of the boat in the offside vegetation. I expect the comment about a good water level is relevant and wouldn't try it if windy either. We can spin our 45ft boat there, even with one moored opposite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Featured Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now