Mississippi Locks Navigation

[Guest]

I have been getting my boat out at the ramp below lock 10 at guttenberg and driving above the lock to re-launch. Mainly did this because I have never been through the lock. Can anyone tell me more information on what to expect and tips?

Thanks....

[Gissert]

It has been a few years since I have been through a lock, but several years ago we used to do it every weekend. These locks were the Hastings lock, Ford Dam, and St. Anthony.

There is a pull rope above and below each lock. If the path is clear, motor up and pull the rope. The lockmaster will come on the speaker and tell you how long of a wait it will be. There are also signal lights.

If there is commercial traffic, the wait can be quite substantial. If it is slow, you will get in right away.

Once you are in the lock, the lock workers will give you a couple of ropes to hang onto as your boat rises or falls.

Weekends were busiest, with the longer wait times. During the week, we were often the only boat locking up or down.

Good luck, and have fun.

[Guest]

Thanks for the help!

[Fisher Dave]

The lock process was very well defined above ... its ususally not much of a wait.

One thing I wanted to add ... Its a good idea to have a couple *boat bumpers* to hang over the side of the boat to avoid scratching your rig. Besides the ropes that can be used, often there are big steel floats(dont know what they are called) that you can tie off to recessed in the wall that go up and down with the water level for hands-free lock use. Boats ranging from canoes-barges regularly use the locks, it beats relaunching.

[rvvrrat]

I don't think I would tie off to ANYTHING while in the locks...

[Guest]

Even with the floats, it is not a good idea to tie off to anything within a lock.

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Adam Johnson
www.adamjohnsonfishing.com

[Dennis Steele]

I have seen those floats jam so I would not tie off to them either.Remember they are not responsible for any damage to your boat.

[basguy31]

Its not a good idea to tie off to anything while you are in the locks, unless you want your boat hanging sideways. I've heard horor stories about people who tied off to the ropes in the locks.

[Guest]

I have seen the steel floats that Fisher Dave is referring to. They are designed for use because they do move as the water changes. The ropes are more fun anyway and I will second having boat bumpers available. The time we forgot we used a throwable as a bumper and trashed it good. The slime on the walls does not wash out well.
Dino