Columbia/Snake (and other) river locks/sailing

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by truecougarblue, Oct 12, 2012.

  1. truecougarblue
    Joined: Dec 2011
    Posts: 26
    Likes: 2, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 32
    Location: cali

    truecougarblue Junior Member

    I have been wondering about the details of sailing up the Columbia to Lewiston, ID from the standpoint of boat design.

    I found that the standard barge taken downriver from Lewiston is 42' W and from pictures I've found I can see that the locks are much longer (5X?) than they are wide so it would appear that one would need a true behemoth of a boat to not be able to use the locks.

    Does anybody else have any applicable experience in this area? I can't imagine there is a published maximum draft for this river system but I wonder if there is a source for guidance.

    I'd also be interested in info for other inland waterways and their particular rules. I was taking a walk in Reading UK down by the Thames when I was there this summer and viewed the operation of a lock there. The traditional size and long aspect ratio of the Thames river boat made a lot more sense to me after seeing the lock which had been in operation for over 100 years.

    Thanks in advance for info.
     

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  2. bpw
    Joined: May 2012
    Posts: 291
    Likes: 6, Points: 18, Legacy Rep: 34
    Location: Cruising

    bpw Senior Member

    Any river system with that level of infrastructure will have published max dimensions, including draft.

    I bet these people can tell you: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Freight/Marine.htm

    If not they can tell you who is in charge of the locks, and you can get the info from them.
     
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