When cruising along canals in our narrowboat, one of the essential considerations for safety and ease of navigation is the length of our bow, stern, and centre lines. These lines play a crucial role in securing the boat and managing it through locks, moorings, and tight spaces.
Bow and Stern Lines: Recommended Lengths
Bow and stern lines are used to secure the front and rear of the boat. Generally, these lines should be long enough to comfortably reach mooring rings or bollards from the boat but not so long that they pose a risk of tangling or dragging in the water.
Recommended Length:
Bow Line: Typically, the bow line should be around 10-15 feet long, depending on the length of boat.
Stern Line: Similar to the bow line, a 10-15 feet stern line is usually sufficient. This length allows for flexibility in mooring and securing the boat.
Centre Line: Managing the Middle of the Boat
The centre line, attached at the roof or middle of the boat, is crucial when handling locks, mooring temporarily, or navigating tight spaces. The length of this line is often subject to debate, as both longer and shorter lines have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Long Centre Lines: Pros and Cons
Pros:
Flexibility in Lock Handling: A longer centre line, typically reaching the length of the boat (often 50-60 feet), provides greater control, especially when going through locks. It can be looped easily over bollards, allowing you to keep the boat stable while the lock fills or empties.
Ease of Mooring: With a long centre line, the person on the towpath has more room to manoeuvre, making it easier to manage the boat when mooring.
Better Reach: If you need to hop off the boat onto the towpath quickly, a long line gives you the ability to secure the boat at a distance.
Cons:
Risk of Tangling in the Propeller: The primary concern with long centre lines is the increased risk of tangling in the propeller if the line is left loose on the roof. This can lead to dangerous situations and costly repairs.
Potential for Dragging in Water: Longer lines are more likely to accidentally drag in the water, especially when navigating in windy conditions, which can result in fouling the propeller or becoming entangled in underwater obstacles.
Short Centre Lines: Pros and Cons
Pros:
Reduced Risk of Propeller Entanglement: A shorter centre line (around 20-30 feet) minimises the risk of it falling into the water or becoming tangled in the propeller. Keeping the line short and secure prevents dangerous mishaps.
Easier to Stow: Short lines are easier to manage and stow on the roof of the boat, reducing the chances of them catching on equipment or getting underfoot.
Cons:
Less Flexibility in Locks: Shorter centre lines may limit your ability to control the boat when handling locks. It becomes harder to secure the line over bollards or to manage the boat if you need more reach, especially in longer locks or more complex mooring situations.
Restricted Movement: A shorter line may not provide enough reach if you need to move the boat or secure it from a distance, potentially making mooring or lock navigation more challenging.
3. Finding the Balance
Many experienced narrowboaters recommend a middle-ground approach to centre line length. Having a longer line (around 50-60 feet) but securing it properly on the roof when not in use reduces the risk of propeller entanglement while still offering flexibility in locks. Alternatively, some boaters prefer using a longer line for locks and a shorter line for everyday cruising to reduce the chance of accidents.
Conclusion
The length of bow, stern, and centre lines on a narrowboat plays a critical role in how easily you can manage your boat during navigation, mooring, and lock handling. Bow and stern lines typically range from 10-15 feet, but the centre line length is more variable.
While longer centre lines provide greater flexibility, especially in locks, they also carry a risk of tangling in the propeller.
On the other hand, shorter centre lines reduce this risk but may limit manoeuvrability. A balanced approach, ensuring that lines are properly secured and used for the appropriate situation, is key to a smooth and safe boating experience.