Hi,

Hope this does not seem like a daft question.

New to this cruising lark, boat not yet on water but researching whilst we wait for it.  Having looked at canal maps, i see that many are joined by rivers, i.e from Nottingham centre, you have to go on the river whichever way out.  What is the difference between navigating on the canal against navigating on the river?   Are there any differences between the two? I also notice that some maps describe differing rivers as tidal or not tidal.  Can you tell me again if there is anything different that we need to be aware of?  Thankyou

Hi Kim

There are a number of differences between canals and rivers. How much those differences matter depends on a number of factors, such as the flow of the river (how strong the current is).

A key difference is that (with the exception of the Llangollen Canal) canals don’t flow whereas rivers, of course, do! When you stop your boat on a canal it’s not likely to go anywhere much – just may drift a little. When you stop on a river the flow can take you for example towards or over a weir which would be disastrous. So when on a river you should have a suitable anchor, chain and warp and know how and be ready to deploy that anchor in an emergency.

You can probably see how the flow changes the way you steer and the speed at which you travel. Going downstream is faster than going up (ignoring tidal sections) so it is common in strong currents to turn the boat around before mooring up when going downstream as the boat is easier to control going into the current. Another consideration is the power of your engine and this is especially true when on tidal waters.

Some rivers are obviously big waterways and there will be commercial traffic on them. In such cases it is commonly a requirement that you have VHF radio and are knowledgeable and licensed to use it. Smaller rivers don’t see commercial traffic.

Bear in mind that some rivers are not covered by the CaRT licence and you either have to buy and Environment Agency licence or pay on entry for some other rivers.

Tidal rivers are a subject on their own and I think it’s best to ask about a particular river when you think you may wish to navigate it.

I hope others will correct and/or add to the above!

Cheers,
John
nine9feet

It is unfortunate that a lot of canals are connected by stretches of river or they are rivers with locks every so often. These are better known as ‘navigations’. Flood locks are a feature of many of these of which the consummate example is the Calder & Hebble. Don’t always trust the gauges that are at all river locks. We have left one lock with the river in the ‘green’ only to find the flood lock protecting the next section shut. You will also find that floodgates may be shut in expectation that levels are going to rise. So phone and ask.

Never go onto the river without wearing a lifejacket.

Choose a lifejacket that is comfortable to wear for a long period and is easy to put on. We found that front fastening ones like the Trust wear are the best.

And whilst we are talking about rivers, unless the flow is negligible, always turn to face the flow when mooring otherwise you might find you dropped off your crew but then can’t get back to the bank.

If there is above normal flow then give any weir a wide berth. although the general rule us to keep to the right you can be forgiven for not obeying this at such times.

As has been said, mooring opportunities on rivers are not as many as on canals. Most rivers do have dedicated mooring places, often with flood-protected floating pontoons. As a safety precaution against those idiots who think it is a laugh to untie you, invest in a chain and padlock to secure yourself – the upstream end so that you won’t swing out if untied.

Check the weather forecast before you set off, especially for areas upstream. When it rains in the Yorkshire Dales it will flood in York a day or so later. If venturing onto tidal rivers then also check the tide times and try and avoid spring tides.

Don’t dismiss rivers. They can be boring. They can also be beautiful and relaxing.

Regards

Pete

Rivers are great. 

Just do not do what I did. I started at Nottingham. On the advice of others, I bought an anchor, chain and rope before venturing onto the mighty Trent (it happened to be on amber).  In the excitement I forgot to attach the rope to the boat, the rope to the chain and the chain to the anchor

While were on about rivers.

When does a tidal river become ‘brackish’ water?

In reality where about would I need the alternative hull anodes to sail with? 

Cheers Martin.

pearley said

As a general rule, navigable rivers are either tidal (salt) or fresh. There is no brackish bit as there is a clear divide between the two in the form of a lock or weir.

Technically speaking, any tidal river will have a brackish section, though it will not be fixed geographically, moving up and down the river with the tide. The uppermost region of this may well be fixed by a weir, but wherever fresh water flows into salt water, there will be a brackish section where they mix.

For more info, take a look here …

They don’t call me Blakie the pedant for nothing 

pearley said

Never go onto the river without wearing a lifejacket.

Choose a lifejacket that is comfortable to wear for a long period and is easy to put on. We found that front fastening ones like the Trust wear are the best.

Regards

Pete

Best bit of advice in the whole thread. If you fall into a canal, you will most likely be able to walk to the bank. If you fall into a river, even one that looks calm and tranquil, you may find that the currents under that shimmering surface are stronger than you are. The major rivers of this country, Thames, Severn, Trent, Mersey and Humber are all tens of feet deep in places, so walking is no longer an option. Wear that lifejacket.

Cheers,

Blakie 

Hi Pete,

You seem to be the font of all knowledge, how long have you been on the boats?

Cheers,

Blakie 

Blakie said
Hi Pete,

You seem to be the font of all knowledge, how long have you been on the boats?

Cheers,

Blakie 

According to his profile (which your question prompted me to read ) Pete had a shared boat from 1999 but has been cruising on his own boat since 2007!  A man of experience, obviously.

I had better put some info in my own profile sometime!

Cheers,

John

nine9feet