Locking Through Ballard Locks

[OdinAllFather]

My wife and I will be picking up our new Ranger Tug 31S and after our Factory Delivery Experience Nov. 17-18 will be doing some cruising We would like to lock through the Ballard Locks. I've watched the videos on this and going through the small lock looks pretty easy. Is that what I should expect at this time of year and during mid-week? Thanks in advance,
Capt. Norm
m/v Valhalla

 

[hjhart3]

I did a day trip though the locks on a Saturday in mid September and it was pretty easy. Both times was in the small locks and about a 20 minute wait each time. They have a green light or red light signal to let you know when to enter. Commercial vessels have the first entry. Cruising around lake union and portage bay is very interesting. For lunch you can tie up to a dock in front of Ivar's (north end of Lake Union) I would expect that this time of year you would be in the small locks because of low traffic.

 

[Ernie]

Yes you expect that small locks will be most likely.
I’d suggest you have two 50’ lines on board in case your put in the big locks.
Main top is move slowly an listen to the lock attendant an do just as they say to do. They’re good at the job and help tons of boats through the locks.
From the lake side even the big locks are pretty easy.
Be aware of the wind speed and direction as you approach and handle your boat accordingly.
Enjoy the experience,

 

[SJI Sailor]

Note that the big locks will be closed Nov 8-24 https://www.ballardlocks.org/news-updates.html so it would be the small locks.

Those are easier and also will spare you the need for long lock lines. OTOH it might also mean an unpredictable waiting time depending on commercial traffic (probably not bad this time of year). As mentioned, take it slow and enjoy the beautiful ship canal and Lake Union.

Fisherman's Terminal is another nice destination, about 1nm inside the locks. Eat at Bay Cafe if you go there 🙂 Can also walk to Seattle Marine supply a couple of blocks away.

 

[JeffreyAC77]

We keep our R31-CB in Lake Union and venture out to the sound frequently in season. You will most likely go through the small locks as we do probably 90% of the time. Most important advice is as follows:

Once you get a green traffic light proceed slowly and do exactly as the attendant tells you.
One you are "close in" tell the attendants that it is your first time and they will most likely babysit you through.
Most important part of the process is to attend to your lines (tying and untying) just as they instruct you - this is when most people will get in trouble (by NOT listening).

The process is actually quite simple as long as you listed to instructions.

Have fun and congrats on your new boat.

 

[FlyMeAway]

We've locked through a half times or so our R-31 (thrusters are so helpful!) and another dozen or so on our last sailboat.

The lock attendants definitely babysit you if you tell them it's your first time through. I will add that the highest point of friction in the locks is probably going to be between you and your crew.

The "marriage savers" are great for docking, but they are even better in the locks -- where there is a lot more background noise lots of people yelling instructions, having a private channel is good for harmony.

Among the best $300 we have ever spent: https://panbo.com/full-duplex-wireless-headsets-truly-marriage-savers/

(We have the EarTecs, not the 'marriage savers' brand, and cannot recommend more highly)

 

[huruta]

Good to always remember: Lake Lines Leave Last.

 

[dbsea]

It’s pretty easy, especially with the thrusters. I do it solo pretty regularly. If you’re lake bound, it will almost always be a port side tie this time of year with low traffic. I’m often the only one or two boats in. Conversely, ocean bound will be a starboard side tie. During busier times, this can vary depending on number of boats of course.